In late 2022, the UK announced plans to overhaul airport security by June 2024. Thanks to new screening technology, the plan is to increase the limit on liquids from 100ml containers to two liter containers, and to no longer require passengers to take large electronics out of their bags.
While we’re still over a year off from this becoming the policy across the country, we’ve just seen the first major airport in the UK implement this change.
In this post:
London City Airport changes security rules
As of April 4, 2023, London City Airport (LCY) has become the first major airport in the UK to deploy next generation security scanners for all passengers. With this:
- Travelers no longer need to remove laptops, tablets, and mobile phones from their bags
- Travelers no longer need to remove liquids from their bags
- Travelers can take liquids in containers of up to two liters through security, rather than in containers of up to 100ml
The airport claims that this new technology will allow it to process 30% more passengers per hour, improving the travel experience ahead of the Easter holiday. The introduction of this permanent policy follows successful trials last year, which had positive feedback from passengers.
This is the end of an era… yay!
Since 2006, travelers in the UK have been restricted to bottles of 100ml, all of which have needed to go into a single, clear plastic bag. Also since that time, travelers have had to remove all electronics from their carry-on bags. So this marks the first time in 17 years that travelers don’t have to go through these steps.
I’m thrilled to see these restrictions end at one airport. A few thoughts:
- London City Airport seems like a good first airport for implementing this policy, since a lot of passengers are flying point-to-point, and aren’t connecting
- Keep in mind that you still have to comply with liquids restrictions at other airports, so plan accordingly; in other words, maybe you’ll want to bring some larger drinks with you on a flight from London City, buy don’t bring full size skincare bottles that you can’t take with you when you return
- I imagine this will cause some confusion until this is rolled out throughout the UK; people will get used to the rule at London City Airport, and then be surprised when the same rules don’t apply at other airports
Bottom line
The UK is working toward simplifying its airport security screening process by mid-2024, and we’ve just seen London City Airport become the first major airport to see restrictions eased. Travelers from London City Airport can now take containers of up to two liters through security, and also don’t have to remove electronics or liquids from their bags.
It’s awesome to see these changes. It’s just a shame that the US isn’t working toward a similar goal.
What do you make of London City Airport’s security changes?
"I imagine this will cause some confusion until this is rolled out throughout the UK; people will get used to the rule at London City Airport, and then be surprised when the same rules don’t apply at other airports"
Nah, we're used to every airport (or every individual security guard in you're at MAN) just making up their own rules, about things like whether you need to take your shoes off or take some items off.
End of an Era - seems your comments are overly excited over nothing. As you said correctly people will still have to comply at other airports if they are connecting or returning and this is the first major airport to ease the ban. It is not a trial on implementing it worldwide. You should also consider the economics of this too. I assume that it is not necessarily about safety, but also about the amount...
End of an Era - seems your comments are overly excited over nothing. As you said correctly people will still have to comply at other airports if they are connecting or returning and this is the first major airport to ease the ban. It is not a trial on implementing it worldwide. You should also consider the economics of this too. I assume that it is not necessarily about safety, but also about the amount that merchants in the airport can make based on what you are not allowed to bring in so people need to buy.
“Travelers can take liquids in containers of up to two liters”
Ben-is this a total liquid limit of 2 Lt.? So one can bring in 4 500 ml cans or 8 250 ml? Also your wording implies that the only limit is that they have to be in containers with a 2 l max size, but not a total that caps out. In other words, one can’t bring in say 5 containers at 1 l each.
Your move TSA
TSA: “LOL”
Came through LCY yesterday evening with liquids over 100 ml. Although you don’ have to remove them, but my bag was secondary screened and each bottle placed in a scanning cabinet like an mini oven. Not quite as simple as they say (or maybe this is just an exceptional experience). But it does work.
Several Italian airports already have this technology. Both Malpensa and Linate in Milan allow liquids at security checks.
It’s great news that another UK airport has successfully rolled out the new scanners (Teeside is the other) they’ve got a few lanes at LHR so hopefully they will roll out more at pace. All we need now is US Pre Clearance and journeys through LHR will be greatly improved.
I think this just shows what a sham the liquid rules were all along.
How can new scanning techniques possibly remotely tell the difference between inert liquids and the components of a liquid explosive.
Especially since we’ve been told all along that the biggest threat is several people bringing individual bottles of safe liquids and mixing them on the plane.
It’s just silly.
Agree 100%. Sadly the other thing that's silly is people's acceptance of any indignity or inconvenience in the name of "security". The opposite of "security" is convenience.
Wait till we discuss about PATRIOT act in the name of "security".
The new expensive fancy machines are similar to a CT X-ray. They can get a 3D picture that lets the explore inside a bag more. It takes longer though. It can see the difference between some materials (or more or less dense, metal, etc)
Don't know about a liquids. Its not like they're using an MRI
I'm against security theater as much as anyone, but you guys are just plain wrong.
The new scanners are explosive detection systems and do in fact differentiate inert liquids from explosives.
This is not a new concept, and the FAA was working with CT device developers all the way back in the early 90s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CTX_(explosive-detection_device)
https://www.tsa.gov/computed-tomography
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/explosive-detection-systems-for-cabin-baggage-edscb
I'm against security theater as much as anyone, but you guys are just plain wrong.
The new scanners are explosive detection systems and do in fact differentiate inert liquids from explosives.
This is not a new concept, and the FAA was working with CT device developers all the way back in the early 90s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CTX_(explosive-detection_device)
https://www.tsa.gov/computed-tomography
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/explosive-detection-systems-for-cabin-baggage-edscb