Heathrow security scanner rollout ends liquid rule

26 Jan 2026 Heathrow 1

London Heathrow has finally completed the rollout of its new CT scanners at all passenger screening checkpoints, meaning an end to the time-consuming liquid and laptop rule.

Air travellers no longer have to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage.

The much-derided 100ml limit on liquids in cabin baggage, which has been in force for years, is now scrapped.

It was brought in in 2006 due to potential risks over liquid-based explosives.

The CT scanners can monitor the contents of bags via a 3D image.

The screening tech has also been rolled out fully at Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Edinburgh Airports.

“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology,” Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye said.

The airport forecasts that the new rules will cut down on the use of about 16 million sealable plastic bags annually.