Roberta Aguirre
The rules around liquids in hand luggage at airports have been a source of confusion for travellers in recent years, with a two-tiered system in place across UK airports. In 2024, some airports with upgraded security scanners relaxed the longstanding 100ml liquid limit, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquid in their hand luggage. However, in June 2024, the UK Department for Transport ordered airports to reinstate the 100ml limit, with a new deadline of June 2025 for full implementation of the new scanners. While the new scanners are designed to improve passenger experience and enhance security, their rollout has been delayed due to supply chain issues and logistical challenges. Until the new scanners are fully implemented, travellers should expect a mix of rules depending on the airport and even the queue, with some airports allowing liquids to remain in bags and others requiring separate screening in plastic bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deadline for changes | June 2025 |
| Liquid limit | 2 litres |
| Container limit | 100ml |
| Container type | Transparent, resealable plastic bag |
| Bag size | 20cm x 20cm |
| Number of bags | 1 per person |
| Contents | Must fit comfortably inside the bag |
| Duty-free liquids | Must be in a sealed security bag with the receipt inside |
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What You'll Learn
- The 100ml liquid rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot
- The UK government plans to upgrade security scanners, improving the passenger experience
- The new scanners give security staff a 3D image of a bag, removing the need for separate liquid scanning
- The new liquid rules will be in place by 2025, but some airports have already made the transition
- The rules for liquids in hand luggage differ between UK airports, causing confusion for passengers
The 100ml liquid rule was introduced in 2006 after a foiled terrorist plot
The plot involved terrorists planning to carry liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks onboard. In response, authorities implemented a restriction on the volume of liquids allowed in hand luggage, limiting passengers to containers holding no more than 100ml of liquid. This restriction aimed to prevent large volumes of dangerous substances from being smuggled in seemingly harmless drink bottles or containers. The rule applied to various liquids, including drinks, liquid or semi-liquid foods, cosmetics, toiletries, sprays, pastes, gels, and contact lens solutions.
The introduction of the 100ml liquid rule was one of the unprecedented security measures that caused initial chaos at airports, with hundreds of flight cancellations and long queues. The restriction has been adjusted over the years, with some airports now allowing up to 2 litres of liquids in hand luggage due to the installation of advanced security scanners.
While the 100ml liquid rule has been a longstanding inconvenience for travellers, it is a reminder of the critical role of security measures in ensuring the safety of air travel. The impact of the foiled 2006 plot extended beyond the initial disruption, shaping airport security procedures globally and influencing the way passengers prepare for air travel today.
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The UK government plans to upgrade security scanners, improving the passenger experience
The UK government is planning to upgrade security scanners at airports across the country, which will improve the passenger experience and enhance security. The new scanners will use computed tomography (CT) technology, similar to that used in medical scanners, to analyse the molecular structure of a passenger's bag. This will provide security staff with a 3D image of the bag's contents, allowing for a more sophisticated assessment of potential threats. This technology has already been implemented at some major airports, including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, and Teesside.
The upgrade is expected to be complete by June 2025, with a previous deadline of June 2024 extended due to supply chain issues and logistical challenges. The new scanners will eliminate the need for separate liquid scanning and the current 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage. Passengers will be allowed to carry up to 2 litres of liquids onboard, although liquids in vacuum flasks must be poured out as the scanners cannot penetrate the double layer of insulation.
The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after British police foiled a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. While the new scanners will improve the passenger experience, some have raised concerns about the accuracy of the technology. In 2024, the European Commission temporarily reintroduced the liquid limit at some airports due to these concerns. However, the UK government is working with manufacturers and international partners to ensure improvements are made.
The upgraded scanners will also allow passengers to leave laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices inside their bags at security, improving traffic flow and reducing the time spent at checkpoints. This change has already been implemented at some airports, but the roll-out has been slow, and some airports have had to reintroduce the old rules due to issues with the new scanners. Overall, the UK government's plan to upgrade security scanners is a positive step towards improving the passenger experience and enhancing security at airports nationwide.
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The new scanners give security staff a 3D image of a bag, removing the need for separate liquid scanning
The UK government has been working to upgrade security scanners at airports across the country. The new CT scanners use computed tomography (the same technology as medical scanners) to analyse the molecular structure of the contents of a passenger’s bag and provide security staff with a 3D image. This means that passengers will no longer need to remove electronics or liquids from their cabin bags. The new scanners are also capable of detecting potential threats and analysing whether laptops and other electronic equipment present a danger.
The UK's 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after British police foiled a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. The rule has been a source of frustration for travellers, who have had to ensure that liquids are in containers no larger than 100ml and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag.
In 2019, Boris Johnson vowed to ease the 100ml liquid rule by 2022, but the deadline was later extended to June 2024. However, due to supply chain issues and logistical challenges, many airports missed this deadline and were instructed to revert to the original 100ml limit. As of April 2025, the new scanners have been installed at London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, and Teesside airports.
While the new scanners will enhance security and improve the passenger experience, there is currently a confusing two-tiered system in place across UK airports, with different rules for liquids in hand luggage. It is expected that the 100ml liquid rule will be completely removed by 2025, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquids onboard.
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The new liquid rules will be in place by 2025, but some airports have already made the transition
The UK government has been working to ease liquid restrictions at airports, with a deadline of June 2024 set for the installation of new security scanners. These scanners use computed tomography (CT) to provide a 3D image of a bag's contents, allowing security staff to assess potential threats more effectively. However, due to supply chain issues and logistical challenges, many airports missed this deadline, leading to an extended deadline of June 2025.
Some airports, such as Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, and Teesside, have already installed the new scanners and implemented relaxed liquid rules. At these airports, passengers can carry up to 2 litres of liquids in their hand luggage, and liquids no longer need to be removed from cabin bags or placed in separate plastic bags.
Despite these advancements, the liquid rules still vary across different UK airports, creating a confusing two-tiered system. As a result, passengers are advised to check the security requirements at all points of their journey, as the departing airport may accept liquids above 100ml, but a connecting or returning airport may not.
It is important to note that even with the new scanners, some restrictions on liquids remain in place. For example, liquids in vacuum flasks must be poured out before passing through security, as the scanners cannot penetrate the double layer of insulation. Additionally, passengers will still need to remove items such as jackets and belts before walking through the metal detector arch.
Overall, while the new liquid rules are expected to be fully implemented by 2025, the transition has already begun at several airports, improving the passenger experience and streamlining security checks.
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The rules for liquids in hand luggage differ between UK airports, causing confusion for passengers
Currently, the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage is still in place at most UK airports. This restriction was introduced in 2006 following a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives. Passengers are required to place liquids in containers no larger than 100ml and use a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. These rules can be a source of confusion for travellers, especially when different airports have different regulations.
Some UK airports have already implemented advanced imaging scanners, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquids and keep their electronics in hand baggage during security checks. However, due to challenges with the new scanners, some airports have been instructed to reinstate the 100ml rule temporarily. This inconsistency has caused uncertainty among travellers, who are unsure of the regulations at their departure, transfer, and return airports.
To navigate these varying rules, passengers are advised to check the security requirements at all stages of their journey. While an airport may permit liquids in containers larger than 100ml, a connecting or return airport might not have the same allowance. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the restrictions on liquids purchased at airports or on planes. These liquids must remain sealed in a security bag with the receipt inside until the final destination is reached.
The UK government is working towards ensuring that all airport security scanners are upgraded nationwide. The new technology is designed to enhance the passenger experience and maintain high screening standards. In the meantime, travellers are encouraged to stay informed about the rules at their specific departure, transfer, and return airports to ensure a smooth journey.
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Frequently asked questions
The liquid rules at airports are changing in 2025. The UK government has given airports until June 2025 to ensure full coverage.
The new liquid rules will allow passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquid on board. Liquids will also be allowed to remain inside bags and don't need to be placed in a separate plastic bag.
The liquid rules were originally put in place in 2006 after British police foiled a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights. The new liquid rules are being implemented following the installation of next-generation scanners at airports.
