Three UK airports have scrapped 100ml limit on liquids in your hand luggage

Despite UK airports being given another year to bring in hi-tech security scanners that will bring an end to the 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage, three airports across the country have now already installed the technology.

As it stands, millions of us are having to cram the essentials we need in to a tiny 20cm by 20cm clear plastic bag, with a 100ml cap on anything inside it. Whether that be shower gels, shampoo, deodorant, sun cream or toothpaste, it's a tough ask as we all try and avoid the cost of taking a large suitcase.

There is a genius hack to get around it for now, but it remains a constant concern as summer approaches and long airport security queues arrive, with the average wait time for your bag needing to be checked by a person standing at around 30 minutes.

Add a big queue of people all getting their liquids wrong and we're easy talking delays of more than an hour (trust me, I'm speaking from experience here).

What's happening with the new scanners?

Earlier this year, the UK government announced an extension of one year when it came to every airport in the country installing revolutionary new scanners at security checks.

Once in place, they'll mean you never have to worry about decanting, buying overpriced 'travel size' shampoos, and saying a firm goodbye to the 20cm by 20cm plastic monstrosities.

It'll also means goodbye to long waits with average security times reduced by 50% during busy periods. In turn that'll make for a breeze of an experience when demand is low.

As it stands, some airports are ahead of the curve and have already scrapped limits in a huge boost to millions of travellers using specific travel hubs.

Liquids in the dreaded 20cm by 20cm bags at airport security (Getty Stock Images)

Which airports have the new scanners and what are the new limits?

Called Next Generation Security Checkpoint (NGSC) Scanners, they let passengers bring two litres of liquid in their hand luggage. You can also keep laptops and other electrical equipment in bags, so it's a win-win when it comes to speeding up the process.

And now, a third UK airport has joined the list of installing NGSC Scanners ahead of the new deadline.

Already having them in place are Teeside and London City airports.

Now, Aberdeen International Airport is here to complete the podium line-up.

Bag in airport security scanner (Getty Stock Images)

Transport Secretary Mark Harper MP said earlier this year: "These cutting-edge scanners will make air travel safer and easier for passengers by strengthening security even further. The UK is leading the world with its rollout of this technology, but it's important we give those airports yet to meet the deadline a second chance to get the job done. Until they do, passengers should continue to check before travelling."

What about the rest of the UK?

It's a mixed bag at the moment.

Heathrow Airport has set a deadline of this summer, which will be a huge boost to those jetting off.

Gatwick thinks March 2025 is more likely.

The likes of Manchester, East Midlands, and London Standsted airports are expecting to be operational in 2025.

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