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United Kingdom tourists and holidaymakers traveling to the European Union are being warned about upcoming changes to hand luggage regulations, which are set to take effect from September 1, 2024. The new rules, which will impact passengers flying with major airlines such as Jet2, Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI, will particularly affect those departing from key United Kingdom airports, including Birmingham Airport, London Stansted Airport, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, and Luton Airport.

The Return of the 100ml Liquid Rule

From September, the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage will be reintroduced across all airports in the European Union. This regulation, which applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols, mandates that these items must not exceed 100ml per container when carried in cabin bags. The rule, familiar to many frequent travelers, had been previously relaxed at some European airports that had adopted advanced security screening technology.

A new EU Aviation Security Regulation, issued on July 29, 2024, requires that all airports comply with the 100ml liquid restriction, even those that have installed the latest high-tech C3 scanners. These scanners, which use computer tomography (CT) technology, were initially allowed to operate without the 100ml limit due to their enhanced ability to detect dangerous substances. However, the EU’s latest regulation reverses this relaxation, enforcing the liquid restriction universally.

Impact on UK Travelers

This change will significantly impact United Kingdom tourists traveling to and from Europe. Passengers flying from UK airports such as Birmingham, London Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton will need to adhere to these rules when flying into Europe. The reintroduction of this rule will likely cause some inconvenience, particularly for those who have become accustomed to the more relaxed regulations at airports equipped with C3 scanners.

Industry Response to the New Regulations

The decision has sparked concerns within the aviation industry, particularly among airports that had invested heavily in C3 scanning technology. Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI Europe, expressed frustration over the new restrictions, noting that airports that were early adopters of the technology are now facing significant operational and financial penalties.

“They took the decision to invest and deploy C3 scanners in good faith, based on the EU having greenlighted this equipment without any restriction,” Jankovec told Travel Weekly. “The decision to now impose significant restrictions to their use questions the trust and confidence the industry can place in the current EU certification system for aviation security equipment.”

Extended Restrictions Across Europe

These restrictions will be enforced across the 27 EU member states, as well as in Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway. The regulations already apply within the UK, meaning that UK airports are not exempt from these rules when passengers are flying to European destinations.

No End Date in Sight

As of now, there is no clear timeline for when these restrictions might be lifted. ACI Europe has called on the European Commission and member states to develop a road map that would eventually waive the current restrictions and restore trust in the EU certification system. However, until such a plan is in place, travelers will need to comply with the 100ml liquid rule for the foreseeable future.

Preparing for Travel

UK tourists planning to travel to Europe in the coming months are advised to prepare for these changes by reviewing their hand luggage contents to ensure compliance with the 100ml liquid rule. This will help avoid delays and potential confiscation of items at airport security checks.

In conclusion, while the return of the 100ml liquid rule may cause some inconvenience for travelers, adhering to these regulations will ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest airport security rules and plan accordingly.