Security queues at 11 UK airports could dramatically decrease following a game-changing travel update. The latest security scanners, utilising advanced technology, have been deployed across the UK and are set to revolutionise the time it takes for passengers to get through checks.
While holidaymakers have been anticipating this advancement for some time, several airports are already benefiting from these state-of-the-art upgrades. This move was first announced back in 2019 by former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who promised that the restriction on liquids exceeding 100ml would be eased within three years at main UK airports.
This development means ditching what was initially adopted as a “temporary” rule after a security threat surfaced in 2006, but passengers had to remain patient before seeing the implementation of the new policy. It’s well-known that security lines can grow cumbersome during busy periods, with flyers having to hastily disentangle their belongings into trays for scanning.
The innovative CT scanners, however, promise to eradicate the need for unpacking bags or displaying liquids in transparent bags. By deploying computed tomography (CT) technology similar to medical imaging, these devices can assess the safety of liquids and electronic devices in situ.
Consumer watchdog Which? has even suggested that these sophisticated systems could drastically “slash” wait times at airport security. All has been revealed in a new TikTok video.
It stated: “New rules at UK airports could slash waiting times at security. 11 UK airports, including Gatwick, Southampton and Birmingham, have rolled out next-gen CT scans – that means you can keep your liquids and electronics in your bag, so no more unpacking at security.
“But, even though you can still keep your liquids in your bag, and you don’t need a plastic bag – you still can’t go over the 100ml limit. Finally, liquids in flasks must be poured out since the scanners can’t see through them.”
Though there have been delays due to global supply chain issues influenced by the pandemic, Rishi Sunak‘s government granted an extension to major airports until June 2024 for implementing these new scanners.
Originally, it was pronounced that failure to meet this deadline may result in “serious financial penalties”. Just one week after this deadline passed saw airports like Birmingham investing £60 million in Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), only to be reminded by the government that the 100ml LAGs restriction would remain.
Despite hiccups, some airports now boast operational CT scanners. As reported by Which? several airports have incorporated these scanners. They include:
- London Gatwick
- London City
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Leeds Bradford
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Southampton
- Teesside
One social media user said: “Newquay in Cornwall has the newest scanners already. Security took all of two minutes and zero queue.”
Another noted: “Ireland has done it for years.” A different traveller chimed in on the discussion, revealing: “Stanstead was super quick – didn’t need to take things out of hand luggage – they have 3D scanners now.”
However, a word of caution was added by some who remarked that there may still be times when you’re subject to checks, sharing personal anecdotes of being selected during their trips.
