Brits hoping to squeeze one last sun-soaked vacation in before the autumn chills arrive are being issued a warning today against a nightmare new rule which will affect their ability to holiday abroad.
Especially, if they're travelling to or from a EU airport.
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Back in 2018, British holidaymakers were delighted when the UK Government announced plans to smoothen airport experiences.
Advanced scanners - aimed at removing the 100ml carry-on liquid allowance, eradicating the need to separate your tech items, and, all in all, shortening the queues at security - were put into place in several UK airports, with the aim to make them nationwide by this year.
This smart technology was also launched across the majority of EU airports.
Tragically, however, the scheme has been littered with issues, and back in June, Brits were forced to revert back to our old ways after the 'hack' was scrapped across UK airports.
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And though it initially looked as though European airports were immune to the technological errors, all 27 of the EU's countries have this week been forced to shut down their own advanced scanners.
As such, Brits travelling to Europe have been warned to expect lengthy queues, pernickety checks from security staff, a full removal of all electronic devices, and a strict obedience to the dreaded 100ml rule.
The u-turn was put into place yesterday (1 September) and will remain so for the foreseeable future, with the European Commission claiming 'tech issues' have forced the temporary regulations into place.
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Only when the advanced scanners have been rectified will the hassle-free airport mission continue.
If you need a reminder of what the old EU travel rules - which, as we say, have now been reinstated - were, allow us to fill you in...
Liquids, gels and creams (including the likes of toothpaste, make-up, deodorant, hair spray, hair gel and contact lens solution) will, once again, have to be in bottles or tubs of no more than 100ml each, and these must all be squeezed into a clear plastic bag (20 x 20cm).
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This bag will then need to whipped out of your hand luggage back when you get to the front of the security queue, and placed into the tray clearly for airport staff to see.
Electrical items (including laptops, iPads, phones, speakers, hair straighteners, hair dryers and curlers) will also need removing from your carry-on bag and placed into a tray.
Alternatively, you could throw your liquids and electronics into your hold luggage (checked-in baggage), where it'll be scanned before transferred onto the plane for you.
Speaking of the new restrictions, Tim Hentschel - CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner.com - told press this week that it is 'now more important than ever' to stay up to date with airport changes.
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"With yet another U-turn, there is a risk of severe delays due to abnormally lengthy queues to get through security, and this is creating a sense of chaos for those who may risk missing their flights," he told Conde Naste this week.
"It’s advised that travellers stay aware of the additional time spent queuing at security and allow extra time at the airport before departure.
"The ‘three-hour rule’ has previously been considered enough time. Still, with queues expected to take an hour plus, travellers are heavily advised to reconsider how early they arrive at the airport."
Topics: Travel, Holiday, UK News, World News, Hacks