For years, UK travelers have faced lengthy security lines and the hassle of decanting toiletries into tiny bottles. Now, a new era of convenience has arrived: as of 2025, the United Kingdom has officially lifted the 100-millilitre liquid restriction for hand luggage at major airports, thanks to the nationwide rollout of advanced CT security scanners.
Previously, passengers were required to separate all liquids—each container no larger than 100ml—into transparent plastic bags for inspection, a measure designed to address the limitations of legacy security equipment.
Today, Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City airports are at the forefront of innovation, utilizing state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners. These systems generate ultra-detailed 3D imagery, empowering security professionals to examine cabin bags from every perspective without requiring removal of liquids or electronics.
London City Airport was among the first to complete a full transition to this new technology, following a successful pilot. Since then, passengers have enjoyed streamlined screening where liquids and laptops remain in their bags, dramatically improving the travel experience.
Following directives from the Department for Transport, all major UK airports have now phased out traditional x-ray machines in favor of these next-generation CT scanners. This initiative was completed by spring 2025, sharply reducing security wait times and congestion.
Prior to the upgrade, Heathrow reported that approximately 60 percent of bag rejections stemmed from improperly packed liquids—a key driver of delays and manual checks. Gatwick previously saw as many as 10,000 hand luggage rejections daily for similar reasons. The adoption of CT scanning has nearly eliminated these issues, enhancing both efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
This transformation not only expedites security but also contributes to sustainability, as fewer single-use plastic bags are needed. However, travelers should always verify current procedures at their departure airport, as some regional terminals may still be finalizing their upgrades.
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