Get ready to pack your hand luggage with a new sense of freedom. The much-loathed 100ml liquid limit, a staple of airport security for nearly two decades, is finally being phased out at major UK airports.
London Stansted and London Gatwick are leading the charge, with both hubs confirming the installation of cutting-edge 3D security scanning technology. This upgrade signals the most significant change to airport security procedures since the rules were first introduced in 2006.
The End of the Tiny Toiletries Era
The current rules, which restrict passengers to carrying liquids in containers no larger than 100ml, all stored within a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, have long been a source of frustration for travellers. The new CT scanners, similar to those used in hospital settings, will provide security personnel with a highly detailed, three-dimensional view of a bag's contents.
This allows them to zoom in on suspicious items, rotate the image for closer inspection, and effectively differentiate between potential threats and harmless liquids. This enhanced capability renders the old blanket restrictions unnecessary.
A Staggered Rollout Across the UK
While the news is exciting, the transition won't happen overnight. The government has set a June 2024 deadline for all major UK airports to install this new generation of security equipment.
London City Airport successfully implemented the technology earlier this year, offering a glimpse into a more streamlined future. Travellers there can now leave liquids and laptops inside their bags during screening, drastically speeding up the process.
Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, is currently trialling the scanners and is in the process of rolling them out across its terminals. A spokesperson for Gatwick confirmed their new scanners are already in operation in one terminal, with the second set to be upgraded in 2024.
What This Means For Your Next Flight
Once the new systems are fully operational, passengers can expect:
- Larger liquids permitted: The 100ml limit will be scrapped. You'll be able to take up to two litres of liquids in your hand luggage.
- Simplified packing: No more hunting for miniature toiletries or struggling to fit everything into a tiny plastic bag.
- Faster security queues: With no need to remove liquids and electronics, the security process will become significantly quicker and less stressful.
This long-awaited modernization marks a new chapter for air travel, prioritising both enhanced security and a vastly improved passenger experience.
