If you were hoping to finally ditch the annoying 100ml liquid rule at Gatwick Airport, hold off on celebrating just yet. While Gatwick has made some major upgrades to its security technology, the old liquid restrictions are still in place – for now.
So, what’s new?
Gatwick has rolled out advanced CT scanners across all its security lanes. These scanners create high-resolution 3D images of passengers’ bags, meaning you no longer have to remove electronics or liquids for screening. That’s a huge win for travellers who dread the hassle of unpacking and repacking at security.
But why is the 100ml rule still in place?
Despite the new tech, the UK government hasn’t fully lifted the 100ml restriction yet. The plan was to phase it out nationwide by June 2024, but several challenges have slowed things down:
- Technical issues: Some of the scanners have struggled with accurately detecting liquids over 100ml.
- Regulatory delays: The government is still fine-tuning security guidelines before giving airports the green light.
- Supply chain problems: Not all UK airports have been able to install the new scanners as quickly as planned.
Because of these setbacks, Gatwick must still enforce the 100ml rule, even though its scanners are capable of handling larger quantities.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re flying from Gatwick, pack as you normally would – that means keeping liquids in containers of 100ml or less, stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag. The only difference now is that you won’t have to take them out when going through security.
When will the rule change?
The big question is when the government will officially allow larger liquid quantities in hand luggage. It’s unclear, but experts suggest that it could still take several months before all UK airports get the green light. Until then, stay updated and check your airport’s website before traveling to avoid any surprises.
