Airlines are warning passengers to arrive at security even EARLIER this summer due to airport ‘upgrades’
The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains the confusion over airport rule changes
TWO airlines in the UK are urging customers to arrive at airports even earlier this summer amid delays at security.
The guidance comes after long queues were seen at Birmingham International Airport over the past week.
At the end of May, Birmingham International Airport became the first major airport in the UK to install a series of new CT scanners.
The new CT scanners should allow passengers to carry liquid items of up to two litres in their hand luggage and avoid the need to remove items like laptops and electronics from their bags.
But following a delay in final regulatory approval, the 100ml liquid rule remains in place at airports across the UK.
The restrictions to the way the scanners can be used has sparked confusion – leading to long queues.
Over the last week, passengers at Birmingham International Airport have been posting videos and pictures on X (formerly Twitter) of long lines snaking around the airport’s entrance.
Now, easyJet and TUI have encouraged their passengers to arrive at Birmingham Airport three hours before their scheduled departure time.
Both airlines have said their updated guidance isn’t because of the confusion over the 100ml liquid rule.
Instead, it’s because of the airport getting a new “face lift” complete with a huge new security area.
Birmingham airport said: “Our new security area construction works are ongoing. This means the queuing area for security is mainly downstairs.”
Both TUI and easyJet are urging their passengers to arrive three hours early for short-haul flights to Europe and Africa.
Head of Travel Lisa Minot on the rule changes
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot explained: “WE’RE heading into a summer of chaos and confusion as the changes to airport security threaten to create lengthy queues.
“While travellers were delighted to hear that new scanners would mean they no longer had to restrict liquids to 100ml the sudden about-turn could lead to even more problems.
“Birmingham Airport – alongside Bristol, London City, Teeside, Leeds/Bradford, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Southend, now have the new CT scanners installed. But regulatory issues mean some restrictions are still in place with liquids.
“The mixed messages – and the fact the new scanners are still not operational at our larger airports like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester – are a recipe for confusion.
“It’s essential that passengers check before flying what the rules are at their departure airport. And also, it’s worth remembering that not all airports in destinations yet have the new scanners so you’ll still need to follow the current rules on your return journey.
“While travellers get used to the new systems – confusing as they are – lengthy delays at airport security are almost inevitable.”
Meanwhile, TUI is asking passengers with long-haul flights to arrive at the airport four hours early.
An alert on the read: “Birmingham Airport is getting a face lift, with a new £50 million security area being built to improve the airport experience
“We’d like to remind you to arrive at the airport with sufficient time before your flight.
“At the moment, we’re recommending giving yourself three hours for flights to Europe and Africa, and four hours for long-haul flights.
“That way, you’ll have plenty of time to check in your luggage and make your way through the security queues.
“Arriving any earlier than this won’t mean you can check in or pass through security early.
“Together with Birmingham Airport, we’re doing our best to make sure the facelift has the littlest effect as you pass through the airport. At the same time, we’re excited to be working behind the scenes to improve your future experience.”
Meanwhile, in a post on X, easyJet added: “We recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours or at least 2 hours before your flight to account for potential delays and facilitate check-in.”
Eventually, passengers will be able to travel without limiting their liquids to 100ml, nor will they have to take their liquids and electronic devices out of their bags.
Last week, Transport Secretary Mark Harper advised travellers to check airport websites for specific rules before travelling to be clear on what the regulations were.
Harper said the reintroduction of restrictions was to allow “changes” to be made to the scanning equipment.
He added: “It’s a temporary measure and we’ll set out when that can be reversed in due course.”
It is not yet known when customers travelling from Birmingham International Airport will be able to pack liquid items of up to two litres.
Why are there long queues at Birmingham Airport?
BIRMINGHAM Airport has recently opened a new £60million security area.
The hall is part of a wider £300million upgrade to the airport which is expecting to handle 18million flyers a year by 2033.
The upgrade will eventually allow passengers to carry liquids of up to two litres in cabin baggage.
But regulatory approval is yet to be granted for the increased liquid limits at Birmingham.
A spokesperson has previously said that work continues on the hall.
“Although our new security hall is operational, we still have on-going building works on-site and are awaiting regulatory approval that will allow liquids of up to two litres to be taken through in cabin baggage.
“These building works will continue for the foreseeable future as we redevelop the airport, which is part of our planned, and previously announced, £300m investment.
“Until further notice, passengers are advised that they can only carry liquids up to 100ml, albeit it can stay in hand luggage and no longer needs to be in a plastic bag, when departing from Birmingham Airport.”
Meanwhile, this airport has warned passengers to keep to strict luggage rules despite having the new scanners in place.
And this airport security guard revealed the mistakes that get passengers held up most frequently.
