Travelers passing through airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world are seeing big changes in security, thanks to new airport scanners that can spot liquid explosives much better than older machines. As of July 2025, these advanced scanners are making flying safer and could soon mean the end of strict liquid rules at some airports. But the rollout is far from complete, and most travelers still face the familiar restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about the new technology, how it affects your travel, and what changes are coming next.
What’s Happening With Airport Security?
Airports are starting to use new computed tomography (CT) scanners at security checkpoints. These machines create detailed 3D images of bags, helping screeners see what’s inside without opening them. The main goal is to catch liquid explosives, which have been a worry since the mid-2000s. While the new scanners are a big step forward, most airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 still don’t have them. This means the rules about carrying liquids on planes haven’t changed for most people.
Why Are These Scanners Important?
The new airport scanners are much better at finding dangerous liquids than older X-ray machines. They use special software that can tell the difference between safe items and possible threats. For example, the Kromek LEADER algorithm helps the scanners spot liquid explosives with over 85% accuracy and very few false alarms. This means screeners can do their jobs faster and more safely, and travelers could soon carry more liquids without extra checks.
How Many Airports Have the New Scanners?
In the United States 🇺🇸, only 255 out of 432 airports have installed the new CT scanners as of spring 2025. The biggest airports got them first, but smaller airports are still waiting. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says it will take until 2043 for every U.S. airport to have the new machines. The main reasons for the slow rollout are the high cost—each scanner costs over $2 million—and the need to rebuild parts of the airport to fit the heavy, large machines.
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 also planned to have all airports using CT scanners by 2022, but delays pushed the deadline to 2024 and then again to 2025. As of March 2025, most UK airports, including Heathrow and Manchester, still have the old liquid rules. Some airports that got the scanners early tried lifting the liquid ban, but had to bring it back because not all airports were ready.
In Europe and Asia, a few airports have started using the new scanners, but most are still waiting because of the high price and the need for building changes.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you’re flying from an airport with the new scanners, you might soon see some big changes:
- No More Shoe Removal: In the United States 🇺🇸, as of July 8, 2025, travelers no longer have to take off their shoes at security. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced this change, saying the new technology and better screening methods make it safe.
- Liquid Rules Still Apply: Even with the new airport scanners, the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) liquid rule is still in place at most airports. DHS is looking at changing this rule, but there’s no date yet for when it might end.
- Electronics in Bags: At airports with the new scanners, you might not have to take laptops or tablets out of your bag. This makes the process faster and easier.
- Confusion Possible: Because not all airports have the new scanners, you could be allowed to bring larger liquids from one airport, but have them taken away at another that still has the old rules. It’s important to check the rules for each airport you use.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect at U.S. Airports in 2025
- Check Your Airport: Before you travel, look up whether your airport has the new CT scanners. You can often find this information on the airport’s website or the TSA’s official site.
- Security Screening:
- Shoes: You don’t need to remove your shoes at U.S. airports as of July 8, 2025.
- Liquids: Keep following the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) rule unless you see a clear notice that the rule has changed at your airport.
- Electronics: If your airport has the new scanners, you may leave laptops and tablets in your bag.
- Identity Checks: You still need to show ID. Many airports are starting to use facial recognition and automated gates to speed up this process.
- Stay Informed: Watch for updates from DHS or TSA about changes to the liquid rules or other security steps.
Why Aren’t All Airports Upgrading Faster?
The main reasons are money and space. Each new CT scanner costs more than $2 million, and many airports need to rebuild parts of their security areas to fit the machines. The scanners are heavy and large, so floors often need to be reinforced. Airports also have to train staff to use the new technology. Smaller airports, which have less money and space, are last in line for upgrades.
Airlines and airport groups support the changes, saying they will make travel smoother and safer. But they also know it will take years for every airport to catch up.
What About Other Countries?
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has faced similar problems. The government wanted all airports to have the new scanners by 2022, but supply chain issues and building delays pushed the deadline to 2025. Even then, some airports may not be ready. In Europe and Asia, only a few airports have started using the new machines, mostly at big international hubs.
The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) is working to approve more types of scanners, but cost and building needs are slowing things down. Some airports use smaller liquid analyzers that can check bottles in about five seconds, but these are not as common as the big CT scanners.
What Do Security Experts Say?
Most security and aviation experts agree that the new airport scanners are a big improvement. They make it much harder for someone to sneak liquid explosives onto a plane. However, experts warn that relaxing the liquid rules too soon—before all airports have the new scanners—could create security gaps. If some airports allow larger liquids and others don’t, it could confuse travelers and make it easier for dangerous items to slip through.
The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general has pointed out that gaps in screening could let threats get past security. Experts say it’s important to wait until all airports have the new technology before changing the rules everywhere.
How Do These Changes Affect Immigrants and International Travelers?
For immigrants and people traveling internationally, the new scanners could make trips easier in the future. Carrying medicines, baby formula, or special foods in larger amounts would be less of a hassle if liquid rules are relaxed. But until all airports have the new scanners, travelers should keep following the old rules to avoid problems at security.
People coming to the United States 🇺🇸 from other countries should remember that rules can be different at each airport. For example, you might be allowed to bring a large bottle of shampoo from one country, but have it taken away when you return from another airport that doesn’t have the new scanners yet.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
- Check Airport Rules: Always check the rules for each airport you use, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
- Follow Current Liquid Limits: Unless you see a clear notice at your airport, keep liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.
- Stay Updated: Watch for news from the TSA, DHS, or your airline about changes to security rules.
- Be Ready for Changes: If your airport has the new scanners, you may notice faster lines and fewer items to remove from your bag.
What’s Next for Airport Security?
In the United States 🇺🇸, it will take until 2043 for every airport to have the new CT scanners. This means the national liquid rule is likely to stay in place for many years. The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 hopes to have all airports upgraded by July 2025, but more delays are possible. Around the world, big airports will get the new machines first, while smaller airports may have to wait.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the new airport scanners are changing the way security works, but the process is slow and uneven. Travelers should not expect the liquid rules to disappear everywhere overnight.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you have questions about airport security or the new scanners, you can contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) through their official website. The TSA site has up-to-date information about what you can bring, which airports have the new scanners, and how to prepare for your trip.
For travelers in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, the Department for Transport’s official page has the latest updates on airport security and scanner rollout.
Key Points to Remember
- New airport scanners using CT technology are much better at finding liquid explosives.
- Only about half of U.S. airports have the new scanners as of July 2025; full rollout won’t happen until 2043.
- The 3.4-ounce (100 ml) liquid rule is still in place at most airports, even those with new scanners.
- No more shoe removal at U.S. airports as of July 8, 2025.
- Rules can be different at each airport, so always check before you travel.
- Security experts warn against relaxing liquid rules too soon, as it could create confusion and risks.
- Travelers should keep following current rules unless their airport clearly says otherwise.
Looking Ahead: What Will Change for Travelers?
Once all airports have the new scanners, flying should become easier and faster. You might be able to bring larger bottles of shampoo, water, or other liquids without worry. Security lines could move more quickly, and you won’t have to take out your laptop or tablet. But until every airport is ready, the old rules will stay in place for most people.
For now, the best thing travelers can do is stay informed, follow the rules, and be patient as airports work to upgrade their security. The new airport scanners are a big step forward, but it will take time before everyone can enjoy the benefits.
Final Takeaway
The new airport scanners are making flying safer and could soon make travel easier, but most airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world still have the old liquid rules. Until the rollout is complete, travelers should keep following the current rules and check for updates before every trip. For more information about airport security and what you can bring, visit the TSA’s official website.
By staying prepared and informed, you can make your travel experience smoother—even as airports work to bring in the latest technology to keep everyone safe.
Learn Today
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner → Airport machine creating 3D images of bags to detect dangerous items without opening.
Liquid Explosives → Flammable liquids that pose security threats and require special detection at airports.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. government agency overseeing national security including airport screening processes.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → U.S. agency managing airport security and enforcing travel regulations.
Kromek LEADER Algorithm → Software used in CT scanners, detecting liquid explosives with over 85% accuracy.
This Article in a Nutshell
New CT airport scanners improve liquid explosive detection, enhancing security and potentially easing liquid rules. However, full U.S. rollout won’t finish until 2043, so travelers must still follow existing restrictions and check each airport’s rules before flying.
— By VisaVerge.com
