Heathrow scraps liquid limit to make security a breeze: What travellers need to know
January 27, 2026
If you’re flying from London Heathrow Airport, you may no longer need to pack tiny toiletries in a zip bag.
Heathrow has introduced a major security screening change that removes the traditional 100ml liquid limit for passengers departing the airport — allowing liquids in containers up to 2 litres, and letting travellers keep both liquids and electronics inside their hand luggage at security.
The update follows Heathrow’s £1 billion security technology upgrade, which has replaced older X-ray screening lanes with next-generation CT scanners across Heathrow’s terminals.
Here’s what’s changed, what still might catch you out, and how to pack to avoid delays.
Heathrow’s CT scanners: Why security feels different now
Heathrow’s new liquids rules are possible because the airport has rolled out CT (computed tomography) security scanners—a newer generation of screening equipment that creates high-resolution 3D images of what’s inside passengers’ cabin bags.
Unlike traditional X-ray machines still in use at many airports worldwide, CT scanners provide Heathrow’s security officers with a much clearer view of items from multiple angles. That means passengers don’t need to remove liquids and electronics for separate screening.
Heathrow says the new security lanes are designed to improve the screening process and reduce the need for manual bag searches — making security both more efficient and less disruptive for passengers.
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow,” Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said in the airport’s announcement.
The airport has replaced security lanes across all four terminals—T2, T3, T4 and T5—as part of the technology upgrade.
What is Heathrow’s new liquids rule?
Heathrow’s updated passenger guidance confirms that travellers can now take liquids in containers up to 2 litres through security screening when departing from the airport.
That replaces the long-standing UK airport rule that limited passengers to:
- liquids in containers of 100ml or less
- packed inside a small clear plastic bag
- usually limited to one bag per passenger
At Heathrow, the new rule is designed to make airport security quicker and less stressful, particularly during peak travel periods.
Do I still need to use the plastic liquids bag?
In most cases at Heathrow: no.
Heathrow says passengers no longer need to remove liquids from their cabin baggage for separate screening, thanks to its new security technology.
That means many travellers will no longer need to separate small toiletries in a clear bag, unpack items into trays and then repack everything at the end of the lane. The airport estimates this new screening process could save up to 16 million plastic bags per year.
Can I keep my laptop and electronics in my bag too?
Yes — Heathrow says travellers can also keep electronics in their bags at security, rather than removing laptops and tablets as many airports still require.
Heathrow’s CT scanners allow security to screen hand luggage containing liquids, laptops or tablets.
The one common item that can still slow you down: metal bottles
Even with the new liquids allowance, Heathrow has warned that refillable metal and double-walled containers are still an issue at the security checkpoint unless empty.
Metal or insulated refillable bottles must be emptied before security, although travellers can refill them after screening.
So if you’re carrying a beverage travel essential like the wildly popular Stanley cup, it may still need to be emptied before you reach the airport’s scanners. The same applies to any stainless-steel bottles, vacuum-insulated flasks, or reusable hot drink cups.
What counts as “liquid” at airport security?
Even with higher volume allowances, travellers are often surprised by what security treats as a liquid.
Items that are typically classed as liquids or liquid-like include:
- shampoo, conditioner and shower gel
- toothpaste
- liquid foundation and mascara
- creams and lotions
- gels (hair gel, skincare gel)
- aerosols (deodorant sprays, hairspray)
A good rule of thumb: if it pours, squeezes, smears, sprays or spreads — treat it as a liquid.
Mind where you’re going: The same rules may not apply at your connection or return flight
While Heathrow is now allowing liquids up to 2 litres, other airports may still enforce the traditional 100ml rule, even within the UK or Europe.
The UK government’s official travel guidance notes that liquid limits can vary by airport, and passengers should check the rules at the airport they’re flying from.
If you’re connecting through another hub or returning from abroad, it’s worth checking security restrictions in advance — especially if you’ve repacked larger bottles into your carry-on.
Heathrow’s new security screening rules mean travellers departing the airport will have a smoother trip through the checkpoint, thanks to CT scanner technology, but it is not yet available everywhere you fly.
Featured Image: Chalabala | stock.adobe.com
