Heathrow Removes 100ml Liquid Limit After Completing CT Scanner Rollout

Heathrow Airport has finished deploying advanced CT security scanners throughout its four terminals, resulting in the end of the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage. This operational change affects all passengers passing through Heathrow security checkpoints.

With the new scanners in place, travelers at Heathrow are now permitted to carry liquids in containers of up to two litres in their hand luggage. The previous restriction, which limited containers to 100ml, is no longer enforced at this airport.

Passengers are also no longer required to remove liquids or large electronic devices from their bags during security screening at Heathrow. The airport is now the largest in the world to have fully implemented this next-generation scanning technology.

The 100ml liquid limit was introduced in 2006 after an attempted attack involving liquid explosives. The updated security process at Heathrow marks a change from procedures that have been in place for nearly two decades.

What the numbers show

• Heathrow estimates almost 16 million single-use plastic bags will be saved each year
• Passengers can now bring liquid containers up to two litres through security
• The 100ml liquid rule had been in effect at UK airports since 2006

Other UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick, and Edinburgh, have also completed the rollout of the same CT scanner technology. These airports have similarly updated their security procedures following the installation of the new equipment.

At several other airports such as London City, Luton, and Teesside, the new scanners have been installed, but the 100ml liquid limit remains in place until regulatory approval is granted. This means that not all UK airports have yet removed the restriction.

The introduction of the new scanners at Heathrow is expected to streamline the security process for passengers. The airport has stated that the change will also contribute to a reduction in single-use plastic bag consumption.

Heathrow’s completion of the CT scanner rollout and the removal of the 100ml liquid rule represent a notable update to airport security procedures in the UK. The operational change aligns Heathrow with other major airports that have adopted similar technology and policies.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.