A number of UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid limit – but the new rules are only in place at certain locations
Passengers travelling through certain UK airports can now carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage. This is due to the implementation of new 3D security scanners, which have led some airports to scrap the 100ml liquid limit.
Those arriving or departing from the UK can anticipate more streamlined security checks as these new 3D CT scanners begin to replace older systems at ten major airports. The long-standing rule restricting liquids to 100ml in hand luggage is being phased out, although this change is currently only in effect at a select number of airports – see the full list below.
These advanced security scanners allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage without the need to remove them at security. This cutting-edge technology has been rolled out at the following airports as part of the latest initiative by the UK government.
Airports with the new rule:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Leeds Bradford
- London City
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
For those transiting through the above-listed airports, liquids in containers of up to 100ml are still permitted. Bristol Live reports that the total quantity of liquids that can be carried in these containers is not restricted.
Passengers can keep their liquids in their hand luggage, eliminating the need for a separate resealable plastic bag. Travellers are also allowed to leave laptops and other electronic devices in their bags.
The latest state-of-the-art CT scanners have been engineered with superior 3D imaging technology. Unlike traditional X-ray machines that produce two-dimensional images, these new scanners create a more detailed, rotatable 3D visualisation of your luggage.
Since the introduction of the 100ml liquid limit in 2006, travellers have become accustomed to unpacking their bags at security checkpoints. However, these innovative scanners aim to revolutionise this process, saving time and reducing stress at airport security.
Airports still adhering to the old rule include:
- Aberdeen
- Bournemouth
- Cardiff
- East Midlands
- Glasgow
- Glasgow Prestwick
- Heathrow
- Inverness
- Isle of Man
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Newquay
- Norwich
- Southampton
- Stansted
For those airports yet to upgrade to the new 3D security scanners, the 100ml liquid restriction remains in place. This regulation stipulates that every liquid container in your hand luggage must not exceed 100ml.
All liquid containers must be kept in a single clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag should not exceed dimensions of 20cm x 20cm and must have a maximum capacity of one litre. Certain liquids, such as essential medications, liquids for specific dietary needs, and baby food or milk, are exempt from the 100ml limit.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport confirmed that the new airport security measures, including those pertaining to liquids in hand luggage, are not being implemented nationwide, with timelines differing at each individual airport. Travellers entering and exiting the UK are encouraged to verify the current regulations of their specific airport prior to packing to prevent any unexpected restrictions.
Many airports did not meet the initial government deadline of June 2024 for installing new, enhanced security scanners. The revised deadline for airports to completely transition to these new scanners is now June 2025. However, at this time, only London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, and Teesside have implemented them.
The restriction on liquids during flights was introduced in 2006 after British police successfully thwarted an Islamist terror plot to detonate explosives on transatlantic flights. The perpetrators planned to disguise liquid explosives as soft drinks in their carry-on luggage.