Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Rule After £1bn Security Upgrade
Passengers travelling through Heathrow Airport no longer need to remove liquids or electronics at security.
The change followed a £1bn investment in next-generation CT security scanners across all terminals. Travellers can now carry liquids in containers of up to two litres through security. Passengers can also keep laptops and tablets inside their hand luggage.
Heathrow confirmed the upgrade is live at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. The airport became the world’s largest hub to fully roll out this technology.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said “The change reduced preparation time and plastic waste.” He added that “Passengers now spend less time queuing and more time enjoying their journey.”
New Rules for Liquids and Cabin Bags
Liquids up to two litres can remain inside cabin bags at all Heathrow checkpoints. Refillable metal or double-walled bottles must still be emptied before screening. Passengers can refill these containers once they clear security.
Baby food and baby milk are permitted in the cabin under specific conditions. Breast milk must be liquid, not frozen, and stored in clear containers. Metal or insulated containers remain prohibited for baby liquids.
Liquid medicines exceeding two litres are allowed when required during the flight. Passengers must carry supporting documents such as prescriptions or medical letters.
Explosive, flammable or toxic liquids remain banned from hand and hold luggage.
UK Airports Still Applying the 100ml Rule
Heathrow joined Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh in scrapping the 100ml rule.
Several other UK airports continue enforcing traditional liquid restrictions, they include:
- Aberdeen •
- Bournemouth
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Glasgow International
- Glasgow Prestwick
- Inverness
- Isle of Man
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- Luton
- Manchester
- Newcastle
- Newquay
- Norwich
- Southampton
- Southend
- Stansted
- Teesside
These include Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Newcastle and Glasgow International. Passengers should always check airport-specific rules before travelling.
The UK government removed blanket restrictions once scanners met required standards. However, airports adopted the changes at different speeds.
How CT Scanners Improve Airport Security
CT scanners use advanced X-ray technology to create detailed 3D baggage images. Security staff can rotate images to identify threats more accurately.
The scanners detect explosives without unpacking bags or separating liquids. Passengers no longer need clear plastic bags where CT scanners operate. Laptops, cameras and tablets can also stay inside carry-on luggage.
What Passengers Should Still Remember
Hand luggage allowances still depend on airline policies. Items resembling weapons remain prohibited at security checkpoints.
Some destinations enforce biosecurity rules affecting food and toiletries. Battery packs must meet airline and destination safety requirements.
Heathrow advised passengers to check rules when flying through other airports.