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AS MUCH AS MANY PEOPLE LIKE GOING ON HOLIDAY, WAITING TIMES AT SECURITY CAN FEEL LIKE A SLOG. NOW 11 UK AIRPORTS MAY BE ABLE TO "SLASH THEIR WAITING TIMES" THANKS TO A NEW TRAVEL
RULE 08:10, 04 Jun 2025Updated 08:11, 04 Jun 2025 Queues at security at 11 UK airports could "significantly reduce" thanks to a new travel rule that's come into place. New
security scanners are being rolled out in the UK, which is predicted to cut queues and save time while travelling. While tourists have been waiting a while for the plan to be put into
action, some airports are already up and running with the latest technology. It all started back in 2019, when ex-Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson claimed the 100ml limit on liquids,
aerosols and gels (referred to as LAGs) would be relaxed at major UK airports within three years. The change would signify the end of a "temporary" measure introduced following a
security threat in 2006, but people had to wait a while for the rule to be introduced. It's no secret that security queues can be lengthy at peak times, as travellers are known to have
to quickly unload their bags in to boxes to be checked by the scanners. However, the new system will eliminate the emptying of bags, and travellers will no longer have to put liquids in a
clear bag. Instead, new security scanners will use computed tomography (CT) to analyse the molecular structure of a passenger's bag. The process is similar to a medical scan you may
have in a hospital, and can analyse whether liquids and electronics pose a threat - without them needing to be removed. Which? has claimed the new system could "slash" the amount
of time people have to wait at security. Article continues below In a TikTok video, it was explained: "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." It has taken time to get the new scanners in place, and the pandemic had a huge impact on the global supply chain. As a
result, Rishi Sunak's government ended up giving major airports an extension to June 2024. At the time, it was said those who failed to meet the deadline would be hit with "serious
financial penalties". A week after this deadline passed, which saw airports like Birmingham spend £60 million on upgrading to Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), the
government stated everyone had to go back to the 100ml LAGs limit. However, the CT scanners are now in use at some airports. They are available, according to Which?, at the following
airports: * London Gatwick * London City * Birmingham * Bristol * Edinburgh * Leeds Bradford * Luton * Newcastle * Southend * Southampton * Teesside Article continues below After Which?
shared the news online, one person said: "Newquay in Cornwall has the newest scanners already. Security took all of two minutes and zero queue." Another added: "Ireland has
done it for years." A third replied: "Stanstead was super quick - didn't need to take things out of hand luggage - they have 3D scanners now." Meanwhile, others pointed
out there may be instances when you still get checked by security. Some said this has happened to them while travelling.