Heathrow Ends 100ml Liquid Rule: Passengers Can Now Carry Up to 2 Litres in Hand Luggage

Last updated on February 4, 2026

London (Tourism Reporter) — In a major boon for globetrotters weary of the long-standing hassle at airport security, London’s Heathrow Airport has officially scrapped its 100ml liquid restriction for carry-on luggage, allowing passengers to bring containers up to 2 liters without the need to remove them from bags. The change, effective immediately across all terminals following a £1 billion ($1.4 billion) technology upgrade, marks Heathrow as the world’s largest airport to fully implement next-generation CT scanners, promising smoother journeys for the millions of tourists who pass through Europe’s busiest hub each year.

The rollout, completed on January 23, 2026, ends an era that began in 2006 when global aviation authorities imposed the 100ml rule in response to security threats involving liquid explosives. For nearly two decades, travelers have been required to decant toiletries, cosmetics, and beverages into tiny containers and seal them in clear plastic bags, often leading to frustrating bottlenecks at checkpoints. Now, with the installation of advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners in every security lane at Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5, passengers can keep liquids — along with laptops, tablets, and other large electronics — securely packed in their hand baggage during screening.

“This is a game-changer for tourists and business travelers alike,” said Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye in a statement. “Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology.”

The upgrade is expected to shave minutes off wait times, reduce congestion during peak holiday seasons, and cut down on single-use plastic waste from those ubiquitous zip-lock bags — an environmental win that aligns with growing sustainability demands in the tourism industry.

For international visitors flocking to London’s iconic sites — from Buckingham Palace to the British Museum — the eased rules mean less pre-flight preparation and more focus on the adventure ahead. Tour operators and travel experts have welcomed the move, noting it could encourage more spontaneous packing, such as bringing home larger bottles of British gin or perfumes from Heathrow’s duty-free shops. However, some caveats remain: refillable metal or double-walled containers, like insulated water bottles, must be emptied before screening but can be refilled airside at water stations. And while the 2-liter per container limit is generous, overall hand luggage allowances still vary by airline, so travelers are advised to check with carriers like British Airways or Virgin Atlantic.

Heathrow’s transformation follows similar upgrades at other UK airports, including Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, which phased out the 100ml rule in recent years after initial government delays. The Department for Transport had briefly reinstated restrictions in 2024 for airports that adopted the tech early, but approvals have since accelerated. Globally, hubs like Dubai International have already ditched the limit, positioning Heathrow’s update as part of a broader trend toward frictionless travel post-pandemic.

Tourism officials estimate that Heathrow, which handled over 80 million passengers in 2025, could see even higher volumes with these efficiencies, bolstering the UK’s £127 billion ($160 billion) tourism sector. “Anything that makes flying less stressful is a win for attracting visitors,” said Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain. As the industry rebounds, such innovations could help London maintain its edge as a top global destination, where seamless arrivals set the tone for memorable trips.

With summer travel ramping up, experts recommend arriving early, experts recommend arriving early to navigate any teething issues with the new systems, though early reports suggest the scanners are performing smoothly. For now, the end of the “travel-size” era at Heathrow signals a brighter, less liquid-limited future for wanderlust-driven explorers worldwide.