New airport rule keeps catching people out | Travel News | Travel
Since January, thanks to new CT scanners, passengers flying from some UK airports have been allowed to carry up to two liters of liquid in their hand luggage, instead of the long-standing 100ml rule. In a statement, Heathrow Airport said: “Passengers traveling across all terminals no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their hand luggage or fiddle with plastic bags at security. The UK hub has become the world’s largest airport to fully introduce next-generation CT (computed tomography) scanners, promising faster queues, less stress and a smoother start to journeys.”
UK airports removing 100ml rule
- Belfast International
- City of Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
However, the change was not implemented everywhere; many airports still enforce the 100ml limit and require liquids to be removed and placed in clear plastic bags.
Exemptions remain for essential medicines, baby formula and milk, as well as special dietary requirements. To avoid delays or security officers confiscating their belongings, passengers are urged to check their airport’s rules before flying, especially ahead of the busy Easter period.
Reacting to the change, one traveler flying from Gatwick Airport wrote on Reddit: “Makes the journey a little less stressful. Leave everything in your bag, including your laptop.”
Another added: “Same in Edinburgh, this is really handy.” A third explained: “This is because of the new generation of scanners that allow more liquids and you don’t need to take out laptops. But only a few airports have these scanners so far.”
But not everyone is convinced. One user said: “This change won’t work until all major airports follow suit. It’s fine on the way out, but if your return airport still has the old rules you’re throwing things away. This also causes confusion, especially when different airports in London have different rules. It should be all or nothing.”
Another added: “I’ve been traveling with just my carry-on bag for years and won’t be going back. There’s something liberating about not carrying full-sized toiletries when you only need a small amount.”
