Airport Security: New 100Ml Rule Changes Explained

The 100ml liquid rule for cabin luggage at airports is undergoing a change. The rule, which was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot to blow up planes with liquid explosives, has been a staple of airport security checkpoints. In June 2024, the UK government announced that the rule would be temporarily scrapped across the UK as new 3D scanning technology is implemented in major airports. This new technology will improve security and enhance the passenger experience, reducing the hassle of removing liquids and electronics at security checkpoints. While some airports have already adopted the new scanners, others are still in the trial phase, and passengers are advised to check the rules for carrying liquids at their departure and return airports.

100ml Airport Rule Change Characteristics and Values Table

The 100ml liquid rule was reinstated in 2024 due to a temporary technical issue with new security scanners

The 100ml liquid rule was reinstated in 2024, causing a stir among travellers who had hoped for more relaxed regulations. The rule, which limits the amount of liquid a passenger can carry in their cabin luggage to containers of 100ml, was put back in place due to a technical issue with the new security scanners.

The UK government had initially set a deadline of June 2024 for airports to install new security technology, which would have brought an end to the 100ml liquid rule. This change was highly anticipated by travellers, who have long been accustomed to the inconvenience of transferring their liquids into tiny bottles and the hassle of removing them at security checkpoints.

However, it appears that the rollout of the new technology faced some challenges. Despite the significant investment in next-generation security, including CT X-ray scanners and advanced threat detection algorithms, some airports experienced issues with their new equipment. The new scanners were reported to be raising alarms for a high percentage of luggage, indicating potential malfunctions. As a result, the government made a last-minute decision to temporarily reinstate the 100ml liquid rule while they worked on resolving the technical problems.

This decision affected six regional airports in the UK: London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Southend, and Teesside. These airports had previously been operating the new security scanners and had the freedom to scrap the 100ml liquid rule. However, with the technical issues arising, they had to revert to the old restrictions. The transport secretary, Mark Harper, assured travellers that this was only a temporary measure and that updates would be provided when the situation changed.

The UK government set a deadline of June 2024 for airports to install new security technology, but many airports missed the deadline

The UK government set a deadline of June 2024 for airports to install new security technology, specifically next-generation security scanners. These 3D scanners can produce detailed images that can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing for improved threat detection. The new technology would also streamline the security process, as passengers would no longer need to remove liquids and electronics from their hand luggage.

However, several UK airports, including some of the busiest like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, missed the June 2024 deadline. This delay was due to various challenges, including the need for significant construction work to accommodate the new equipment and issues with the global supply chain. As a result, the UK government granted extensions to some airports, understanding the logistical difficulties they faced.

During this transition period, airports that have installed the new scanners have allowed travellers to keep liquids in their carry-on bags, but with a 100ml limit. This temporary measure was necessary because the new scanners were incorrectly flagging harmless items as potential threats, causing security delays as staff had to manually check each item.

While there is no set date for when the rules will be relaxed again, the UK government is working with manufacturers, airports, and international partners to address the technical issues and lift the restrictions as soon as possible. In the meantime, passengers are advised to follow the existing 100ml liquid rule and check their airport's website for specific guidelines.

Despite the introduction of new 3D scanners, travellers will still need to follow the 100ml liquid rule until further notice

The 100ml liquid rule for airport security, introduced in 2006, is set to change. The rule was implemented after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight using liquid explosives was foiled. Since then, travellers have had to carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in 100ml containers, stored in a transparent plastic bag.

However, airports are now introducing 3D scanners, which can produce detailed 3D images of bag contents, allowing staff to rotate the images 360 degrees. This means travellers will be able to carry up to 2 litres of liquid in their carry-on luggage. Despite this, many airports have been unable to install the new scanners, including some of the UK's busiest airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted.

As a result, travellers are advised to follow the existing 100ml liquid rule until further notice. This is because new scanners were incorrectly flagging harmless items as potential threats, causing delays as staff had to manually check each item. While some airports, such as Bristol, have allowed travellers to keep liquids in their bags, they must still be 100ml or less. Therefore, it is recommended to check the rules for your specific airport before travelling.

Although there is currently no set date for when the rules will be relaxed, the UK government is working with manufacturers, airports, and international partners to lift the restrictions when possible.

The liquid restrictions were introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight using liquid explosives was foiled

The 100ml liquid restriction rule for cabin luggage was introduced in 2006 after a plot to bomb a transatlantic flight using liquid explosives was foiled. The plot, known as the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, involved plans to use peroxide-based liquid explosives, specifically acetone peroxide (TATP), which is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction and can be initiated with fire or an electrical charge. The conspirators intended to construct and detonate the devices mid-flight. The liquid explosives would be placed in 500ml plastic bottles of soft drinks, with a sugary drink powder mixed in to resemble a normal beverage.

In response to the plot, the Metropolitan Police implemented a ban on all liquids, except for baby milk, for flights between the United States and the United Kingdom. This restriction caused significant disruption and was met with criticism from individuals and organizations, including the chief executive of British Airways, Willie Walsh, who argued that the measures were damaging the UK's reputation from a business perspective.

Over time, the liquid restrictions were gradually relaxed, with limited volumes of liquids permitted in the cabin starting in November 2006. However, the specific rule limiting liquids to 100ml containers for carry-on luggage was introduced later and has been in place across most airports worldwide since 2006. This rule requires travellers to carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers no larger than 100ml, stored in a transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

While there have been recent moves to relax the 100ml liquid limit rule with the introduction of advanced 3D scanners at airports, technical issues with the new equipment have led to a temporary reinstatement of the 100ml restriction across many airports. As of 2025, there is no confirmed date for when the rules will be permanently relaxed, and travellers are advised to continue adhering to the 100ml liquid restriction for the time being.

The new 3D scanners will improve security and convenience for passengers, but there have been challenges with installation

The new 3D scanners will improve security and convenience for passengers, allowing them to carry up to 2 litres of liquids in their carry-on luggage. This will eliminate the need for travellers to remove liquids and electronics from their bags during security checks, reducing queuing times and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

However, the installation of these new scanners has faced several challenges. Firstly, there have been supply chain issues and major construction work requirements associated with installing the scanners. The X-ray machines used are similar to those in hospitals and are very heavy, sometimes requiring floor reinforcement. This has caused delays in the installation process, with many airports missing the initial June 2024 deadline.

Another challenge has been the accuracy of the scanners. In some cases, the new scanners have mistakenly flagged harmless items as potential threats, leading to long security delays as staff had to manually check each item. This issue was cited as a reason for the temporary reinstatement of the 100ml liquid rule in some airports, even those with the new scanners installed.

While the new 3D scanners offer improved security and convenience, the challenges with their installation have resulted in a mixed rollout across airports. As a result, passengers have faced confusion and uncertainty, with varying liquid restrictions depending on the airport. It is expected that these issues will be resolved over time, with a full implementation of the new scanners and a relaxation of liquid restrictions across all airports in the future.

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