New rules on liquids in hand luggage delayed

The hopes of implementing the new rule on liquids in hand luggage is reportedly facing a delay and June 2025 may be a final target. This new rule will require introducing to airports new security scanners that will save passengers having to take liquids out of their hand luggage. The scanners are a new technology that will allow passengers to take up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.

There were reports that Heathrow Airport has made plans to put in place new scanners in all security lanes this summer. Reports also point to Gatwick expecting to complete their own implementation programme by the end of March next year. So airports in Africa have not only the rule on ten percent SAF content implementation for European airports to begin to think about, but they also must add to their short and medium term plan portfolio the implementation of this new rule on liquids in hand luggage. 

Airport security liquid rules are put in place so that passengers and aircraft are safe. The rules put a restriction on the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols which passengers can have in their carry-on luggage as they move through airport security checkpoints. These rules as they have been generally implemented are that: containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. Each container must hold no more than 100 millilitres.  Also, the total volume of all containers must not exceed one litre. Then, the plastic bag must  be presented separately at the security checkpoint for inspection. 

On the other hand, passengers are generally allowed to bring larger quantities of liquid in their checked luggage. This is because those bags go through different security procedures. 

These rules along with their implementation can impact passenger experience. Airports will do well when they implement the rules with all politeness and empathy so that the passenger experience remains positive. 

Some of the ways passenger experience is impacted include such things as: delays at security checkpoints as passengers remove their liquids and show the same for inspection. Where the passenger numbers are many, this procedure could elongate time spent in queues. Some passengers, despite banners and posters stating the rules, are usually not aware of the restrictions on liquids or forget to abide by them. When those items are confiscated there is both confusion and possibly frustration on the part of the passenger. Here again airports should look at exploring many more communication channels to enlighten travellers on this rule. 

There is also the challenge of packing liquids to comply with the rules. It becomes more challenging when items such as medication and baby formula are involved. This is where empathy to the customer can make a big difference. 

There may also be added costs to the customer not only in repacking these liquids, but some passengers may need to repurchase such things as bottled water or toiletries after going through security screening where they are not allowed to bring their own liquids. The overall travel cost of the passenger may be increased by this added cost.

These rules are put in place to ensure safety and security of passengers in air travel. While they may cause some inconvenience to passengers,  keeping these rules however, ensures a smoother and safer travel experience for all passengers.

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