Heathrow has become the largest airport in the world to scrap the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage, following a £1bn technology upgrade. The new CT scanners allow passengers to carry containers of up to two litres and keep electronics in their bags.
The restrictions, in place since 2006 after a foiled transatlantic bomb plot, required travellers to place liquids in clear plastic bags and remove devices such as laptops. Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said the change means 'less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey'.
The rule applies only to outbound flights from Heathrow. Travel experts warn that passengers should check restrictions at their destination airport, as return flights may still enforce the 100ml limit. Heathrow estimates the new scanners will save nearly 16 million plastic bags annually.
Other UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Edinburgh, have already installed similar technology. However, some airports like London City, Luton and Teesside have the new scanners but still enforce a 100ml limit pending regulatory approval.
