Airport security rules on liquids and laptops to be relaxed from 2024

ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi explains the rule changes that will soon be coming to most major UK airports

Rules around taking liquids and laptops through airport security will be eased from June 2024, the Government has announced.

Passengers at most major UK airports will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what will be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades.

The current limit is 100ml.

Travellers will also no longer need to carry the containers in clear plastic bags, or remove tablets and laptops from hand luggage at checkpoints.

Liquid restrictions for containers are set to be eased following a trial at airports across the UK. Credit: PA

The Department for Transport said major airports will be required to install new technology which gives security staff more detailed images of what is in passengers’ bags.

It will lay new legislation around the changes in Parliament on Thursday.

Current airport security rules were introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with home-made liquid bombs.

Travellers failing to adhere to them is one of the biggest causes of delays at airport security.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said buses are ‘a key part of our vision for a clean, efficient and modern transport network’ Credit: Belinda Jiao/PA

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change.

“I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security.

“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threats.

“Of course, this won’t happen straight away – this is going to take two years to be fully implemented.

“Until then, passengers must continue following the existing rules and check before travelling.”

The deadline of June 2024 is being introduced after several trials at airports which started in 2018.

The CT scanners create a 3D image of what is inside passengers’ bags. It is already being used at overseas airports such as Schiphol in Amsterdam and several in the US.

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