- Mr Plane Guy
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Plane News: Heathrow Airport Ends Liquids Removal, Yes Really
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger, Flight Expert & Heathrow Regular
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and take action, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep MrPlaneGuy.com running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes).
If you’ve spent the last two decades panic-decanting shampoo into tiny plastic bottles at the airport, Heathrow has some genuinely good news. Heathrow liquid rules 2026 have been updated.
The airport has confirmed it has completed a £1 billion rollout of new CT security scanners, meaning passengers no longer need to remove liquids or large electronic devices from their hand luggage when going through security.
That means:
Laptops and tablets stay in your bag
Liquids stay in your bag
No more clear plastic bags
Individual liquid containers can be up to two litres
Yes, two litres. That’s not a typo.
Why Heathrow Security Has Changed
The upgrade is powered by next-generation CT security scanners, which create highly detailed 3D images of what’s inside your bag. This allows security staff to detect threats without passengers unpacking half their cabin baggage at the trays.
Heathrow says it is now the largest airport in the world to roll out the technology across all passengers a rare moment where the airport is genuinely ahead of the curve.
For travellers, this means less time stressing at security… and more time grabbing a coffee, heading to airport lounges at Heathrow, or starting the trip without immediately questioning life choices.
Other UK Airports With the New Scanners
Heathrow isn’t alone. Several UK airports have already completed the rollout, including:
Gatwick
Birmingham
Bristol
Edinburgh
Gatwick actually made the switch last year, quietly allowing passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags, handy if you’re heading straight through to a Gatwick lounge rather than wrestling with security trays.
Some airports, including London City, Luton and Teesside, are using the new scanners too, but for now still limit liquids to 100ml containers, pending final regulatory approval.
Why This Is a Big Deal
The strict liquid rules were introduced in 2006, following a foiled terror plot involving liquid explosives on transatlantic flights from London.
Since then, airport security, not turbulence has become one of the most stressful parts of flying. Heathrow says the new scanners will:
Reduce security delays
Cut down on manual bag checks
Save nearly 16 million single-use plastic bags every year
In short: faster queues, less plastic, fewer arguments with security staff over a forgotten lip balm.
Heathrow CEO: Less Hassle, Better Journeys
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said:
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey and millions fewer single-use plastic bags.”
He added that the £1bn investment ensures passengers can continue to expect a smooth experience at the UK’s busiest airport.
Plane Tip:
Security rules may have changed, but airline hand luggage allowances haven’t. Before you celebrate by packing half your bathroom, it’s still worth checking:
Your long-haul flight essentials, especially on intercontinental routes from Heathrow
With security now quicker, the real question is what you do with the extra time airside?
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