New CT scanners at airports could reduce baggage fees, but which airline charges the most?

Economy
By Liam
  • Passengers will be able to carry liquids of two liters under new rules
  • The travel industry expects that more and more people will forego checked baggage in the future
  • Some airlines charge more than €100 for checked baggage for the return journey

By Harvey Dorset

Published: | Updated:

New CT scanners at airports will put an end to the 100 milliliter restriction on packing liquids in carry-on luggage – a move that could save travelers not only hassle but also money.

According to flight comparison site Wowtickets, the new scanners, which are being rolled out across the country, could save a family of four £360 in hold baggage fees on a Jet2 flight.

This assumes that travelers used hand luggage only, rather than having to pay extra for checked baggage just to be able to bring liquids over 100 milliliters on board.

Time savings: London City Airport says its CT scan technology will allow it to handle a third more passengers per hour

Those who needed checked baggage to carry extra belongings would still pay the same.

The CT scanners capture hundreds of 2D X-ray images, which are then merged by a computer into a 3D image that can then be rotated by security personnel, eliminating the need to remove electronics and liquids from luggage.

According to the government, airports have until June 2024 to upgrade their screening equipment. This will increase the liquid limit for hand luggage to two liters each, compared to the current 100 ml rule.

How much does checked baggage cost?

The costs associated with traveling with checked baggage can cause the price of a trip to skyrocket in an instant.

The cost of carrying hold luggage on a British Airways flight will cost you a staggering £75 each way, while Virgin Atlantic charges £65 for economy light services but takes it free for those in economy classic seats.

EasyJet appears to be the cheapest option at £40 each way, while Jet2 and Thomas Cook charge £45. Ryanair, meanwhile, costs £46, but that only gets you a 10kg bag measuring 55 x 40 x 20cm – a size offered free as hand luggage by most other airlines.

Ryanair customers who do not want to pay for extra baggage are only entitled to a small bag measuring only 40 x 20 x 25 cm.

Not cheap: hold baggage charges can amount to more than the cost of the flights themselves, with British Airways charging £150 for a return journey

Not cheap: hold baggage charges can amount to more than the cost of the flights themselves, with British Airways charging £150 for a return journey

Which airports have the new CT scanners?

The scanners have already been installed at some airports, but the limit for liquids cannot be increased to 2 liters until all airports can comply.

The deadline for this is June 2024, but reports indicate that major airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester will miss that.

Dimitri Konovalovas from Wowtickets said: ‘While we realize it will take some time for the new CT scanners to be rolled out to all airports, we have certainly noticed an impending excitement among our customers about the changing restrictions that will allow travelers to purchase larger quantities take liquids with you. airports in their hand luggage.’

London City Airport, which has already deployed the technology, has reported that it can now process as many as 30 percent more passengers through security per hour, reducing queue times by 30 percent year-on-year.

Wowtickets said the travel industry expects an increase in carry-on-only passengers as a result of the scanners, with travelers no longer forced to purchase hold luggage to transport large liquids.

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This will in turn allow holidaymakers to save at a time when the price of staying abroad has risen by as much as 70 per cent following the pandemic, according to Which?

Konovalovas added: ‘Holiday and business trips are times when people want to look their best, so many are forced to pay expensive checked baggage fees to enable them to take their favorite shampoos, conditioners and make-up with them, even if they only travel for a few days.

‘These changes should ensure that many can travel with hand luggage only, providing significant savings that can be invested into their holidays.’

‘I know plenty of people who have had to throw away valuable cosmetics as they rush to the gate, which is why travelers are looking forward to the imminent abolition of these rules.

‘Less waste, time saved when collecting hold baggage and less hassle at security are what our customers mention as the most important benefits.’

Until CT scanners go into effect across the country, travelers will still have little choice but to purchase checked bags from their airline if they want to bring or bring back liquids.

“A rule initially introduced to protect travelers has caused delays for many people,” Konovalovas said. ‘Airlines may lose revenue as many opt for free travel, but it is good news for travellers.’

Do you want to reduce flight costs? Go incognito

Konovalovas recommends switching your browser to incognito mode when searching for a flight, because airlines use browser data to set prices for flights.

“It could be that if you’re looking for a flight one day, the airline might have increased the price a few days later,” he said.

‘Airlines employ dynamic pricing strategies, which means that ticket prices are subject to sudden and frequent changes. If an airline sees high demand for a particular route or flight, it may respond by raising prices to maximize profits.

‘They also use cookies and other tracking technologies to track your online activities. If you repeatedly search for the same flight or route, the airline may interpret this as a strong purchase intention.’

Konovalovas suggests clearing your browser cookies to prevent airlines from raising prices because you’ve looked at flights before. Other options include turning off your location settings and using multiple devices.

If you can, he adds that flexibility can help you save money.

‘Think beyond the plane ticket when evaluating the cost of your trip. Don’t forget to consider the total cost of your trip, including accommodation, activities, local transportation, and living expenses.

“Sometimes it can be more cost-effective to take a slightly more expensive flight to a place with a lower cost of living,” he said.

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