Heathrow Drops 100ml Liquid Rule, Easing Security for Millions

Heathrow Airport has officially ended one of modern travel's most universal hassles: the 100ml limit on liquids in carry-on bags. The change, effective now for outbound passengers, comes after the completion of a major, billion-pound technology overhaul across its security halls.

The new generation of CT scanners, similar to those used in hospitals, provides security staff with highly detailed 3D images of bag contents. This allows passengers to leave liquids—in containers up to two litres—and electronic devices like laptops inside their hand luggage while proceeding through checkpoints. The often-fumbled requirement to present liquids in a single, clear plastic bag is also now a thing of the past.

For travellers, this marks the most significant shift in airport security procedures in nearly two decades. The 100ml rule was hastily introduced in 2006 following a foiled transatlantic terror plot. Its removal signals a move toward both enhanced security and a smoother passenger experience, reducing queue times and pre-flight stress.

The upgrade positions Heathrow, a critical global hub, alongside a small group of leading international airports that have adopted the new standard. Airport officials advise passengers to still check the rules of their destination and any connecting airports, as not all have implemented the new technology.