Dublin Airport passengers warned over new liquid and hand luggage rules

Dublin Airport will see some temporary changes made by the EU to its regulations regarding hand luggage this weekend. 

The changes involve the carrying of liquids in hand luggage and will come into affect on Sunday 1 September.  

Under these temporary rules, all departing passengers must remove all liquids, aerosols and gels from their hand luggage before screening. These items must also be under 100mls. 

These short-term changes will affect both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport, however the rules differ slightly between both the terminals.

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Dublin Airport Managing Director Gary McLean said: "These changes, which apply to all airports in Ireland and Europe with C3 scanners, are being introduced at a time when the roll-out of new C3 scanners is ongoing at Dublin Airport. That roll-out is at different stages in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which means the guidance for passengers is slightly different depending on what terminal they are departing from."

McLean explained that due to the age of the building, the rollout of C3 scanners in Terminal 1 is progressing slower than that of Terminal 2. The rollout of the new scanners is expected to be completed by October of next year. 

What are the differences in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?

Passengers who are departing from Terminal 1 must put all their liquids under 100mls into a clear 1 litre bag (20cm x 20cm) and place them visibly within the security tray. Each passenger will be limited to only one 1 litre bag. Large electrical items such as laptops and tablets should also be removed from bags and placed in the security tray. 

Those departing from Terminal 2 must also place all liquids into clear 1 litre bags and placed in the security tray. However, unlike in Terminal 1, there is no limit on the number of bags passengers in Terminal 2 can have. All electrical items can also be left within their hand luggage. 

What are the exceptions?

Usual exceptions remain in place despite the changes, such as baby food or milk, medicines, and special dietary requirements needed during flight. Such items can be in containers over 100mls but they still must be taken out of hand luggage to present at screening.

Will this cause delays?

McLean has assured passengers that unnecessary delays can be avoided if people follow the advice given and prepare themselves before reaching security screening.

He added: "We hope that these temporary restrictions are only in place for a short period and that the EU will be able to lift them as soon as possible."

Further details on how to best prepare for airport security can be found on the Dublin Airport website.