TRAVELLERS flying from Bristol Airport are set to experience a smoother security process thanks to the airport's £11.5 million investment in next-gen security scanners.

From June 14, the technology will allow passengers to keep their laptops, mobile phones and liquids in their hand luggage as they pass through security.

Passengers will no longer need to restrict toiletries and liquids to 100ml bottles, however, due to outstanding regulatory approval that is beyond the airport's control, passengers can only carry liquids up to 330ml.

All items, including liquids, are required to stay in the hand luggage bag.

Travellers must also leave electronic items such as mobile phones and laptops in their bags.

Passengers will also need to empty their pockets into their bags and drain metal water bottles.

Graeme Gamble, chief operating officer at Bristol Airport, said: "We are delighted all customers travelling from Bristol Airport will benefit from state-of-the-art technology being introduced at security.

"The new equipment will reduce customer stress and inconvenience as the need for 100ml liquids to be placed in clear, plastic bags and removed from hand baggage will no longer be required.

"The new process delivers a much more customer friendly security operation using the latest technology and providing enhanced screening, allowing customers to keep personal items in their hand luggage."

Mr Gamble explained that the changes will not come into effect until next Friday.

He said: "We’ve invested over £11.5m in the security equipment enhancements, and as with all complex and large-scale projects in a 24 hours, 7 day a week operation, we needed to have a phased approach to the introduction of the new equipment and processes.

"However, customers should be reminded there are no immediate changes to the rules governing what can be taken through security as a result of this initiative, and the current hand luggage restrictions remain in place until June 14, 2024."

As for passengers that have Fast Track security bookings, the airport reassured them that their bookings will not be affected by upgrades to the Fast Track security channels between June 14 and July 31.

Passengers will be able to identify the Fast Track lane through additional signage and a security team will be there to assist.

Mr Gamble said: "On their return from destination airports customers are advised to check the requirements of their departing airport, as these regulations may differ from the UK."