Hand luggage rules at Birmingham Airport are changing ahead of June – what passengers need to know

Passengers flying from Birmingham Airport before June may experience some changes to the security process due to the implementation of the new cabin baggage rules. The airport is currently undergoing a £60 million refurbishment of the security hall, which includes the installation of state-of-the-art scanners.

Birmingham Airport will be one of the first major UK airports to change its systems in June, ahead of others such as Manchester and Gatwick, which are set to miss the government’s initial deadline. Once operational, passengers will no longer be limited to 100ml liquid containers and will no longer have to unpack their liquids or electronics when going through security.

However, some travelers have already noticed some changes at Birmingham Airport ahead of the official launch. Airport officials urged passengers to follow the current rules despite these early changes.

Three of the new scanners were installed at the airport in April and are now operational. This means some passengers flying abroad before June may be directed by staff to a security lane using the new scanners, while others will continue to use the old machines.

Some tourists have taken to social media to express their bewilderment at the airport’s current security measures, with one traveler writing on Twitter: “Told to leave liquids and electronics in bags. Make up your mind,” reports Birmingham Live.

A spokesman for Birmingham Airport admitted that hand luggage regulations could seem confusing, but urged passengers to stick to existing guidelines to prevent hold-ups. They advised travelers to be prepared before arriving at the security search area by removing any liquids, creams, gels and placing large electronic devices in security trays.

Until June 1, the advice is to stick to the 100ml liquid limit and put these items in a clear, resealable plastic bag in the tray.

Reports emerged this week of long queues at BHX security, exacerbated on Monday by a “technical issue” which resulted in some passengers missing their flights. The airport reported that about 15% of carry-on bags are rejected at security checks for non-compliance, with each case adding about ten minutes to screening time.

During peak hours, customers may find themselves queuing on the lower level as well, as the upper waiting area is currently closed for renovations.

An airport spokesperson stressed: “We would like to remind our customers that existing security restrictions remain in place. This can be confusing for our customers.”

They went on to say: “Waiting and walking routes are constantly changing, however our colleagues are on hand for any help and assistance in the terminal. We apologize to our customers for the impact this transition may have from time to time.”

It is important to note that not all UK airports will have completed their security upgrades by June, prompting passengers flying from other locations to check the current rules at their departure airport. Travel agents association ABTA further advised travelers to “prepare with existing rules” to prevent unnecessary delays at the airport and encouraged people to familiarize themselves with hand luggage regulations at their return airport as well.

Their warning included a statement that “Even if a UK airport has the new scanners in full operation, the traveller’s destination airport may not, meaning they will be subject to the 100ml liquid rules when they will take their return flight,” ABTA’s director of public affairs. Luke Petherbridge added: “What travelers need now, as we head into the peak months for overseas travel, is clarity on what they need to do when going through airport security.”

He emphasized that “When fully implemented, the new airport scanners will speed things up and strengthen security. However, recent extensions from the Government show there is still some way to go before the new security rules are permanently in place at UK airports. “

“With this in mind, our best advice is to prepare your travels with the existing rules in mind. That way, you’ll be ready to comply regardless of the scenario, avoiding any unnecessary delays through security and any difficulties when returning from your destination. You can also check in advance at your airport and we recommend checking at your return airport as well.”