Heathrow Eases Liquid Limits in Major Boost for Global Tourism and Passenger Travel

London (Visas & Travels) — In what travellers are calling a game-changing moment for aviation security and passenger convenience, London’s Heathrow Airport has officially eased decades-old liquid restrictions and modernised its security screening process following a £1 billion infrastructure upgrade. The move, rolled out across all four of the airport’s terminals this week, eliminates the long-standing 100 millilitre liquids rule and removes the need to remove laptops, tablets and other electronics from carry-on luggage at security checkpoints — a hallmark of air travel since 2006.

The 100 ml limit on liquids was introduced nearly two decades ago in response to terror threats involving liquid explosives. While intended as a temporary safeguard, the rule became one of the most detested elements of airport security worldwide. That changed on January 23, 2026, when Heathrow confirmed its full deployment of next-generation computed tomography (CT) scanners that generate detailed three-dimensional images of carry-on bags, giving security personnel far greater visibility into their contents without unpacking.

What’s new for flyers:

• Liquids in containers up to two litres can now remain in hand luggage through security screening.

• Laptops, tablets and large electronics no longer need to be removed and scanned separately.

• Clear plastic bags for liquids — once a ubiquitous sight at security lines — are no longer required.

• The new scanners are capable of handling thousands of passengers per hour while maintaining — and potentially enhancing — threat detection.

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, hailed the changes as a “step forward for the passenger experience,” emphasizing that travellers will spend less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journeys. The upgrade is expected to save millions of single-use plastic bags annually, contributing to Heathrow’s environmental commitments.

The initiative positions Heathrow as the largest airport in the world to fully adopt this advanced scanning technology across all terminals, outpacing other major hubs that have been gradually implementing similar systems.

Industry context and caution for travellers:
Despite the historic change at Heathrow, passengers are urged to verify security rules at other airports on their itinerary, especially when connecting internationally, as not all hubs have adopted the same standards yet. The 100 ml rule still persists at many global airports, and differences in implementation mean that what is permitted at Heathrow may not apply elsewhere.

Travel analysts say the Heathrow decision reflects a broader shift in aviation security strategy — balancing efficiency with vigilant threat detection through technology rather than manual bag checks. For millions of passengers, the era of meticulously packing liquids into tiny containers and removing electronics is finally over, at least at one of the world’s busiest travel gateways.

What travellers now need to know:

• Arrive at security with liquids and electronics inside your carry-on.

• Containers may be up to two litres, but always check specific airline and destination requirements before flying.

• Items that must still be removed for inspection include jackets, belts, shoes and items that cannot be imaged clearly.

As Heathrow embraces this new chapter, the airport — already a central hub for UK tourism and global connectivity — is betting that smoother security lines will translate into not just shorter waits but a more pleasant travel experience for millions of passengers passing through its terminals each year.