Tom Earnshaw
Rules around 100ml liquid allowances when going through airport security are changing for good, with the United Kingdom's busiest hub - Heathrow - issues fresh updates on where it lies.
Every UK airport has until the summer of 2025 to bring in new hi-tech CT scanners at security check to replace the current system.
As it stands, the law states that you cannot take containers with more than 100ml through airport security. And on top of that, everything in your hand luggage that is a liquid has to fit in a 20cm by 20cm clear, plastic bag.
It has been a necessary pain for almost two decades now after being first introduced in 2006 when authorities successfully foiled a plot to blow up as many as 10 planes with homemade liquid bombs.
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Under new rules brought in by the UK government, by the 2025 summer season all airports must have moved away from the 100ml rule through the introduction of state of the art scanners.
These scanners, which are similar to CT scanners used in hospitals to have 3D imaging, will allow travellers to bring up to two litres in their hand luggage. It'll also be able to be left in a person's bag alongside laptops and other devices.
Some of the UK's major airports have already brought in the new scanners in time for the 2024 summer rush.
It will be a blessing to holiday goers across the country, with the new scanners speeding up the time spent waiting around in long queues at security.
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Heathrow declined to comment when approached by LADbible on exactly when it will be introducing the scanners to its huge airport.
As it stands, it is understood it will cost the airport around £1 billion to get everything in place with the airport having to reinforce some flooring areas due to how heavy the new scanners are.
It is partly why it said it wouldn't be able to get the technology fitted and up and running by the summer of 2024.
Heathrow also has a massive 146 security lanes across its four passenger terminals.
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That's more than all other UK airports having to bring in the same technology advances.
For the time being, Heathrow passengers should continue to prepare for security as normal under the 100ml rules.
Liquids in containers up to 100ml should be put in a one litre clear plastic bag.
They should be removed from cabin bags, alongside electrical items and placed in the tray to be processed through security.