but then of course the built in delay around unpacking your bags doesn't happen any more. so you get a different blockage in the process. as you wait oh so long to walk through the machine as they've not got the staff.
They are a complete and utter joke and a waste of time. Flew from London City last week - great I thought, I can take full size toiletries with me and a bottle of water. You leave everything (electrics, liquids) in your bag which sounds good in theory. What then happens though is that 80%+ of bags get pulled for secondary screening. We were waiting 35 mins and the machines were backed-up as so many bags were going to secondary screening but the lane was full. The guy said it was my mouthwash that registered as a "risk" on the scanner ....
I didn't get extra screening at the Heathrow one but I think that was just a sample one (plus no one expected it so no one was breaching the normal limits)
Could they roll out the summary execution of people who arrive at security with liquids in their bags despite the 300 warnings to remove them en route? And laptops etc while we’re at it.
I've griped about this before, but I don't understand why, in Heathrow, after the officer has inspected your boarding pass, and you have, whilst waiting, managed to take out the laptop and small see-through bag with toiletries, holding them all (and your jacket and your carryon luggage) somewhat awkwardly and mentally going through the complicated steps of undoing your belt, etc., etc., suddenly gets confronted with the need to whip out the boarding pass again when your hands are full.
I think Heathrow might have a special problem with people denying problematic items belong to them so they make you scan as you deposit your stuff (don't ask me why they can't just look at the CCTV)
I went through the first lane at T5 recently. No issues with the bags in the new bag scanners but the body scanner didn’t like my belt so I had a full pat down. Was still in the lounge within 5 minutes of entering the terminal.
Jersey, Teesside, Newcastle and London City: new equipment already in place.
Birmingham, Luton and Bristol: on course to meet previous deadline of June 2024.
Belfast International: a new security building, including next generation scanning equipment, is due to open in summer 2024.
Gatwick: installation of new equipment expected to be complete during first quarter of 2025.
Manchester, East Midlands and Stansted: a spokesperson claimed there had been "good progress" at all three airports, with installation expected to be complete at some point in 2025, but could not provide an exact date, adding that "we’re not providing running commentary".
Heathrow, Liverpool, Southampton, Edinburgh and Glasgow: Spokespeople were unable to provide an exact date for when new equipment would be in place.
Exeter: did not respond to a request for information.
As a way of avoiding any delays at airports, my short trip wash bag (which I always take in my carry on) is now totally liquid free.
Soaps/Shower gel - use hotel ones (although I only use soap on my hands and feet so could sneak in a small bar)
Shampoo - am bald so no point, but also see above. Solid options are now available too.
Deodorant - use a crystal deodorant
Toothpaste - chewable tablets in a small baggie
Mouthwash - don't, but if you insist you can get the dissolvable tabs.
Not only does this eliminate liquids, it means my washbag contents are absolutely minimal and therefore can all fit into a teeny weeny ultralight wash bag made by Osprey.
For longer trips I will pack toothpaste in my checked baggageband just count out enough toothpaste tablets for the flighs plus a few extra in case bags miss connections, because the tablets are a bit inefficient.
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We’ve had them in jersey for ages
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I hate that standing like a fanny in the scanners is now standard
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the UK roll out seems a bit chaotic. to put it bluntly.
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They are a complete and utter joke and a waste of time. Flew from London City last week - great I thought, I can take full size toiletries with me and a bottle of water. You leave everything (electrics, liquids) in your bag which sounds good in theory. What then happens though is that 80%+ of bags get pulled for secondary screening. We were waiting 35 mins and the machines were backed-up as so many bags were going to secondary screening but the lane was full. The guy said it was my mouthwash that registered as a "risk" on the scanner ....
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So the safer view is proceed with caution until the inevitable teething problems have been resolved.
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I didn't get extra screening at the Heathrow one but I think that was just a sample one (plus no one expected it so no one was breaching the normal limits)
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the uk badly needs an equivalent to tsa pre-check
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I hate that standing like a fanny in the scanners is now standard
Was that previously just your thing?
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Could they roll out the summary execution of people who arrive at security with liquids in their bags despite the 300 warnings to remove them en route? And laptops etc while we’re at it.
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I've griped about this before, but I don't understand why, in Heathrow, after the officer has inspected your boarding pass, and you have, whilst waiting, managed to take out the laptop and small see-through bag with toiletries, holding them all (and your jacket and your carryon luggage) somewhat awkwardly and mentally going through the complicated steps of undoing your belt, etc., etc., suddenly gets confronted with the need to whip out the boarding pass again when your hands are full.
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I think Heathrow might have a special problem with people denying problematic items belong to them so they make you scan as you deposit your stuff (don't ask me why they can't just look at the CCTV)
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PP, TOTALLY
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The scanning used to be optional as well! And now its compulsory.
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You can opt to be frisked instead, I would think?
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somebody tried to opt out of the machine the other day
"sure, we'll get somebody to frisk you. they'll be about 30 minutes"
they blinked and opted for the machine.
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I went through the first lane at T5 recently. No issues with the bags in the new bag scanners but the body scanner didn’t like my belt so I had a full pat down. Was still in the lounge within 5 minutes of entering the terminal.
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Which airports are ready?
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LOL @ Exeter
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Heathrow literally has prototypes right now
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As a way of avoiding any delays at airports, my short trip wash bag (which I always take in my carry on) is now totally liquid free.
Soaps/Shower gel - use hotel ones (although I only use soap on my hands and feet so could sneak in a small bar)
Shampoo - am bald so no point, but also see above. Solid options are now available too.
Deodorant - use a crystal deodorant
Toothpaste - chewable tablets in a small baggie
Mouthwash - don't, but if you insist you can get the dissolvable tabs.
Not only does this eliminate liquids, it means my washbag contents are absolutely minimal and therefore can all fit into a teeny weeny ultralight wash bag made by Osprey.
For longer trips I will pack toothpaste in my checked baggageband just count out enough toothpaste tablets for the flighs plus a few extra in case bags miss connections, because the tablets are a bit inefficient.
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