Manchester Airport has showcased a selection of items its security officers were forced to confiscate in the space of just one morning as it reminds its passengers of hand luggage rules as the busy school summer holiday period begins.
Among almost 100 items removed from bags in Terminal 2 security in a single morning this month were 24 packs of cosmetic products, seven drinks bottles and seven food items – including two multipacks of yoghurts. Most of these failed to comply with liquid restrictions, requiring anything that can be sprayed, spread or poured at room temperature to be packed in containers with a capacity of under 100ml.
Airport security regulations are set and monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – and as it stands, a 100ml limit for hand luggage is still in place on liquids at most UK airports, while hubs including Manchester wait for the CAA’s approval to remove these restrictions, following the installation of new 3D scanning technology.
Also removed from bags were 12 pairs of scissors, seven corkscrews, four knives, and six packs of tools – plus two loose chisels and a pair of pliers. In each case, these items broke CAA rules prohibiting sharp objects or blades with a length of more than 6cm (2.3in) in your hand luggage.
10 toy guns or items resembling firearms were confiscated – including a BB gun with two packs of ball bearings, three NERF guns, and household items including a handgun-shaped whisky decanter set. Anything that is designed to look like a firearm, or could be disguised as one, cannot be carried in hand luggage. This includes items like toys – which could be painted or adapted to more closely resemble a real weapon.
A baseball bat and a leg massager were also confiscated – in both cases because of their potential to be used as a weapon.
Passengers travelling during the busy summer period are reminded that attempting to bring non-compliant items through airport security causes delays for themselves and for others. Airport security bosses are encouraging them to reacquaint themselves with the rules for hand luggage before packing for their journey.
