Going through airport security often feels like a test. Can you shove all your minis into a flimsy plastic bag? Will a rogue suncream mean you’re unpacking your suitcase in the queue — unmentionables in full view of fellow travellers?
Well now, passengers flying from London’s Gatwick Airport can relax, as new tech means you’ll no longer have to put liquids into a separate plastic bag.
You still need to keep any shampoo, suncream, makeup remover and the like to a maximum of 100ml, but they can stay firmly in your hand luggage as they pass through the scanners.
The change is thanks to the installation of new computed tomography (CT) 3D scanning machines, described as ‘cutting-edge technology’ for airport security staff.
As part of a government initiative, all 19 of Gatwick’s security lanes have been installed with the new equipment.
Not only should this cut queue time, but removing plastic bags is also a sustainable move too.
The new tech comes as part of a multi-million-pound project the airport hopes will transform its security screening process and mean smoother operations in the run-up to the busy summer season.
Cyrus Dana, head of security at London Gatwick, said, ‘More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes.
‘This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.
‘As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers.’
What are the new security rules for London Gatwick?
According to Gatwick’s website, the change means that ‘liquids must be under 100ml, but due to new security screening technology, these can now be left in your cabin bag when passing through security.
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‘These toiletries include creams, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols.’
When it comes to electronics, Gatwick states that ‘your laptop, iPad, Kindle and any other large electrical items can also be left inside your cabin luggage, there is no need to remove these items from your bag to be screened.’
Which UK airports have implemented the new rules?
Currently, the following airports allow passengers to keep liquids and electrical items in cabin luggage:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Leeds Bradford
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
Many airports around the world have yet to adopt the new technology, which means the 1-litre clear plastic bag rule and the 100 ml liquid container limit may still apply when returning from other destinations.
Gatwick Airport also still advise travellers that there have been no changes to the rules on the carriage of dangerous goods, and it is still advisable to arrive at the airport two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul.
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