Liquid restrictions to end at UK airports thanks to new technology

The upgrades should mean the end of the 100ml limit on liquids, but the new technology will not be introduced straight away.

By Rob Powell, political reporter

Sunday 25 August 2019 07:26, UK

The government will force all UK airports to change their systems by December 2022

Air passengers will no longer have to take liquids and laptops out of their carry-on bags under new rules coming into force for UK airports to upgrade their security scanners.

Similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, the new technology will provide a detailed picture of a bag’s contents and allow images to be visually rotated and dissected.

Heathrow has already invested millions in the equipment and the government will now force all other UK airports to change their systems by December 2022.

Airports will have to foot the bill for the new technology

The upgrades should mean the end of the 100ml limit on liquids, with passengers no longer required to use plastic bags for their toiletries and cosmetics.

Ministers are advising travellers to continue to separate liquids and electronics for now as the new technology will not be introduced straight away.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the upgrades will mean “no more intrusive pulling out your socks and your underwear, having to separate all your liquids and take your laptop out, all that can just stay in the bag and be able to go through”.

Airport bosses estimate the scanners will mean passengers clearing security 50 to 60 times faster than is currently the case.