Eight UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid limit ahead of the October half-term, prompting fresh guidance for holidaymakers. Heathrow Airport, the UK's busiest, has issued an update for passengers, cautioning that "security requirements may vary by destination, both within and outside the UK."
New liquid rules at UK airports
Several UK airports have upgraded their security screening equipment, allowing passengers to take up to 2 litres of liquid through security. Travellers are no longer required to separate liquids from their hand luggage at these airports.
Heathrow confirmed the upgrade on its website, stating: "You can now keep liquids and large electronic items in your cabin bag, so getting through security is quicker and easier." The change is due to advanced CT scanners that provide security staff with detailed 3D images of bags.
Heathrow's top tips for passengers
Heathrow advised travellers to keep liquids in their cabin bag, carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres each, empty metal and insulated bottles before security, and keep laptops, tablets and other large electronic items in their bag.
However, Heathrow cautioned that "not all airports use the same security equipment." They added: "If you're flying from another UK or international airport, check the local security rules before you travel. Liquid limits and security checks may be different."
Airports with and without the 100ml rule
Many airports outside Heathrow still maintain a 100ml liquids limit, and numerous UK airports also retain the restriction. Airports that have ditched the 100ml rule include Belfast International, Belfast City, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
Airports that still enforce the 100ml liquid rule include Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow International, Glasgow Prestwick, Inverness, Isle of Man, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London City, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton and Teesside.
At airports that have eased requirements, travellers are no longer mandated to store liquids in a transparent plastic bag and can keep them in hand luggage during security screening. Since regulations can differ, it is advisable to verify directly with your departure airport, particularly ahead of the October half-term period.
