Key Takeaways
• London Heathrow uses CT scanners letting passengers keep liquids and electronics in luggage at select terminals.
• New security rules allow clear water bottles up to 2 liters and no removal of laptops.
• Full scanner rollout delayed to June 2025 due to technical issues; some terminals still follow old rules.
Travelers passing through London Heathrow Airport in July 2025 are experiencing some of the biggest changes to airport security in years. Thanks to new security technology, passengers in select terminals can now keep liquids and electronics inside their bags at security checkpoints—a move that promises to make flying less stressful and more efficient. But with the rollout still in progress, not all travelers will see the same rules, and confusion remains about what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about the latest security procedures, why these changes are happening, and how they affect everyone from families to business travelers.
What’s Changing at London Heathrow Airport?
London Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, has started using next-generation CT (Computed Tomography) scanners in some of its international terminals. These advanced machines give security staff a 3D view of what’s inside your bag, making it easier to spot anything dangerous without asking you to unpack your belongings.
The biggest changes for travelers in terminals with the new scanners are:
- You can keep liquids and electronics in your hand luggage.
- You can bring clear water bottles (including plastic) up to 2 liters without emptying them.
- Laptops and other electronics do not need to be removed from your bag.
However, these new rules are not in place everywhere at Heathrow. Some terminals and security lanes still use the old system, which means:
- Liquids are limited to 100ml per container, placed in a 1-liter clear plastic bag, and must be removed from your bag for screening.
- Laptops and large electronics must be taken out of your bag and screened separately.
Because the transition is ongoing, travelers should always check signs and listen to staff instructions at security. If you’re not sure which rules apply, it’s best to be prepared for both.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
The UK government ordered all major airports to upgrade their security technology by installing new CT scanners. These scanners use the same kind of technology as hospital CT scans, giving a much clearer picture of what’s inside each bag. The goal is to make security checks safer and faster, while also making life easier for travelers.
Originally, airports were supposed to finish installing these machines by June 2024. But the process turned out to be more complicated than expected. The scanners are very heavy, so some airport floors had to be reinforced before they could be installed. Because of these and other technical problems, airports like Heathrow were given an extra year to finish the job, with a new deadline set for June 2025.
As of early 2025, only a few UK airports—such as London City Airport—had fully switched to the new system. Heathrow, Manchester, and Stansted were still working on upgrading all their security lanes.
How Do the New Security Procedures Work?
If you’re flying from London Heathrow Airport in July 2025, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get through security smoothly:
1. Check Terminal and Lane Signage
When you arrive at security, look for signs that tell you if the new CT scanners are in use. Staff may also give you instructions. The rules can change from one terminal or even one security lane to another, so it’s important to pay attention.
2. If You’re in a Lane with the New Scanners
- Keep all liquids (up to 2 liters, in clear bottles) and electronics inside your bag.
- Walk through security as usual.
- You don’t need to remove your laptop, tablet, or phone.
- You don’t need to take out your liquids, as long as they’re in clear bottles and under the 2-liter limit.
3. If You’re in a Standard Lane (Old System)
- Remove all liquids from your bag. Each container must be 100ml or less, and all containers must fit in a single 1-liter clear plastic bag.
- Remove laptops and large electronics from your bag. Place them in a separate tray for screening.
- Take off coats, jackets, and belts with buckles before walking through the metal detector.
4. Special Items
- Baby food, formula, and medically necessary liquids are allowed, but you must declare them at security. Staff may ask you to taste or test these items.
5. Food
- Pack food in a separate clear bag and place it on top of your carry-on. Opaque (not see-through) food items can trigger extra checks, so keeping them visible helps speed things up.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
Easier Packing and Less Stress
For travelers using terminals with the new security technology, packing is much simpler. You don’t have to worry about separating your liquids or electronics before you leave home. This means less time spent unpacking and repacking at security, and a lower chance of forgetting something important in a rush.
Uncertainty Remains
Because not all terminals and lanes have the new scanners yet, there’s still some confusion. You might breeze through security in one terminal, only to face the old rules in another. It’s wise to pack your liquids and electronics in a way that makes them easy to remove, just in case you’re asked to do so.
Possible Delays
While the new scanners are more advanced, they can sometimes be slower than the old machines. This is because they take more detailed pictures, which can take a bit longer to process. However, they’re expected to cut down on the number of manual bag searches, which should make the overall process faster once everyone gets used to the new system.
Fines for Non-Compliance
The UK government has warned airports that they could face fines if they don’t finish installing the new scanners by the June 2025 deadline. This puts extra pressure on airports like Heathrow to complete the upgrades as quickly as possible.
What Do Experts and Stakeholders Say?
The UK Government
Officials are pushing hard for all airports to finish the upgrades by the new deadline. They’ve made it clear that they don’t want to grant any more extensions, and they expect airports to meet the June 2025 target.
Heathrow Management
Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, has spoken about the challenges of upgrading such a large and busy airport. He says the airport is committed to finishing the rollout as soon as possible, but admits that the project is complex and some areas may take longer than others.
Travelers
Early reports from passengers who have used the new scanners are mostly positive. Many say the process is smoother and faster, especially since they don’t have to unpack their bags. However, some travelers are still confused by the different rules in different terminals, and there have been a few complaints about longer wait times in lanes with the new machines.
What’s Next for Heathrow and Other UK Airports?
Full Rollout Expected by End of 2025
Most major UK airports, including Heathrow, are expected to have the new scanners and relaxed rules in all terminals by late 2025, unless there are more delays. This means that by the end of the year, travelers should be able to keep their liquids and electronics in their bags no matter which terminal they use.
Technical Challenges
One of the main technical problems is making sure the scanners’ software can reliably spot threats in bags that contain large amounts of liquid. Once this is solved, the old 100ml liquid rule will be dropped everywhere the new scanners are in use.
Expansion to Other Airports
As Heathrow finishes its upgrades, other major airports like Manchester and Stansted are expected to follow suit. This will make travel easier for people flying from different parts of the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
How Do These Changes Affect Different Groups?
Families
Families with young children often carry extra liquids, like baby formula or juice. The new rules make it much easier for them to get through security without having to unpack everything. However, parents should still be ready to declare baby food and formula, as these items may be checked separately.
Business Travelers
Business travelers often carry laptops, tablets, and other electronics. The new scanners mean they can keep these items in their bags, saving time and reducing the risk of leaving something behind at security.
International Travelers
People flying internationally may be used to different rules in other countries. The changes at Heathrow bring the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 closer to airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and other countries that have already adopted similar technology.
Airport Staff
Security staff have to learn how to use the new machines and explain the changing rules to travelers. This can be challenging, especially during the transition period when both old and new systems are in use.
Tips for a Smooth Security Experience at Heathrow
- Check your terminal before you travel. Some terminals have the new scanners, while others still use the old system.
- Pack your liquids and electronics in a way that makes them easy to remove, just in case.
- Listen to staff instructions and read all signs at security.
- If you’re unsure, ask a staff member for help.
- Declare any special items, like baby food or medical liquids, before you reach the scanner.
- Keep food in a clear bag on top of your carry-on to speed up inspection.
Official Resources for Travelers
For the most up-to-date information on security procedures, travelers should visit the official Heathrow Airport security page. This page provides real-time updates on which terminals have the new scanners and what rules apply. The UK government also offers travel advice and policy updates on its official travel advice portal.
The Bigger Picture: How Security Technology Is Changing Air Travel
The introduction of advanced security technology at London Heathrow Airport is part of a global trend. Airports around the world are moving toward systems that make travel safer and more convenient. By allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their bags, airports can reduce stress, speed up lines, and improve the overall travel experience.
However, the transition isn’t always smooth. Technical problems, staff training, and the need to update airport infrastructure can slow things down. As reported by VisaVerge.com, airports that have already made the switch have seen positive results, but clear communication with travelers is key to avoiding confusion.
What Should Travelers Expect in the Coming Months?
As the June 2025 deadline approaches, travelers can expect to see more terminals at Heathrow switching to the new security technology. By the end of 2025, the old rules about liquids and electronics should be gone for good in all major UK airports. Until then, it’s important to stay flexible and be ready for either system.
Key things to remember:
- Check which rules apply to your terminal before you travel.
- Be prepared to follow either the new or old procedures, depending on where you are.
- Listen to staff and read all signs at security checkpoints.
- Declare any special items, like baby food or medical liquids.
Final Thoughts and Takeaways
The rollout of new security technology at London Heathrow Airport is making travel easier for many people, but the process is not yet complete. Travelers should stay alert, follow instructions, and be ready for either the new or old rules until the upgrades are finished. By the end of 2025, flying from Heathrow and other major UK airports should be simpler, faster, and less stressful for everyone.
For more information on current security procedures and updates, visit the Heathrow Airport security and baggage page. Staying informed will help you pack smarter, save time, and enjoy a smoother journey through one of the world’s busiest airports.
Learn Today
CT scanners → Advanced security machines using 3D imaging to scan bags without unpacking items for faster checks.
Liquids restriction → Limit of 100ml per container in clear 1-liter bag; new scanners allow up to 2 liters clear bottles.
Security checkpoint → Area in airports where baggage and passengers are screened before boarding flights.
Terminal → Designated airport area for departing or arriving flights, each with its own security lanes.
Computed Tomography → Imaging technology providing detailed 3D views of objects, improving threat detection during screening.
This Article in a Nutshell
London Heathrow’s new CT technology transforms security with 3D scanning, letting travelers keep devices and liquids packed. Rollout delays cause mixed procedures in terminals, requiring vigilance. Passengers should check in advance, follow signage, and prepare for both old and new rules, easing stress and improving efficiency at one of the busiest airports.
— By VisaVerge.com
