Heathrow Airport has implemented a new security policy allowing passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their bags, making it the largest airport globally to adopt this change just in time for the upcoming half-term holidays. The airport recently completed the deployment of advanced CT scanners, enabling travelers to leave electronics like laptops in their luggage and eliminating the need for clear plastic bags for liquids. Several other UK airports, including Gatwick, Bristol, Belfast Edinburgh, and Birmingham, have also increased the liquid limit to two litres with the installation of similar scanners.
Previously, most UK airports restricted liquid containers to 100ml in carry-on bags, necessitating their removal and placement in clear plastic bags. Airports with the new scanners are awaiting approval from the Department for Transport (DfT) to raise the liquid limit beyond 100ml. Heathrow emphasized that the new scanners provide enhanced imaging capabilities for cabin bags, enabling faster and more efficient security checks while maintaining high safety standards. However, the relaxed liquid rule only applies to outbound flights from Heathrow, and passengers are advised to verify luggage restrictions at their departure airports before flying to the UK.
Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, highlighted that the £1 billion upgrades at the airport will streamline the security process, allowing passengers to spend less time preparing for screening and more time enjoying their travel experience. Among the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow is the sole airport to abolish the 100ml liquid container limit for international flights.
A spokesperson from the DfT praised Heathrow for completing the rollout of advanced security equipment, ensuring robust security checks can be conducted efficiently. Passengers are urged to check security guidelines with airports before traveling and to carry liquids in containers not exceeding 100ml in hand luggage unless instructed otherwise.
The nationwide deployment of the new high-tech scanners has faced various challenges in recent years. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged to eliminate the 100ml liquid container rule by the end of 2022, but the pandemic delayed this initiative. In December 2022, the Conservative government committed to installing state-of-the-art scanning equipment in security lanes by June 2024, marking a significant overhaul of airport security regulations in decades.
Former Transport Secretary Mark Harper remarked that the era of “tiny toiletry” dominance was coming to an end. While the June 2024 deadline proved unattainable for major airports, several smaller ones with fewer lanes managed to implement the new scanners.