Going through security at the airport can often be a stressful event, but that need not be the case any longer. Europe’s busiest airport has had a major change in its security checks, thanks to a £1bn upgrade. The changes will now allow passengers to leave liquids in their bags in containers of up to 2 litres.
Electronic items will no longer need to be taken out of bags before being put through the scanners. We can also say goodbye to clear plastic bags, as they will no longer have to be used for liquids.
The new CT scanners are set to reduce the time passengers have to spend going through security, which will be welcomed with open arms by Brits travelling abroad.
Although this is huge news, Heathrow is not the first London airport to have rolled out this plan, with Gatwick, Stansted and London City already allowing passengers to keep liquids in their bags. In fact, other UK airports such as Edinburgh and Birmingham have also increased their liquid limits too. While some UK airports, such as Luton and Manchester, still enforce the 100ml rule.
Heathrow already has a good reputation for waiting times in security. It was just last year that the West London airport was crowned Europe’s most punctual hub airport, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “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. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey – and millions fewer single-use plastic bags.
“This billion-pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”
A summary of the new rules at Heathrow Airport
- Liquids can now be left in bags while going through security.
- Liquids can remain in containers of up to 2 litres.
- Electronics can now be left in bags while going through security.
- No clear plastic bags need to be used for liquids.
- Note: These new rules have come into effect for flights leaving Heathrow, but passengers must check restrictions from other airports on their journey.