The Removal of the 100ml Rule at UK Airports: Everything You Need to Know

The UK government is upgrading airport security scanners nationwide with cutting-edge technology designed to improve traffic flow and the passenger experience while maintaining high screening standards. As part of this upgrade, the 100ml liquids rule will be scrapped, much to passengers' delight.

However, not all airports have met the June 2024 deadline. The UK government has granted extensions of up to a year for all airports to comply. While many UK airports have transitioned, they have been told to reinstate the 100ml rule due to problems with the new scanners.

The 100ml rule was introduced in 2006 following a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on transatlantic flights. To prevent similar attacks, passengers were prohibited from carrying liquids over 100ml in their hand luggage. These liquids had to be in containers no larger than 100ml, placed in a transparent, resealable bag, with passengers limited to one bag each.

The 100ml rule was never intended to be permanent, but technological delays kept it in force for nearly two decades. The UK government's efforts to streamline security processes include installing new CT scanners at airports. These scanners will reduce queuing times, improve passenger experience, and better detect potential threats. The advanced screening technology allows for the eventual removal of the 100ml liquids rule. Additionally, large electronics like tablets and laptops can remain in carry-on bags during screening.

Travelers can expect the complete removal of the 100ml rule at major airports by 2025. The carry-on liquid limit at these airports will increase to 2 liters and is already in force at some major airports. However, travelers should check security requirements at all points of their journey, as some transfer or return airports may still enforce the 100ml rule.

All UK airports were supposed to have the new technology available by now, but many are behind schedule and will not fully implement it until next year. Airports that have not yet complied now have until June 2025 to ensure full coverage. A UK government statement acknowledged the logistical challenges, including significant construction work needed to install the new equipment.

Larger airports face the worst logistical complications. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Bristol, and Manchester are among those still in the process of installing CT scanners across all lanes, with completion dates extending into 2025.

The UK government has temporarily reinstated the 100ml rule at all airports due to long queues at security lines. Issues with scanners misidentifying objects as threats have overburdened security officers with manual checks. This temporary reinstatement allows for further improvements to the new checkpoint systems.

Seven UK airports that had already removed the 100ml rule—London City, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Leeds-Bradford, London Southend, Newcastle, and Teesside—will reintroduce the requirement temporarily. By summer 2025, provided all airports meet the new deadline, the new scanners and the relaxed liquid rules should be in place nationwide.