"Luggage rummaging and security faffing be gone-for London Heathrow (LHR), Europe's busiest airport, has finally ended its 100ml rule. The UK airport first introduced the regulation in August 2006 due to concerns over liquid explosives. Nearly two decades later, it was officially scrapped on January 23, 2026, following the completion of a $1 billion technology upgrade. Until now, the majority of passengers were forced to sort their liquids into clear plastic bags on approach to Heathrow's security scanners and remove electronic equipment from carry-on luggage."
""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," Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said in a statement. "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 ended the 100ml liquids rule on January 23, 2026 after completing a $1 billion upgrade to next-generation CT security scanners. Passengers may now leave liquids and electronic devices in carry-on luggage unless flagged by security staff. Previously, most passengers were required to sort liquids into clear plastic bags and remove electronics for screening. The new CT scanners provide higher-quality images of cabin baggage, enabling faster queues, reduced stress, and fewer single-use plastic bags. Heathrow handled 84.5 million passengers in 2025 and recorded over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security. The airport also announced several new international routes, including St. Louis.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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