Heathrow drops the 100ml rule: everything you need to know

"The airport rule, introduced in August 2006 following concerns over liquid explosives, has come to an end at the London airport following the completion of a one-billion-pound technology upgrade set to deliver the fastest, smoothest security experience to date. Until Friday 23 January 2026, a majority of jetsetters were forced to sort their liquids into clear plastic bags on approach to Heathrow's security scanners and remove electronic equipment from hand luggage. However, both may now remain in luggage unless flagged by security staff."

"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."

"The move will save 16 million plastic bags per year. The rule change is set to usher passengers through checkpoints more quickly by allowing CT scanners to provide better images of cabin baggage and by saving almost 16 million plastic bags per year. It comes as Heathrow Airport was crowned Europe's most punctual hub airport in 2025, with over 97 per cent of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security."

Heathrow has ended the 100ml liquids restriction that required passengers to sort liquids into clear plastic bags and remove electronic equipment for screening. A one-billion-pound technology upgrade delivered next-generation CT security scanners across the airport. Passengers can now leave liquids and laptops in carry-on baggage unless security staff flag items for inspection. The new scanners provide better images of cabin baggage, speeding checkpoints and reducing time preparing for security. The change will save almost 16 million single-use plastic bags per year. Heathrow handled 84.5 million passengers in 2025 and achieved over 97 percent of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security.

Read at CN Traveller