For well over 15 years now, we’ve been accustomed to limits on liquids in carry-on bags when traveling by air. In late 2022, the UK government announced plans to overhaul airport security and eliminate the liquids restriction. While the plan was initially for this to take effect as of June 2024, unfortunately there has been a delay, so I wanted to cover all the details.
In this post:
UK plans to overhaul airport security by 2025
The UK is planning the biggest shake-up to airport security rules in the country in decades:
- Travelers will no longer be limited to 100ml liquid containers, but rather that limit will be increased to two liter containers
- Travelers will no longer have to take large electronics (like tablets and laptops) out of their bags at security
This is happening, thanks to the introduction of new technology at security checkpoints in the UK, intended to both improve security (staff will have more detailed images of what people are carrying) and the passenger experience (travelers won’t have to take things out of their bags anymore).
This new technology has been trialed at airports since 2018, and has demonstrated the effectiveness of the new screening equipment, which uses CT X-ray technology to essentially provide a 3D image of what’s in the bags of passengers. It also deploys advanced threat detection algorithms.
Unfortunately there’s bad news when it comes to this actually being implemented:
- In late 2022, it was announced that all UK airports would have this technology by June 2024, but unfortunately that’s delayed
- The new plan is for all UK airports to have this technology by 2025, though we don’t have a more exact timeline beyond that
Two UK airports — London City Airport (LCY) and Teesside Airport (MME) — have already eliminated liquids restrictions, so you can take larger liquids through security at those airports. However, just keep in mind that this policy doesn’t apply at other airports, so this is of limited use if you’re planning on traveling with liquids in both directions.
What’s causing the delay in this being implemented?
The delay in the liquids restrictions being lifted is due to not all UK airports having the new technology yet. It’s worth noting that this had already been significantly delayed prior to the June 2024 timeline.
The UK government initially planned to introduce this technology at all airports by 2022 (without explicitly stating that liquids restrictions would end), but that didn’t end up happening. In fairness, the pandemic caused many things to be put on hold.
The problem seems to be that some major airports in the UK are struggling to actually take the time to install this technology. After all, you have to shut down security checkpoints to install the new scanners, and it can be hard for airports to do that while still managing their regular operations.
On top of that, staff have to be trained on using the new machines, and that’s also a time consuming process, especially given the labor shortage that existed for some time.
Will other countries follow the UK’s lead?
Airport liquid restrictions started to be put in place around the globe in 2006, following a terrorist threat. These rules have been intended to stop those with liquid explosives. As we’ve become accustomed to, once restrictions are put in place, they’re seemingly never lifted.
So it’s exciting to see that the UK does plan to lead the way in lifting restrictions on liquids, even if the implementation is delayed. I think the big question is whether other countries will follow. The same technology is being used to some extent in the United States and the Netherlands, but last I’ve heard, there are no formal plans to end liquid bans in either of those countries.
With that in mind, I’m curious to see how this plays out:
- On the one hand, countries do tend to match one another when it comes to aviation security policies
- On the other hand, it’s unlikely this new technology will be adopted consistently globally by 2025
- The United States seems to very much take the approach of keeping the status quo unless there’s a major reason to change it, and for that reason I’m skeptical of whether we’ll see something similar in the United States
Personally, I could see some individual countries starting to lift liquids restrictions, but I wouldn’t expect that with any consistency, unfortunately, and I also wouldn’t expect it in the United States anytime soon.
Bottom line
The UK will be radically changing airport security policies, thanks to new scanning technology. Specifically, passengers will no longer have to remove laptops or tablets from their bags, and liquids in containers of up to two liters will be allowed through security.
Unfortunately the implementation of this has been delayed, though — the new rules were supposed to apply as of June 2024, but this has now been pushed back to 2025, due to not all airports having the new scanners yet. I imagine that we could see an additional delay even beyond that… only time will tell.
This is really exciting, so here’s to hoping we see a similar policy in more countries. My gosh, I’m going to feel so scandalous going through security with a bottle of water…
What do you make of this airport security policy change, and do you think other countries will follow?
Happy to see this implementation;
as far as my experience goes, Milan airports, LIN and MXP have lifted the ban on liquids and also don't require electronics to be taken out.
This makes for a much more pleasant security process, so i'm excited to see this extended to other airports
Step in the right direction but the big issue is going to be the enforcement or the inconsistency of the rule, so it effectively will not mean much for now
In the US, many of the airports have adopted that technology. Why are they not allowing people to take larger liquids in lanes with that technology? Instead, in the US it feels more like the worst of all worlds, in that the technology slows down the lines while not bringing about the benefit of allowing liquids.
The US has a much larger number of airports (I think somewhere around 450). It's much more difficult to change rules in a blanket manner as a result. I agree that the new tech is much slower than the old tech, but it's nice to not have to undergo the mundane additional procedures that might have made sense 15 odd years back, but not as much today. Perhaps once the UK gets the implementation complete,...
The US has a much larger number of airports (I think somewhere around 450). It's much more difficult to change rules in a blanket manner as a result. I agree that the new tech is much slower than the old tech, but it's nice to not have to undergo the mundane additional procedures that might have made sense 15 odd years back, but not as much today. Perhaps once the UK gets the implementation complete, other countries in Europe will start to recalibrate their own approaches. This could eventually spill over in other parts of the world, like East Asia, the subcontinent, Middle East, North America, etc. As they say, "It pays to be a leader".
The problem is the inconsistency of policy application around the world. In South Africa we can take local soda in our bag and they don't look twice, but elsewhere on the continent, you are asked to dispose of it through either rapid consumption or donate it to the security guards. Drinking large amounts of soda quickly is an unpleasant experience and most people decide not to do this. In Manila you have to show cause...
The problem is the inconsistency of policy application around the world. In South Africa we can take local soda in our bag and they don't look twice, but elsewhere on the continent, you are asked to dispose of it through either rapid consumption or donate it to the security guards. Drinking large amounts of soda quickly is an unpleasant experience and most people decide not to do this. In Manila you have to show cause for your liquid, irrespective of its purpose. The Philippines is a very strange destination. The people are lovely but the food is actually the worst I've ever eaten. Does anyone know why this is?? It's strange that a country so close to the culinary hubs of Thailand and Japan etc can be so unpleasany. A thought test would be to ask yourself where is the best philippino restaurant in your town. There is none. Another question - and please don't take this in any way other than polite inquiry - but why is it that the 'bottom line' of all your articles are substantial paragraphs? I like the concept, but it seems the execution of summarising what you've written, by almost entirely re-writing it again, is a bit counter productive. Cheers, J.
I was able to bring my bottles of water throat security at AMS over two years ago with no issues. Now in the US, that will never happen because the bottle of water I buy at Costco for $0.10 is extremely dangerous so they force me to pay $4.50 for the same bottle after TSA.
Bring it empty fill up airside for free.
No, I want to bring my own water which is absolutely safe and doable. It is all about money since I can only imagine the lobby by the airport concessions to not allow anyone to bring their own drinks through security.
Most US airports have, or are in the process of putting post central search water points which are filtered water ( aiming to be the equivalent quality of bottles water).
You can either use those facilities or not. Whilst XYZ store is, I imagine happy to mark up the price and sell as much as they can but if you're not willing to use the free water points ( as is your perogative of...
Most US airports have, or are in the process of putting post central search water points which are filtered water ( aiming to be the equivalent quality of bottles water).
You can either use those facilities or not. Whilst XYZ store is, I imagine happy to mark up the price and sell as much as they can but if you're not willing to use the free water points ( as is your perogative of course) then you can't really complain about how much buying a bottle costs.
Use it or pay for it but if you chose not to use the water points then ( in locations where they're present) then the only person making you spend the money is you.
Many airports around the world now have water bottle fillers and they are quite busy places. At SFO there’s a huge bank of them right after security. You can’t drink your one bottle of water for your entire trip and filtered tap water is safe in most places. Even if you buy one bottle and refill it throughout your trip that saves you money and keeps waste out of the environment.
In Germany it's work in progress as well. Munich is currently updating all security lines, scheduled until "end of 2024 or in 2025" (seems they're already expecting delays).
A few of them are already in use, so if you're lucky you can already leave liquids and electronics inside your bag.
The 100ml limit will officially end once all scanners are replaced.
I am sure LHR are going to be ready by the summer, certainly in T3 and T5 as Virgin Atlantic Upper Class Wing private security lane is closed for these upgrades and when I recently passed through about 5 other lanes were sealed off. Same in T5 as the BA First private security lane are also closed.
Keeping you safe from someone's bottle of Scope.
I have travelled recently from Stansted and the security staff were telling passengers there is no longer any need to remove liquids and laptops. The scanners also looked different
How is throughput with this new technology?
I've seen a lot of manual re-checks after passing through those scanners in GVA and LCY. This generated massive backups and sort of defeated the purpose. All liquids had to be taken out and re-scanned in a specific scanner. Probably a training issue on the scanner operator side.
I could understand how smaller airports would see the tech as a competitive advantage to attract guests and how...
How is throughput with this new technology?
I've seen a lot of manual re-checks after passing through those scanners in GVA and LCY. This generated massive backups and sort of defeated the purpose. All liquids had to be taken out and re-scanned in a specific scanner. Probably a training issue on the scanner operator side.
I could understand how smaller airports would see the tech as a competitive advantage to attract guests and how larger congested airports would rather stay away from it until it's mature enough to make lines actually shorter.
I'm curious: has any airport that has made the switch witnessed an increased / maintained security throughput ?
After a few years of testing, Munich airport announced that throughput will enhance by around 60% once all the new scanners are in use.
In numbers, they said instead of 325 passengers/hour it will be up to 520 passengers/hour.
The main reason however is not the scanner itself, but another update coming with them: Instead of just one person at a time, the new scanners will allow 4 people at a time to...
After a few years of testing, Munich airport announced that throughput will enhance by around 60% once all the new scanners are in use.
In numbers, they said instead of 325 passengers/hour it will be up to 520 passengers/hour.
The main reason however is not the scanner itself, but another update coming with them: Instead of just one person at a time, the new scanners will allow 4 people at a time to put their belongings onto the belt. Obviously that could've been done with the previous scanners as well, so it's a bit weird to attribute it to the new technology. It will have some impact though, as you save the time for taking everything out of your bag.
Regarding maturity of the new technology, in Munich it's been tested already since 2019 and works really well now. As a passenger, I even prefer those new security lines for regular passengers instead of the old, slower lines in the priority lane (Lufthansa's "first class check-in").
I very much doubt Munich managed 325 passengers per hour. Using traditional dual view xrays, one must also take into account that many passengers have a bag, a laptop bag and have to place laptop, personal belongings and liquids in tray. The average passenger probably has 2.5 bags. An xray operator can clear a bag quickly if it just contains clothes, however, if there are cables, small electronics etc inside will need upto 30 seconds...
I very much doubt Munich managed 325 passengers per hour. Using traditional dual view xrays, one must also take into account that many passengers have a bag, a laptop bag and have to place laptop, personal belongings and liquids in tray. The average passenger probably has 2.5 bags. An xray operator can clear a bag quickly if it just contains clothes, however, if there are cables, small electronics etc inside will need upto 30 seconds to examine image and decide if it is OK or needs a manual search. In reality, a dual view screening point with five staff will not process much more than 120 passengers per hour.
CT technology will speed passenger throughput up substantially but I think those Munich figures are probably taken from the x-ray manufacturer's claims rather than reality.
These are in place at several us airports including ATL. It is substantially slower as the tsa staff review and spin images. You’ll typically wait 5-10 minutes from the time your bag goes on the conveyer to when it comes out the other side.
Have used the new tech in Munich T1 multiple times over the past few months and honestly it's a bless not having to take all electronics and zip bag out. While the line leading up to security was more or less the same as on other occasions, I'm pretty certain that from the moment I placed my bags on the conveyor until I was ready to make my way out of security, it was 1-1.5...
Have used the new tech in Munich T1 multiple times over the past few months and honestly it's a bless not having to take all electronics and zip bag out. While the line leading up to security was more or less the same as on other occasions, I'm pretty certain that from the moment I placed my bags on the conveyor until I was ready to make my way out of security, it was 1-1.5 minutes max. In contrast I would usually spend 2-3 minutes with the prior setup. As for re-scans I personally haven't had any on the new facility (5x uses), yet on my last two trips with the old setup I did. One thing to note in MUC T1 though (at least in module D), is that they have relocated security to the mezzanine level, where space is a bit more limited- meaning that you have to go up, clear security, walk past some rather narrow corridors right by the AF lounge (at least more convenient to get to it lol) and then you're down to the gate area.
I think they have also implemented the new scanners at T2, though I haven't flown from there in a while... have my first LH flight in a while planned for next week, so let's see how that is :)
If you fly domestically in Vietnam, there is no liquids ban. I frequently take wine and other big bottles right on the plane—no issues.
I loved living in Perú for several years because you can walk right through security with your coffee for domestic flights :)
In Indonesia also.
Within South America there doesn’t seem to be a restriction on liquids, at least so I’ve been told and I’ve tested it in Colombia several times.
In Indian Airport was made not only to take out all electronics at security check but every single charging cable, plug I had (at least a dozen i had). Then was pressured to rush in repacking my stuff afterwards and ended up leaving behind couple items!
I literally had to put my car key through the scanner. It was hysterical watching my key in the plastic box by itself.
Yeah, I've seen them ask for those as well. But I haven't always taken them out, and have not had too many issues. At Goa, for example, I didn't take out my chargers, and they didn't say anything.
Where in the world are you right now Ben? Cause its 11pm on the East Coast right now and you published a post an hour ago? That's like 3am for you ;)
@ WB -- Hahaha, yes, odd timing today, you're correct. You'll find out very shortly where I am, as I'll be publishing my first review trip impressions. :-) Indeed, I'm not at home...
I'm guessing Japan or South Korea.
We could make this a game. Guess where in the world Ben is now based on his posting schedule :)
I would settle for security actually applying rules consistently, and not subject my carry on to secondary (thus wasting everyone's time) to check out a camera or an external battery.
Maybe when you have a chance, you could provide a list of airports where this is already in place and restrictions have already been lifted? I mean, not very exciting to talk about something that is still more than a year away at least, without mentioning the major airports that have already gotten rid of the limits.
If you want to feel scandalous, just come visit Amsterdam. Certain containers do get flagged for extra...
Maybe when you have a chance, you could provide a list of airports where this is already in place and restrictions have already been lifted? I mean, not very exciting to talk about something that is still more than a year away at least, without mentioning the major airports that have already gotten rid of the limits.
If you want to feel scandalous, just come visit Amsterdam. Certain containers do get flagged for extra security, so, for instance, if you have those metal spray sun cream cans over 100ml, they will put them in some machine to test for something. But otherwise, it is quite painless. And has been in place for years already so surely there must be others around the world.
Exactly, so many airports have already adopted this in the EU, such as AMS, ARN T5, HEL, LCY, LIN, MXP, FCO.
FRA T1 needs to be on the list, too.
And careful with HEL. Only Main Security, not Transfer Security.
And FCO, which deeply impressed me when I flew through there last year and will be doing so again.
Ben, you're being far too kind on the UK! The latest excuse is that the floors are too heavy and need reinforcing! But, as other airports have installed the technology, how is this news to the likes of LHR?
Perhaps other airports don't have so many bottles in duty free adding load to the floors? :-)
Also Shannon, Cork, Ireland West Airport, and part of Dublin Airport (to be completed in the next year or so).
Quite right, such list would be great.
You can put JED on that list as well.
One more thought on this: Great that you do not have to take out liquids and electronics but then they make you take of belt, shoes and watch which at other airports you can leave on. Very inconsistent.
For a seamless experience they should combine the new cabin baggage scanner with equally new pax scanner.
Shoes are only a problem in the US, for the most part. Outside, it's mainly footwear that are high heeled, boots, or are metallic in nature. I always wear runners for flying, and have never been asked to take them off in Europe, India, etc.