Luton Airport security review

It has been three years since what was previously described as the airport 'experience' became the definition of a travel nightmare.

The emergency measures imposed overnight in August 2006 — at the peak of the summer holiday season — threw airports into chaos.

In the immediate aftermath, 2,000 flights were cancelled as extra security checks were introduced. There was a ban on hand luggage larger than small laptop cases, and passengers taking any liquids or toiletries into the cabin.

It was several weeks before the rules were relaxed to allow 100 millilitre bottles of liquids onboard. But it was several months before airports were able to recruit 3,500 more screening staff.

The resulting delays, missed flights and confusion on what was, and was not, allowed on board was a ruinous experience for passengers — and the airports.

The liquid ban subsequently cost Britain's aviation industry more than £100million in increased security costs and lost duty-free sales.

Two tonnes of alcohol a month are still being confiscated at Heathrow alone, along with thousands of bottles of perfume and other toiletries.

Since 2006, recession has further savaged aviation profits and prompted airlines to introduce a raft of charges for online checking, luggage and ticket changes. In the past week alone, British Airways and Ryanair have again changed their baggage rules.

More anger ranges from Luton airport charging passengers £1 for the clear plastic bags in which to present liquids, to the differing hand baggage allowances operated by airlines. Many have been turned away by a jobsworth at security with his or her own interpretation of the rules.

It is little wonder that the disillusionment with flying is so ingrained. And there are so many other factors such as moves to constrain drop-off and pick-ups at airports, charges for 'Fast Track' processing, high train fares and the environmental considerations.

Flying has become a commodity, a cheap one admittedly, but not one we look forward to or can enjoy. It has killed the passion and enthusiasms of generations of travellers. The results are already evident — and it is hard to see how they can be reversed.

All in all, the airport and flying experience has turned sour, with little of improvements to look forward to.

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