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The UK airport making life easier for passengers with plastic bags move

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Travellers flying from are no longer required to remove electrical items or put their liquids in plastic bags. Airport bosses shared that passengers can leave liquids and electric items, including laptops, in their hand luggage while going through . The mover is part of the airport's plans to "transform" its security screening process while continuing to put passengers first.

The airport already sees 43 million passengers travelling through every year, making it the UK's second-largest airport. Nearly 60 airlines fly from Gatwick to over 150 short-haul destinations and more than 50 long-haul ones. London Gatwick also claims on its website to be the "most efficient" single-runway airport in the world.

Head of security at Gatwick, Cyrus Dana, said: "More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This positive change, with the scanners allowing passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.

"As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers."

The airport will use computed tomography (CT) scanners to improve security accuracy. Although liquids, such as creams, gels, sprays, pastes, and aerosols, will no longer have to be removed and placed in a plastic bag, it is important to note that they still must be under 100ml in size.

A Gatwick spokesperson also urged passengers to remember that the new technology may not be available in other airports worldwide.

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They said: "Therefore, the one-litre clear plastic bag rule and 100ml liquid container may still apply when returning from other destinations."

Other UK airports, including , Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend and Teeside, also have the new rules in place.

Despite the new technology, Gatwick says passengers should still arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.

Additionally, the airport highlighted that there are no changes regarding the rules for carrying dangerous goods, such as flammable liquids and solids, bleaching powders, and organic peroxides. The full list of sharp and prohibited items can be found on Gatwick Airport's website.

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