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All jetsetters will know the hassle of only being able to bring tiny toiletries in your hand luggage (and having to fit all of them in a tiny plastic pouch) every time you fly. But from today (January 23), anyone planning to travel through London Heathrow can breathe a sigh of relief, as London’s biggest aviation hub has joined the ranks of airports which have scrapped the 100ml liquids rule.
The rollout of swanky new CT scanners at airports up and down the UK over the last few years has eliminated a load of faff at security. Not only can passengers pass through with bigger toiletries, but they can leave laptops stored snugly in their luggage.
Bottles and containers of up to two litres are now permitted at LHR security, meaning that the extra-large bottle of sun cream or shampoo can make it into your luggage without fear that it will be binned.
Heathrow is one of the last major UK airports to make the changes to its security machines, more than seven years after the ‘next generation’ tech was first announced. The airport’s upgrades cost a whopping £1 billion.
So, what will you still need to faff about with at security? Refillable metal or ‘double walled’ or vacuum containers still need to be emptied, but can be refilled once you’re airside. Coins, keys, phones and other small items will need to pass through security in a tray, as well as coats and cabin baggage.
The changes, which see the 19-year-long limit on liquids come to an end, mean it is quicker and easier for travellers to pass through security checks. The upgrades have come at a good time, too, ready for anyone planning a trip during the February half-term and Easter holidays. The new rules will apply across all four active London Heathrow terminals – T2, T3, T4 and T5.
Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said the changes will mean people spend ‘less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags.’
Other London airports including Gatwick, Stansted and City already have the new security tech, while Luton and Stansted allow liquids to remain in hand luggage but still maintain the 100ml limit.
It’s worth noting that airports in other places may have different rules, so make sure to check ahead of your return journey. Don’t want to take that ginormous bottle of shampoo away with you only to find out you have to leave it behind on the way back!
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