UK airports have been rolling out new scanners that mean you won’t need to stick to 100ml liquid rules at airport security – and another has lifted restrictions just in time for the summer holidays
Edinburgh Airport has become the latest UK hub to lift the 100ml liquid rule at airport security, just in time for the summer holidays.
The airport joins the likes of London City Airport, which has already lifted the rule, rolling out new scanners which means you can have more than 100ml liquids in your bag, and you won’t need to remove them from your luggage when you go through security. It could be a game-changer for queues, as the hope is that these will be faster as everyone won’t need to faff around trying to remove everything from their luggage.
Under the new rules, passengers in Edinburgh Airport won’t need to stick to 100ml containers for their liquids, nor will they need to remove these from their bag. However, there are still a handful of restrictions.
The airport’s website has already been updated to explain the changes to holidaymakers. The statement explains: “You can now bring through up to two litres of liquids through security.
“Liquids can stay in your bag – there’s no longer any need to remove these.
“You can bring multiple containers, as long as the containers are up to two litres.
“If you are carrying metallic or double walled containers (including vacuum flasks, thermos flasks and metallic water bottles), please ensure the container is empty prior to the security checkpoint. You can then top up your bottles for free after security.
“Bear in mind that all gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures (including food) and pressurised containers also count as liquids!”
You can find out more on edinburghairport.com.
There’s more good news for UK travellers as the high tech scanners are currently being installed at all UK airports. Although there originally was a deadline of June 2025, the Department for Transport has indefinitely delayed this, as supply chain issues meant that larger airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick could not feasibly meet the deadline, although they did manage to roll out some of the scanners in parts of their terminals.
The move can be a little confusing though, as there is no longer a standard 100ml rule across all UK airports. For example in London Gatwick the 100ml liquid rule still applies, but passengers won’t need to remove all containers from their luggage.
If you’re due to travel this summer, you’ll need to check the information for your chosen airport specifically, to avoid getting caught out and having to down your waters or throw out toiletries because you’ve accidentally fallen foul of the rules.
It’s also worth checking the rules at your destination for the way back. For example, the majority of European airports in hotspots like Spain, France and Portugal will still have the 100ml liquids rule in place, and require you to remove these from your bag when you go through security.
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