ABTA Tells Travelers to Follow Current Rules for Hand Luggage, Security Checks in UK Airports

The ABTA – The Travel Association (formerly known as the Association of British Travel Agents) is encouraging travelers to prepare for their upcoming travels by following the existing rules for airport security and hand luggage.

The advice comes after the British government extended the deadline for some airports to implement the next-generation scanners, which would end the 100-ml liquid rule for hand luggage and allow electronic devices to remain in luggage when going through the security process.

According to an announcement by ABTA, the original deadline is June 1, but many UK airports said they would not be fully ready by then.

“Given the lack of consistency across UK airports, preparing for your travels with the existing rules in mind would avoid any inconvenience and unnecessary delays when going through security, as customers would be ready for both eventualities, whether the old or new rules are in place,” ABTA said.

The association also advises travelers to plan ahead by checking the rules for the airport terminal they are flying from in advance and keeping a close eye out for instructions at the airport.

Travelers should also check the rules for their return airport, ABTA advises.

“Even if a UK airport does have the new scanners in full operation, the traveler’s destination airport might not, meaning they will be subject to the 100-ml liquid rules when taking their return flight.”

To help travelers prepare for their trips, ABTA has launched www.abta.com/airportsecurity, a new advice page on airport security and the new scanners.

“With that in mind, our best advice is to prepare for your travels with the existing rules in mind. That way, you’ll be ready to comply with whatever the scenario, avoiding any unnecessary delays through security and any difficulties when returning from your destination,” ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said.

With more than 4,600 travel businesses as members, ABTA is the biggest travel trade association in the United Kingdom.