Confusion and frustration have swept through airports across the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and Europe as new airport policies take effect in 2025. Passengers flying with EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 face major changes in security screening, hand luggage liquid limits, and travel authorizations. Recent research shows that only 10% of travelers feel fully informed about these critical regulations, leaving most people unsure and anxious about what to expect at the airport.
The most significant changes involve security screening and hand luggage rules. As of July 2025, some major UK airports have dropped the old 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage, allowing passengers to carry containers up to two litres if the airport has installed new 3D scanning technology. However, this change is not consistent everywhere. For example, airports like Birmingham and Edinburgh have adopted the new rule, but many others still enforce the 100ml limit. This means travelers must check the rules at both their departure and arrival airports before packing their bags. Failing to follow the correct rules can lead to delays, confiscated items, or even missed flights.
Adding to the confusion, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for all non-visa nationals, including US citizens, starting January 8, 2025. Anyone traveling to or transiting through UK airports must apply for an ETA before arrival. The ETA costs £10, is valid for two years or until the passport expires, and may take up to three working days to process. This new rule applies to all ages and is part of the UK’s move toward a digital border system. Passengers who do not have an ETA will be denied boarding or entry, and airlines are now responsible for checking ETA status before allowing travelers to board UK-bound flights. You can apply for an ETA through the official UK government website.
According to a July 2025 report by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, only 10% of passengers feel fully informed about their rights during flight disruptions. This lack of awareness is especially troubling as record numbers of travelers pass through UK airports this summer. The rapid pace of policy changes and inconsistent enforcement across airports have made it even harder for passengers to keep up. Airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 have reported a surge in customer complaints and operational delays, mostly due to confusion over hand luggage and security screening rules. Many airlines have updated their websites and sent out advisories, but they admit that inconsistent airport policies remain a big challenge.
Let’s break down the most important new airport policies and what they mean for travelers:
Hand Luggage Liquid Limits
– At airports with upgraded 3D CT scanners, passengers can now carry liquids in containers up to 2 litres in their hand luggage.
– At airports without the new technology, the old 100ml limit still applies. This means you could face different rules on your outbound and return journeys, even within the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
– Always check airport-specific guidance before you travel. If you don’t follow the correct rules, you could face delays, have items taken away, or miss your flight.
Security Screening Procedures
– At airports with the new 3D scanners, you no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from your bags during security screening.
– However, some airports and countries, including some in the European Union 🇪🇺 and Israel 🇮🇱, have gone back to stricter or different rules. This makes things confusing for international travelers.
– Always check the requirements for both your departure and arrival airports. Don’t assume the rules are the same everywhere.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
– All non-visa nationals, including US citizens, must get an ETA before entering or transiting the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, unless they have a UK or Irish passport, a visa, or an exempt vignette.
– The application process is online, costs £10, and can take up to three working days to process. The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
– If you don’t have an ETA, you will not be allowed to board your flight or enter the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. Airlines must check your ETA status before you board.
Baggage and Restricted Items
– The UK Civil Aviation Authority has updated its lists of what you can and cannot carry in hand and checked baggage as of July 18, 2025.
– For example, you can now carry up to 2 litres of toiletries per person, but no single container can be larger than 0.5 litres.
– Camping stoves are only allowed if they are completely empty of fuel, and diving cylinders must be below a certain pressure and may need to be emptied at check-in.
– Always check the latest guidance from the CAA and your airline before you pack.
Air Passenger Duty
– From April 1, 2025, the highest rate of air passenger duty (£673 per passenger) applies for flights over 5,500 miles on large aircraft.
– This means long-haul and premium travelers may face much higher taxes.
Airlines have responded to these changes by updating their websites and sending out emails to customers. However, they admit that the inconsistent rollout of new airport policies, especially around security screening and hand luggage, is causing confusion and delays. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has called on airlines and airports to do a better job of communicating with passengers, especially about their rights during disruptions and the new security procedures. The CAA is launching a compliance program to make sure airlines meet their obligations.
Airport operators, such as those at Birmingham and Edinburgh, have welcomed the new technology, saying it speeds up security checks and makes the passenger experience better. However, they stress that travelers must check the rules for each airport before they fly. Travel industry experts warn that the lack of uniformity across airports and countries is likely to continue for some time. They recommend that travelers always consult official sources before every trip.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for passengers:
Before Booking:
– Check if your departure and arrival airports have the new liquid rules.
– Find out if you need an ETA or visa for your journey.
Before Travel:
– Apply for an ETA (if required) at least one week before your trip.
– Review the latest baggage and security rules for your specific airports.
– Pack your liquids according to the strictest rule on your route.
At the Airport:
– Follow the airport’s instructions for security screening, especially for liquids and electronics.
– Have your ETA or visa confirmation ready for airline staff.
If Your Flight Is Disrupted:
– Check the CAA’s passenger rights guides.
– Contact your airline for help and information about compensation.
The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after a failed terror plot. The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 began rolling out 3D CT scanners in 2024, but the process has been slow and uneven because of technical and regulatory problems. The ETA system is part of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧’s efforts to modernize its borders after Brexit, and it is similar to the US ESTA. The European Union 🇪🇺 and Schengen Area went back to stricter liquid rules in September 2024 because of concerns about the new technology.
Looking ahead, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 government hopes that all major airports will have 3D scanners and the new liquid rules by late 2025 or early 2026, but more delays are possible. There is no sign of a global standard anytime soon, so travelers should expect ongoing differences between airports and countries. The CAA’s new compliance program may help improve communication and enforcement of passenger rights by airlines later in 2025.
For official information, visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s passenger guidance page. US travelers can call the US State Department at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 for help.
Key Takeaways:
– 90% of passengers are confused by new airport policies, especially about liquids and travel authorizations.
– Rules differ by airport and country; always check official sources before you travel.
– Apply for required travel authorizations early.
– Expect more changes and ongoing inconsistency through late 2025.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best way to avoid problems is to stay informed, check airport and airline updates, and prepare for different rules at each stage of your journey. By following these steps, travelers can reduce stress and avoid surprises as new airport policies continue to evolve.
Learn Today
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) → An online permit required for non-visa nationals to enter or transit the UK, costing £10 and valid two years.
3D CT Scanner → Advanced airport security imaging allowing larger liquid containers without removal during screening.
Air Passenger Duty → A UK tax on flights, with higher rates applicable to long-haul premium passengers from April 2025.
Hand Luggage Liquid Limit → Restriction on liquid container sizes in carry-on baggage, varying between 100ml and 2 litres depending on airport technology.
UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) → The UK regulator overseeing airline and airport compliance, passenger rights, and safety guidelines.
This Article in a Nutshell
New UK airport policies effective 2025 introduce varied liquid limits and mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization. Travelers face inconsistent rules causing confusion, delays, and complaints. Passengers must check airport-specific liquid guidelines and apply for ETA early to avoid denied boarding or entry. Airline communications improve but uniformity remains a challenge, requiring traveler vigilance.
— By VisaVerge.com
