UK Airports Gear Up for Summer Rush with New Travel Rules

Holidaymakers are preparing for a busy travel season as UK airports anticipate their busiest days of 2025. More than 9,000 flights are expected to carry up to 1.7 million people abroad this weekend, marking a significant increase in air travel. While many Britons dream of sustainable travel options like direct trains, flying remains the predominant choice for those heading overseas.

Airlines and airports have taken measures to improve the travel experience following the challenges of recent years. Staffing levels have increased, and several operational changes are underway. However, new rules regarding luggage allowances, security protocols, and border controls may still pose challenges for travelers.

Security Changes and Liquid Limits

Despite the installation of advanced scanners at various airports, the strict 100ml liquid limit remains in effect for most travelers. Only Edinburgh and Birmingham airports allow passengers to carry containers of up to two litres through security. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander advised travelers to assume the 100ml limit continues to apply unless otherwise informed by their airport. This rule has been in place since 2006, following a thwarted bomb plot.

Upgraded security lanes with new CT scanners enable passengers to keep their laptops and electronic devices in their bags, streamlining the security process. However, not all airports have fully implemented these changes, leading to inconsistencies within terminals. For instance, while all lanes at London Gatwick feature CT scanners, the 100ml liquid limit remains.

Carry-on baggage regulations have also become a point of contention. The rules around larger cabin bags, such as wheelie suitcases, have not changed. However, a new EU guideline establishes a minimum size for small personal bags at 40cm by 30cm by 15cm. This change aims to standardize luggage dimensions across airlines, allowing travelers to avoid confusion.

Some airlines, like easyJet, already permit a more generous under-seat bag allowance. Ryanair is adjusting its dimensions from 40 x 25 x 20cm to 40 x 30 x 20cm in the coming weeks. Travelers should be aware that exceeding size limits may incur fees, with Ryanair charging up to £60 for oversized bags.

Border Control Developments

As summer approaches, travelers to the EU will find themselves facing longer queues at border controls. An agreement reached in May allows UK passengers to utilize e-gates in some EU countries, but many will still pass through staffed border posts for passport stamping. The EU’s new entry-exit system (EES) is set to launch in October 2025, requiring UK visitors to submit biometric information upon their first visit.

Additionally, UK travelers will soon need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver, anticipated to be introduced in mid-2026 at a cost of €7 (£6). This is a notable change compared to the £16 fee now required for visitors to enter the UK through its electronic travel authorization system.

The challenges of the post-COVID travel resurgence have prompted airlines and airports to adopt innovative solutions. Many have turned to AI to help predict disruptions and manage operations effectively. However, air traffic control (ATC) remains a persistent concern due to increasing flight numbers and congestion in European airspace.

Airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways have cited ATC delays as a significant challenge. Passengers affected by these delays can expect to receive refreshments during waits of two to four hours, with British Airways now automating this process through its app.

As travelers prepare for their summer adventures, the combination of new policies and increased flight capacities presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. With the right information and preparation, holidaymakers can navigate the evolving landscape of air travel in the UK and beyond.