Passengers traveling from Heathrow Airport will no longer be required to remove liquids and electronics from their carry-on bags during security checks. The change comes after the airport completed the rollout of new, high-tech CT scanners across all its terminals.
New Scanners, Relaxed Rules
The new scanners allow for liquids up to two liters in size to be carried in hand luggage, eliminating the need for clear plastic bags. Laptops and other electronic devices can also remain in bags. Heathrow has become the largest airport globally to fully implement this technology.
However, Heathrow is not the first UK airport to adopt the new scanners. Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Birmingham airports have already upgraded and allow for the two-liter limit. Bristol and Belfast airports have also raised their liquid limits to two liters.
Inconsistent Rollout Across the UK
While many airports have adopted the new rules, others with the scanners installed are awaiting approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) to increase the liquid allowance from 100ml. A recent report by Which? indicated that the sensitivity of the new scanners at some airports has led to an increase in manual bag searches.
The path to these changes has been marked by delays. A promise in 2019 to eliminate the 100ml liquid rule by the end of 2022 was derailed by the pandemic. Subsequent government targets for full implementation by June 2024 were also missed, leading to confusion when some smaller airports briefly reinstated the 100ml rule in June 2024 following government guidance, only for the EU to also revert to the 100ml rule shortly after.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye stated the upgrades will allow passengers to spend “less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey.” The airport notes it is currently the only one of the world’s ten busiest airports to have removed the 100ml liquid restriction for international flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the liquid limit at Heathrow Airport now?
Passengers traveling from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers up to two liters in their hand luggage.
Do I still need to use plastic bags for liquids at Heathrow?
No, clear plastic bags for liquids are no longer required at Heathrow Airport security.
Is the 100ml rule in place at all UK airports?
No, the 100ml rule still applies at many UK airports that have not yet installed the new CT scanners or are awaiting approval from the Department for Transport to raise the limit.
As airports continue to upgrade their security systems, travelers should always check the specific rules in place at their departure and arrival airports to ensure a smooth journey.