British tourists will still have to follow strict liquid rules at major British airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester this summer.
A planned relaxation of hand luggage liquid rules will be delayed after the airports said they would fail to meet the June 1 deadline to install the new technology.
The Government has announced it has granted extensions to the airports although London City Airport already has the scanners in place. It is thought that about half of UK passengers will be processed using the new scanners in June.
This means that British tourists will still need to carry liquids in 100ml containers and put them in a clear plastic bag at many of the UK’s major airports this summer.
A travel expert said found the situation “disappointing” with British tourists stuck with the old system.
Rosie Panter, travel expert at dealchecker, said: “This is a disappointing, and more so, annoying situation to be presented with, and unfortunately means the need to play Tetris with your 10-step skincare routine and the small liquids plastic bag looks set to continue.
“Are we surprised? No. Are we disappointed? Yes. Whilst the promise of new security scanners, capable of producing CT X-Ray tech that create a 3D image of passengers bags will undoubtedly transform how we travel through UK airports, most Brits would rather achievable deadlines be provided and delivered on.
“These seemingly arbitrary deadlines that have so far been set and flimsily adhered to, only create hope, then confusion and finally, resentment towards the travel industry as a whole.”
A travel expert at Skyscanner warned British tourists to check the specific rules for their airport.
Laura Lindsay said: “The first thing to note is that while the new scanners might be rolling out in the UK, it’s important to check that your departure airport has the scanners in place as just now the list of airports with them is small.
“Crucially, it’s important to check that you can carry the same items when coming from your return airport.
“Some airports in the US and Europe have them so it’s possible that you will be able to, but make sure before you bring that expensive perfume in your carry-on.”
If an airport does not have the new scanners, British tourists will need to carry liquids in 100ml containers and seal the containers in a clear plastic bag.
Some unexpected items such as butter, snow globes and soft cheese are also counted as liquids.
Source: express.co.uk