Heathrow Airport has confirmed that passengers travelling through all four terminals no longer need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage after completing a £1 billion rollout of next-generation security scanners.
In an official announcement published by Heathrow’s Media Centre, the airport said the installation of advanced CT scanners means the long-standing 100ml liquid restriction is no longer required at security, and laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can now remain inside bags.
The new scanners generate highly detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security staff to assess items without passengers unpacking their belongings. Heathrow said this removes one of the most frustrating and time-consuming parts of the airport experience, particularly during busy travel periods.
Passengers travelling through Heathrow will now be able to carry full-size liquids, toiletries, and drinks through security, subject to airline restrictions, without using plastic bags. The airport said this change alone will save around 16 million single-use plastic bags every year.
Heathrow added that the upgrade is designed to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion, helping travellers move through security more quickly and with less stress. The airport also reported that over 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes at security last year, a figure it expects to improve further with the new technology fully operational.
DM News Commentary
This is a major quality-of-life change for passengers using Heathrow — and one that will be instantly noticeable.
The removal of the 100ml liquid rule and the need to unpack electronics simplifies the entire airport journey. For many travellers, especially families, business passengers, and frequent flyers, security has long been the most stressful pinch point. Streamlining that process should make journey times more predictable.
For taxi and private hire drivers, smoother security can mean less erratic passenger behaviour at drop-off, fewer last-minute delays, and more reliable pickup times on arrival. When passengers move through terminals faster, collections tend to be more organised — something drivers will quietly appreciate.
It also brings Heathrow in line with what passengers increasingly expect from modern airports: less hassle, fewer rules to remember, and a more straightforward start to their journey.
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