Key Takeaways
• Edinburgh Airport lifted the 100ml liquid restriction on July 7, 2025, enabling larger containers in hand luggage.
• New 3D X-ray machines allow liquids up to two litres without removal during security checks.
• Passengers should check liquid rules at all airports as not all have adopted this change.
Edinburgh Airport Lifts 100ml Liquid Restrictions: What Travelers Need to Know
On July 7, 2025, Edinburgh Airport made a major change to its security process by lifting the long-standing 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage. This move, powered by the introduction of advanced 3D X-ray security technology, marks a turning point for air travel in Scotland and sets a new standard for passenger convenience and safety. Here’s a detailed look at what this means for travelers, why the change happened, and how it might affect your next journey.
What Changed and Why?
Who: Edinburgh Airport, the busiest airport in Scotland
What: Lifted the 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage
When: Effective July 7, 2025
Where: Edinburgh Airport
Why: To improve passenger experience and security using new 3D X-ray security technology
How: By installing eight new 3D X-ray machines as part of a £24 million investment
For nearly two decades, travelers flying from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 and many other countries faced strict rules about carrying liquids in their hand luggage. The 100ml limit, introduced in 2006, meant passengers could only bring small bottles of liquids, gels, or pastes, all packed into a single clear plastic bag. This rule was put in place after security threats involving liquid explosives.
Now, thanks to new 3D X-ray security machines, Edinburgh Airport has become the first in Scotland to fully remove this restriction. Passengers can now carry liquids in containers up to two litres each in their hand luggage, and there’s no need to remove these items or large electronics from bags during security checks.
How the New Security Process Works
The new process is designed to be faster, easier, and just as safe as before. Here’s what you can expect when going through security at Edinburgh Airport from July 2025:
Step-by-Step Security Process:
- Arrive at the security checkpoint with your hand luggage packed as usual.
- Leave all liquids (up to two litres per container) and large electronics inside your bag. There’s no need to take them out for separate screening.
- Remove jackets and belts and place them in the tray, as before.
- Make sure metallic or double-walled containers (like thermos flasks) are empty before going through security. You can refill them after passing through.
- Proceed through security. Be ready for possible extra checks on certain items, such as baby food, medicines, or duty-free purchases.
- After security, refill bottles if needed at water stations in the terminal.
Key Points to Remember:
- You can bring multiple containers, as long as each one holds no more than two litres.
- All types of liquids, gels, pastes, lotions, and pressurized containers are included in the new allowance.
- Food and powders are still allowed in hand luggage, but if they block the X-ray image, you may face delays. It’s best to pack these in checked luggage if possible.
- Baby milk, food, medicines, and duty-free items may still need to be checked separately.
- Liquid medication is allowed in the amount you need, but bring a prescription or doctor’s note if possible.
Why the Change Happened
The main reason for this change is the installation of advanced 3D X-ray security technology, also known as CT (computed tomography) scanners. These machines give security staff a much clearer, three-dimensional view of what’s inside your bag. They can spot dangerous items more easily, even if they’re inside a bottle or hidden among other things.
Before these scanners, security staff had to ask passengers to take out liquids and electronics so they could get a better look at them. Now, the new technology does the hard work, making the process smoother for everyone.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the adoption of 3D X-ray security at airports like Edinburgh is a big step forward. It balances the need for strong security with a better experience for travelers, reducing stress and saving time at busy checkpoints.
What This Means for Passengers
For most travelers, this change is a huge relief. No more scrambling to fit all your liquids into tiny bottles or worrying about forgetting to take your laptop out of your bag. Here’s how the new rules make life easier:
More Freedom in Packing:
- Bring your favorite shampoo, lotion, or drink in larger bottles (up to two litres each).
- No need to buy travel-sized products just for your trip.
- Pack your bag as you like, without worrying about taking things out at security.
Faster, Less Stressful Security Checks:
- No more unpacking and repacking at the checkpoint.
- Shorter lines and quicker movement through security, especially during busy travel times.
- Less risk of losing items or leaving something behind in the trays.
Better for Families and Special Needs:
- Parents can bring enough baby milk or food for their journey, with less hassle.
- Travelers with medical needs can carry the liquids they require, as long as they have a prescription or doctor’s note.
Important Reminders:
- Check the rules at your destination and return airports. Not all airports in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 or around the world have lifted the 100ml rule. You might be able to bring large bottles when leaving Edinburgh, but face stricter rules on your way back.
- Metallic or double-walled bottles must be empty at security. You can fill them up after you pass through.
- Some items may still need extra checks. Security staff may ask to inspect baby food, medicines, or duty-free liquids.
Why Not All Airports Have Changed Yet
While Edinburgh Airport is leading the way in Scotland, not every airport in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 or abroad has made this switch. The UK government has encouraged airports to install 3D X-ray security machines, but the process takes time and money. Each airport must buy and set up the new equipment, train staff, and test the system before changing the rules.
Some airports, like London City, have already lifted the 100ml rule. Others, including major hubs like Heathrow and Gatwick, are working on it but haven’t finished yet. Internationally, many airports still use the old system, so travelers need to stay alert and check the rules for every part of their journey.
Official Advice:
Edinburgh Airport strongly advises passengers to check the liquid rules at their destination and return airports before traveling. You can find the latest information on the Edinburgh Airport security and liquids policy page.
Background: The 100ml Rule and Its Origins
The 100ml liquid restriction was first introduced in 2006 after security threats involving liquid explosives. Governments around the world, including the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, quickly put the rule in place to protect passengers. For almost 20 years, travelers have had to follow these strict limits, leading to frustration and confusion.
Over time, technology improved. New CT and 3D X-ray scanners can now spot dangerous items much more easily, even if they’re hidden inside a bottle or mixed with other things. This made the old 100ml rule less necessary at airports that have the new machines.
The UK government has supported the move to 3D X-ray security, but each airport must upgrade at its own pace. Edinburgh Airport’s £24 million investment in eight new scanners shows a strong commitment to both safety and passenger comfort.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, summed up the change by saying:
“This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone. The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology. But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”
VINCI Airports, which operates Edinburgh Airport, sees this change as part of a bigger plan to modernize the airport and make travel better for everyone.
Aviation security experts agree that 3D X-ray technology is a major step forward. It keeps flights safe while making the process less stressful for travelers.
Travel industry analysts expect that more airports will follow Edinburgh’s lead, but warn that mixed rules across different airports could cause confusion for some time.
Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected
Passengers:
Most travelers welcome the change. They can pack more freely, spend less time at security, and avoid the stress of fitting everything into tiny bottles. Families, people with medical needs, and those traveling for long periods especially benefit from the new rules.
Airlines:
Airlines support the move because faster security checks mean fewer delays and happier customers. On-time departures are easier when passengers aren’t stuck in long security lines.
Security Professionals:
While the new technology makes things easier, security staff remind everyone that safety is still the top priority. They urge travelers to stay informed about the rules at all airports they visit.
Travel Industry:
Tourism groups and travel agents see the change as a way to make Scotland more attractive to visitors. Easier airport experiences can encourage more people to travel.
Practical Tips for Travelers Using Edinburgh Airport
To make the most of the new rules and avoid problems, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the rules for all airports on your trip. Some may still have the 100ml limit.
- Pack liquids in containers up to two litres each. You can bring more than one, but each must not be bigger than two litres.
- Leave liquids and large electronics in your bag at security in Edinburgh.
- Empty metallic or double-walled bottles before security. Fill them up after you pass through.
- Bring a prescription or doctor’s note for liquid medicines.
- Pack food and powders in checked luggage if possible to avoid delays.
- Be ready for extra checks on baby food, medicines, or duty-free items.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Airport Security?
Edinburgh Airport’s move is likely just the beginning. Other major airports in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 are expected to install 3D X-ray security machines in the coming years. However, the timeline depends on each airport’s budget, staff training, and government approval.
As more airports upgrade their systems, the 100ml rule may become a thing of the past for most travelers. Until then, mixed rules will remain, and passengers will need to stay alert and informed.
Ongoing Monitoring:
The airport and government will keep a close eye on how the new system works. They’ll look at how it affects security, passenger flow, and overall satisfaction. If problems come up, they may adjust the rules or add new steps to keep everyone safe.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on security rules, liquid restrictions, and 3D X-ray security at Edinburgh Airport, visit the official security and liquids policy page.
You can also contact Edinburgh Airport’s customer service at +44 (0) 844 448 8833 or email [email protected] for help with specific questions.
For broader information about airport security and travel rules in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, the UK government’s official airport security page is a trusted source.
Final Thoughts
The lifting of the 100ml liquid restriction at Edinburgh Airport is a welcome change for travelers, making packing and passing through security much easier. Thanks to a major investment in 3D X-ray security technology, passengers can now bring more of what they need in their hand luggage without extra hassle. However, it’s important to remember that not all airports have made this change yet. Always check the rules for every airport on your journey to avoid surprises.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this shift is expected to improve the travel experience for millions while keeping safety standards high. With more airports likely to follow, the future of air travel looks set to become simpler and more passenger-friendly.
Key Takeaways:
- Edinburgh Airport has lifted the 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage as of July 7, 2025.
- Travelers can now carry liquids in containers up to two litres each, and leave them in their bags during security checks.
- The change is thanks to new 3D X-ray security technology, which improves both safety and convenience.
- Check the rules at all airports on your journey, as not all have made this change yet.
- For more information, visit the Edinburgh Airport security and liquids policy page or the UK government’s official airport security page.
By staying informed and following these new guidelines, travelers can enjoy a smoother, less stressful airport experience at Edinburgh Airport and beyond.
Learn Today
3D X-ray Security Technology → Advanced scanners that provide three-dimensional images for better detection of concealed items inside luggage.
100ml Liquid Restriction → A security rule limiting liquids in hand luggage to containers of 100 milliliters or less.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner → A machine that creates detailed 3D images of luggage contents to enhance security screening.
Duty-Free Items → Products bought at airports exempt from local taxes, often subject to separate security checks.
Hand Luggage → Bags carried by passengers into the airplane cabin, subject to security screening and luggage rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 7, 2025, Edinburgh Airport ended its 100ml liquid limit using new 3D X-ray technology, easing packing and speeding security while maintaining safety for all passengers.
— By VisaVerge.com
