Several UK airports have begun phasing out the long-standing 100 ml hand-luggage liquid restriction, following the installation of next-generation CT security scanners. However, the change is not universal, and for most UK travellers the rule still applies depending on the airport — and even the terminal.
The 100 ml limit was introduced in 2006 after security concerns around liquid explosives. Nearly two decades on, new scanning technology is finally allowing airports to relax those restrictions — but rollout across the UK remains uneven.
Several UK airports have confirmed the changes via their official passenger guidance.
UK Airports That Have Begun Lifting the 100 ml Rule
A small number of UK airports have confirmed that some or all security lanes now allow larger liquids in hand luggage, thanks to advanced CT scanners. These scanners can analyse liquids and electronics in far greater detail, removing the need for the old plastic-bag system.
Airports with confirmed progress:
- Heathrow Airport – New CT scanners have been rolled out across multiple terminals, allowing passengers in those lanes to carry liquids over 100 ml and keep electronics in their bags, as confirmed by Heathrow’s own passenger guidance updates.
- Gatwick Airport – Gatwick has introduced CT scanners at security, with passenger advice confirming relaxed liquid rules on equipped lanes.
- Birmingham Airport – One of the earliest UK airports to publicly confirm that passengers can carry larger liquids where new scanners are in use.
- Bristol Airport – Security upgrades mean liquids and laptops can remain in bags on CT-equipped lanes.
- Edinburgh Airport – Scotland’s first major airport to introduce CT scanners and relax liquid restrictions in active lanes.
- London City Airport – London City Airport has confirmed the removal of the 100 ml liquid restriction following the rollout of CT security scanners.
Important: Even at these airports, the relaxed rules may apply only to specific terminals or lanes. Airports continue to advise passengers to follow on-screen instructions at security.
UK Airports Where the 100 ml Rule Still Applies
At the majority of UK airports, passengers must still follow the traditional 100 ml liquid rule, including using clear resealable plastic bags and removing liquids from hand luggage.
This currently includes:
- Manchester
- Stansted
- Luton
- Liverpool
- Leeds Bradford
- Newcastle
- East Midlands
- Cardiff
- Southampton
- Glasgow
- Aberdeen
- Inverness
- Newquay
- Teesside
- Norwich
- Isle of Man
Some of these airports have installed CT scanners, but have not yet been cleared to remove the 100 ml limit, meaning liquids can stay in bags but must still be under 100 ml per container.
Why the Rollout Is Taking So Long
Although the UK Government previously set a target for all major airports to upgrade security scanners, delays have been caused by:
- High installation costs
- Space constraints in older terminals
- Ongoing regulatory approvals
- Temporary re-introductions of limits during system reviews
As a result, the UK now has a mixed system, where passengers may face different rules at departure and arrival airports — even within the same journey.
What Passengers Should Do Before Flying
- Always check your departure airport’s website before travelling
- Follow instructions at security, not assumptions
- If in doubt, pack liquids under 100 ml to avoid delays
- Remember: return flights from airports without CT scanners may still enforce the old rule
DM News Commentary
This staggered rollout is creating confusion for passengers — and for drivers dropping off at airports daily, it’s becoming a common talking point. Until the rules are standardised nationwide, the safest advice remains simple: assume the 100 ml rule applies unless clearly told otherwise at security.
For airports, consistency will be key. For now, the UK is stuck in a transition phase that feels more frustrating than freeing.
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