Birmingham Airport has officially scrapped the long-standing 100ml liquid restriction for hand luggage, making it the latest UK travel hub to adopt next-generation CT scanning technology. The rule change, which came into effect in late June 2024, allows outbound passengers to carry liquids, pastes, and gels in containers up to two litres directly in their hand baggage—without placing them in a separate plastic bag.
The announcement has been welcomed by travelers frustrated with the near two-decade-old rule that limited liquid quantities in carry-ons. However, aviation authorities are warning passengers not to be caught off guard: many UK and international airports have not implemented this change yet, meaning return journeys may still be subject to the traditional 100ml restriction.
Why Birmingham Airport Made the Change
The updated policy stems from a £60 million investment by Birmingham Airport into state-of-the-art CT (Computed Tomography) scanning systems. These 3D scanners give security personnel a highly detailed image of bag contents, making it easier to detect threats without requiring travelers to separate liquids or electronics before screening.
Introduced across the airport’s security halls ahead of the peak summer travel season, the scanners mark a significant improvement in both speed and efficiency at checkpoints.
“This investment has revolutionised our passenger screening experience,” said Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director at Birmingham Airport. “We’re seeing smoother flows through security and less passenger stress.”
The outdated 100ml rule, introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot involving liquid explosives, had become a major point of frustration for modern air travelers. With the implementation of new security screening technology, Birmingham joins Edinburgh as one of the few UK airports currently equipped to allow larger liquid quantities.
What the New Liquid Rules Mean for Travelers
Under the revised guidelines at Birmingham Airport:
- Liquids, gels, and pastes of up to 2 litres are now permitted in carry-on bags.
- Items no longer need to be separated into transparent plastic bags.
- There is no limit to the number of liquid items per traveler—only container size applies.
- Electronics can generally remain in luggage unless otherwise requested by security staff.
These changes apply to all outbound flights departing from Birmingham, regardless of the destination.
However, travelers should remain cautious about their return flights. Most UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Gatwick, still enforce the 100ml rule, as their CT scanner rollouts remain incomplete. Similarly, many European and long-haul destinations have not yet upgraded to the new standard.
Government Advice: Don’t Assume All Airports Follow the Same Rules
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has issued a public advisory reminding travelers that unless specifically informed otherwise, they should assume the 100ml limit still applies at most airports.
“Passengers should contact their departure and arrival airports before travel,” said Alexander. “The 2-litre liquid rule is not yet standard across the UK or Europe.”
The UK government had previously set a mid-2024 deadline for all major airports to adopt CT scanners and relax liquid rules, but many airports missed this target due to equipment shortages, funding gaps, and delays in implementation.
As a result, dual standards now exist: travelers may be able to carry large bottles on departure but risk having them confiscated on return flights unless the arrival airport has also adopted the new scanner technology.
Summer Travel Spike: Birmingham Sees Record Passenger Volume
The timing of the rule change aligns with a record-breaking summer travel season. Birmingham Airport processed over 1.3 million passengers in June alone, with July and August expected to be even busier. Airport authorities say the new security system is helping handle the spike more efficiently, easing the burden on both staff and passengers.
Travel experts are advising holidaymakers to arrive early during peak hours and double-check return airport policies to avoid last-minute stress at security.
Tips for Traveling Through Birmingham Airport
To ensure a smooth journey under the new rules, travelers should keep the following in mind:
- ✅ Check your return airport’s liquid policy before packing large containers in hand luggage.
- ✅ Do not assume the 2-litre allowance applies to your entire round trip.
- ✅ Keep liquids sealed and store them securely within your carry-on bag.
- ✅ Electronics may still need to be screened separately, depending on staff instructions.
- ✅ Allow extra time for summer travel as Birmingham Airport continues to handle record volumes.
What’s Next for UK Airports?
The UK government continues to push for all major airports to complete CT scanner rollouts by 2025, but progress remains uneven. Until full national adoption, travelers will have to navigate a patchwork system of liquid rules, depending on their route.
Airports like London Gatwick, Stansted, and Manchester are in various stages of installing new technology, but their restrictions remain in place for now. Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, has publicly stated that full adoption will not occur until late 2025.
In the meantime, travelers are urged to consult the official Birmingham Airport website and use government resources like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and UK Foreign Travel Advice to stay updated on airport-specific rules.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Travel Smart
Birmingham Airport’s decision to end the 100ml liquid limit marks a milestone in aviation security and traveler convenience. For those flying out of Birmingham, the rule change offers greater flexibility and smoother security checks. But with liquid policies still varying widely across other airports, the key to hassle-free travel lies in awareness and preparation.
Plan ahead, confirm liquid restrictions with all airports on your itinerary, and enjoy a more seamless travel experience this summer.
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