UK Airport Becomes Largest to Allow 2-Litre Liquids
London Heathrow Airport has officially completed the installation of next-generation CT security scanners across all terminals, allowing passengers to keep liquids up to two litres inside their hand luggage. Laptops and other electronics can now also remain in bags, removing the need for separate trays and speeding up the security process.
With the upgrade, Heathrow becomes the largest airport in the world to fully adopt the new technology. The airport claims the system can process thousands of passengers per hour with greater efficiency while maintaining high levels of safety and security.
New System Reduces Restrictions, but Only for Departing Flights
The updated rules apply to passengers departing from Heathrow, and travelers are advised to check security restrictions at return airports, as rules may differ abroad. While Heathrow has taken a leading role, other UK airports have introduced similar systems in recent years. Gatwick, Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, and Birmingham have all raised their liquid limits to two litres on certain flights.
However, several other airports equipped with the scanners are still waiting for approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) before increasing the limit beyond the long-standing 100ml rule.
Rollout Delays and Confusion for Travelers
The transition has faced multiple setbacks. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had pledged the end of the 100ml rule by 2022, but the pandemic delayed implementation. A subsequent June 2024 deadline set by the Conservative government also proved unachievable for major airports with large, complex security operations.
The shifting regulations have caused confusion among passengers, especially after smaller airports that had already dropped the 100ml rule were told to reintroduce it in June 2024. The EU also briefly reinstated the original restrictions, adding to the inconsistency across Europe.
Industry Reaction
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye described the £1 billion upgrade as a major milestone that allows passengers to spend less time preparing for security checks and more time enjoying their journey. Travel industry groups, however, have urged better communication. The Advantage Travel Partnership warned that airports working on different timelines have frustrated passengers and caused unnecessary delays.
What Travelers Should Know Now
According to the DfT, airports are responsible for the installation and operation of their own security systems. Travelers are advised to:
- Check airport security rules before flying
- Assume the 100ml rule applies unless clearly stated otherwise
- Keep liquids within updated limits for departing flights
Of the world’s 10 busiest airports, Heathrow is currently the only one to remove the 100ml liquids cap for international departures.
