So, no more plastic bags for liquids, then?
Yes… and no… the new security scanners haven’t been rolled out at every airport yet. So, it’s a tad confusing! If you can’t get your head around the latest changes to the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage, we hear you. And you’re in the right place – we’ve got the lowdown on what’s changed and where, right here.
Does the 100ml rule still apply for carry-on bags?
This rule’s been in place so long we’re pretty sure we’ve absorbed it into our DNA! And it’s not changed… at least, not completely.
• You’ll still need to restrict yourself to 100ml containers for any liquid you want to take through security.
• But where there are fancy next-generation scanners in place (hold tight, airport list coming up!), you won’t need to remove liquids from your carry-on bag any more. And, you won’t need to pop them in a plastic bag either!
Do I need to remove my laptop at airport security?
You might still need to, it depends where you’re flying from (see below).
• You can usually leave your laptop in your bag if the new scanners are in use, but check before you go.
• The same applies to other devices like tablets, e-readers and games consoles.
Which airports have the new scanners?
The best news is that most major UK airports now have the new scanners at some or all security points! So, you can now look forward to easier packing and shorter queues. Phew!
These airports are fully up and running with the new scanners, so you can keep your liquids in your bag:
• Aberdeen – Check the liquid rules at Aberdeen Airport
• Belfast City – Check the liquid rules at Belfast City Airport
• Belfast International – Check the liquid rules at Belfast International Airport
• Birmingham – Check the liquid rules at Birmingham Airport
• Bournemouth – Check the liquid rules at Bournemouth Airport
• Bristol – Check the liquid rules at Bristol Airport
• Cardiff – Check the liquid rules at Cardiff Airport
• Edinburgh – Check the liquid rules at Edinburgh Airport
• Gatwick – Check the liquid rules at London Gatwick Airport
• Leeds Bradford – Check the liquid rules at Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool – Check the liquid rules at Liverpool John Lennon
• London City – Check the liquid rules at London City Airport
• Luton – Check the liquid rules at London Luton Airport
• Newcastle – Check the liquid rules at Newcastle Airport
• Southend – Check the liquid rules at London Southend Airport
• Teesside – Check the liquid rules at Teesside International Airport
Which airports use old scanners?
Here’s where the next-generation scanners are still being installed, so be prepared to follow the old rules… for now:
• East Midlands – Check the liquid rules at East Midlands airport
• Exeter Airport – Check the liquid rules at Exeter Airport
• Glasgow – Check the liquid rules at Glasgow Airport
• Glasgow Prestwick – Check the liquid rules at Glasgow Prestwick Airport
• Heathrow – Check the liquid rules at London Heathrow Airport
• Humberside – Check the liquid rules at Humberside Airport
• Inverness – Check the liquid rules at Inverness Airport
• Londonderry – Check the liquid rules at City of Derry Airport
• Manchester – Check the liquid rules at Manchester Airport
• Newquay – Check the liquid rules for Cornwall Airport Newquay
• Norwich – Check the liquid rules for Norwich Airport
• Southampton – Check the liquid rules at Southampton Airport
• Stansted – Check the liquid rules at London Stansted Airport
What if the rules change again?
You can check your airport’s website for the latest security info before you pack, just click through on the links above.
What about my flight home?
The new scanners have been installed in lots of airports around the world too – just take a look at your destination airport’s own website to see what the security rules are for your return flight.
But I haven’t booked a holiday yet!
No way!!! Don’t panic, we’ve got plenty to choose from! And you can narrow down your search to the departure airports with next-gen scanners – just take your pick from our list above and find your perfect holiday with super-slick security checks.
About the author
Lucy’s been writing about holidays since 2001, and loves visiting all kinds of places, like Amsterdam, Türkey and New Zealand - with or without the kids.
From relaxing escapes on Greek islands to the best palm-tree-shaded tropical beaches, you can bet she’s got a few top travel tips for you!