Heathrow Airport has lifted the long-standing 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage for outbound passengers, following the installation of new CT scanners. The £1bn upgrade allows travellers to carry containers holding up to two litres and keep electronic devices in their bags during security checks.
The restrictions, introduced in 2006 after a foiled transatlantic bomb plot, required passengers to place liquids in clear plastic bags and remove laptops and tablets for screening. Heathrow’s new computed tomography scanners provide 3D images of bag contents, eliminating these steps.
Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: “Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey.”
The rule change applies only to flights departing Heathrow. Travel experts warn that passengers carrying larger liquids may face restrictions on return flights from airports abroad, which may still enforce the 100ml limit. Passengers are advised to check local rules before boarding return journeys.
Heathrow estimates the new scanners will save nearly 16 million plastic bags annually. Other UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, and Edinburgh, have also installed the technology, though some, like London City and Luton, still apply a 100ml limit pending regulatory approval.
