A major UK airport is waiting on permission to scrap the 100ml liquid limit, joining the likes of Heathrow and Gatwick in ditching the restriction. The change follows the rollout of new CT scanners that provide security personnel with detailed 3D images of passengers' luggage.
Stansted Airport's Status
A spokesperson for London Stansted Airport confirmed it is still awaiting the green light to move to a two-litre limit, though it has already done away with the requirement to remove liquids of 100ml or less and electronic devices during security screening. The spokesperson said: "All our security lanes operate the latest technology, hence compliant liquids and large electrical items can now stay in hand luggage."
National Policy
"Security regulations are set nationally and aren't decided by individual airports, so we'll continue to follow the national policy and update passengers if and when there are any changes. We are waiting on the government to move to a 2lt restriction rather than the 100ml limit."
Clearing up any confusion over whether water can be brought through security, the spokesperson added: "The 100ml rule is still in place so regardless of whether a container is sealed or not, if it is over the limit, it is not permitted through security. We already have a sink-type unit before security for passengers to dispose of any non-compliant liquids if they choose not to drink it and wish to retain the container. Alternatively, they can surrender the item in one of the bins also at the front of security."
Current Restrictions
With existing restrictions capping liquids at 100ml in hand luggage, Stansted urges passengers to stow larger items in checked baggage wherever possible. Its website also makes clear that any containers used to carry liquids of 100ml or less must be clearly labelled with their maximum capacity. Travel-sized containers lacking printed measurements are not allowed, and handwritten labels or stickers will be rejected.
Exceptions
Passengers are still able to bring liquid containers exceeding 100ml through security at all UK airports if they are for essential medical purposes (accompanied by a medical note or prescription), special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or infant milk. Additionally, electrical items can be left in your hand luggage for the security search. However, the advice is to remove any items from your pockets and place them inside your hand luggage. You can keep all watches on, including smart watches.
