The End of Liquid Limits? New CT Scanners at Airports

For nearly two decades, air travel has involved a frustrating ritual: squeezing expensive shampoos and toothpastes into tiny 100ml bottles and cramming them into a clear plastic bag. Recent technology upgrades at major airports across the UK and Europe promised to end this restriction, allowing passengers to carry up to two liters of liquid in their hand luggage. However, the rollout has faced sudden changes and temporary reversals that every traveler needs to understand before packing their bags.

How the New Technology Works

The shift away from the 100ml rule is powered by Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC). Unlike the traditional X-ray machines used since the 1970s, which produce a flat 2D image, these new machines utilize Computer Tomography (CT) technology—the same kind used in hospitals.

These scanners generate a high-resolution, rotatable 3D image of the contents of your cabin bag. Security officers can zoom in on specific items and analyze the density of liquids and electronics without requiring you to remove them. The software is sophisticated enough to distinguish between water, liquid explosives, and alcohol.

When fully operational, the benefits are significant:

  • Keep items inside: You do not need to remove laptops, tablets, or liquids from your bag.
  • Higher volume: The intended limit rises from 100ml to 2 liters.
  • Speed: According to trials at London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol, this technology can reduce security queue times by 50% or more.

Which Airports Have the New Scanners?

The rollout has been uneven. Smaller airports were generally able to install the heavy, expensive machinery faster than major hubs, which often required floor reinforcement to support the weight of the scanners.

UK Airports

The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for all major airports to install these scanners. While giants like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester missed the deadline and were granted extensions until 2025, several airports successfully installed the tech and briefly scrapped the 100ml rule:

  • London City Airport
  • Teesside International
  • Newcastle International
  • Leeds Bradford
  • Aberdeen International
  • London Southend

European Airports

Europe has been testing this technology for years. Notable airports that installed CT scanners at security lanes include:

  • Amsterdam Schiphol (Netherlands)
  • Helsinki Airport (Finland)
  • Rome Fiumicino (Italy)
  • Shannon Airport (Ireland)

The 2024 Reversal: Why the 100ml Rule is Temporarily Back

If you are traveling in late 2024 or 2025, you must be aware of a critical regulatory change. Despite the installation of these advanced scanners, the 100ml liquid limit has been temporarily reinstated.

The UK Decision

In June 2024, the UK Department for Transport (DfT) issued a surprise directive. Even at airports that had fully launched the new system (like London City and Newcastle), passengers were told to revert to the 100ml limit. The DfT cited the need to make “further improvements to the new checkpoint systems.” While you can still keep liquids inside your bag at these airports, the individual containers must not exceed 100ml.

The EU Decision

Following the UK’s lead, the European Commission announced that starting September 1, 2024, the 100ml limit would be reintroduced at all EU airports utilizing C3 (CT) scanners. This was described as a precautionary measure to fix technical issues regarding how the equipment analyzes containers larger than 330ml.

Practical Packing Rules for Right Now

Because the situation is currently in flux, relying on the “new rules” can lead to items being confiscated. Here is the safest strategy for navigating airport security in the current climate.

1. Assume the 100ml Rule Applies Everywhere

Regardless of where you are flying from, pack as if the old rules are in force. Ensure all liquids, gels, and aerosols are in containers of 100ml (3.4 oz) or less. If you bring a full-sized bottle of sunscreen or expensive perfume, you run a high risk of having it thrown away, even at high-tech airports like Amsterdam or London City.

2. Check for “Electronics in Bag” Signs

While the liquid volume rule has been rolled back temporarily, the convenience of keeping items in your bag often remains. At airports with the new CT scanners (like Teesside or Rome Fiumicino), staff will instruct you to leave your laptop and your bag of liquids inside your carry-on. This still speeds up the process significantly.

3. Watch for “Hybrid” Airports

Major hubs like Heathrow and Manchester have new scanners in some lanes but not others. You do not get to choose which lane you enter. Therefore, you must pack for the “worst-case scenario” (standard X-ray) to avoid delaying the line.

When Will the 100ml Rule Actually End?

The current restrictions are labeled as temporary. In the UK, the delays at major hubs like Gatwick and Heathrow are expected to be resolved by mid-to-late 2025. Industry experts anticipate that once the software configurations are standardized across the EU and UK, the 2-liter allowance will be reinstated.

Until an official announcement declares the permanent lifting of restrictions, the smartest travel hack remains the same: buy your full-sized toiletries after you pass through security, or pack them in your checked luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take water bottles through security at London City Airport now? Technically, no. As of the June 2024 government directive, the 100ml limit is back in force, meaning you cannot take a full bottle of water through, even though the scanners are capable of screening it.

Do I need to put liquids in a clear plastic bag with the new scanners? At airports with fully operational CT scanners, you generally do not need to remove the liquids from your carry-on. However, many airports still require them to be in a clear, resealable bag to facilitate manual checks if the machine flags your luggage.

Does the 100ml rule apply to checked luggage? No. The liquid restrictions only apply to carry-on (hand) luggage. You can pack full-sized liquids, such as wine, shampoo, or lotions, in the suitcase you check in at the drop-off desk.

Why did the EU bring back the 100ml rule in September 2024? The European Commission reinstated the rule to address performance issues with the new scanners specifically regarding containers larger than 330ml. They stated this is a temporary measure while technical standards are reviewed and improved.