Airport security – the hand luggage and screening checks you do each time you fly – is changing.  

UK airports are in the process of introducing new generation scanners, which will change the rules around hand luggage, meaning you would no longer need to remove liquids and electronic devices (laptops, tablets etc) from your hand luggage, and you could carry liquids in quantities larger than 100ml.
 

While some UK airports have introduced new generation scanners that allow passengers to carry up to two litres of packaged liquids and keep electronics inside their hand luggage, this is not yet in place everywhere. Rules can vary not only between airports but also between terminals within the same airport. Travellers should therefore check the rules for the specific terminal they are departing from.  

It is also important to remember that even if the UK airport you are travelling from has the new generation scanners and security screening rules in place, the destination airport you are returning from may not. So, you will need to check and follow their guidance and should be particularly mindful of the 100ml liquid rule.
 

How to prepare for your travels

If you are unsure which rules apply at your departure terminal, you can continue to follow the existing rules:

  • Liquids can be no more than 100ml.
  • Keep liquids in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (with just one bag per person), and ensure it is easily accessible in case you are asked to remove it at security.
  • Keep electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, easily accessible in your hand luggage, as you may be asked to remove them during the security screening process.

Following these steps will help avoid delays and ensure you’re prepared for whichever screening process is in place at your departure, transit or return airport.

As some UK airports and terminals are now operating under different rules, always check the guidance for the specific terminal you’re travelling from. You should also check the rules for your return, or any transfer airport, as they may differ and may still require liquids to be 100ml or less.