Airports act as passengers flout liquids ban

THE security area at one of Scotland's busiest airports is to be remodelled to cut delays caused by many passengers still ignoring restrictions on liquids imposed nearly five years ago.

The move by Glasgow Airport came as it revealed that security staff were continuing to confiscate hundreds of containers a day under regulations imposed in 2006 after the foiling of a terrorist plot. It said up to ten bin bags of containers have to be disposed of every 24 hours.

Oversize containers also remain a major headache for airports across Scotland. Edinburgh is also planning new measures after collecting 5.35 tonnes of containers so far this year - the weight of five cars.

At Glasgow, officials have become so concerned at mounting queues caused by travellers being stopped with too-large liquid containers in their hand luggage they have launched a trial of new procedures in the search area.

The problem appears to focus on passengers travelling with just hand luggage, who believe the restrictions do not apply to them because they have no checked-in luggage in which to stow larger bottles.

New "prep station" tables have been introduced for passengers to take out liquids and other items from their hand luggage which have to be put through X-ray machines separately.

This will enable to staff to intercept unauthorised containers before passengers join the X-ray queues.

An airport spokesman said: "Despite security restrictions having been in place for more than four years, we are still confiscating a considerable amount of liquids on a daily basis.

"In addition to publicising the information on our website and displaying signs throughout the terminal building, we are currently trialling a revised layout of the security area which now includes a preparation station for passengers.

"This will allow passengers the opportunity to remove any liquids from baggage prior to reaching the security search area."

Edinburgh Airport plans to improve its passenger information in an effort to tackle the problem.

Managing director Kevin Brown said: "Clearly, the confiscation of liquids is an ongoing issue and we are looking at a number of ways of alerting our passengers to the requirements and ensuring they are prepared for passage through our security hall."

The current restrictions mean containers of liquids carried in hand luggage must be no larger than 100ml each.

They must also all fit comfortably into a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, that holds no more than one litre in total and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.

Liquids are classed as including creams, mascara, lipsticks and spray deodorants.Larger bottles, even if only partially full, must be carried in checked-in luggage.

Prestwick Airport, where up to five wheelie bins of liquids and gels are removed from passengers every week, said the problem was causing major hold-ups.

Security manager Ian Gregory said: "We still have a substantial number of people arriving at the airport who do not have their liquids prepared in advance, despite reminders on websites and posters in the terminal building."

He added: "This is frustrating as it adds significantly to the passenger search process time."