Ah, the dreaded 100ml liquid rule. For nearly two decades, we’ve all been dutifully decanting our shampoo into tiny bottles & cramming them into a clear plastic bag, all in the name of airport security. It’s been a source of countless travel-day frustrations, from last-minute chugging of expensive water bottles to the sad surrender of a favorite jar of artisanal jam.
But here's the thing: the winds of change are blowing through airport security halls. You might have heard whispers, seen a news headline, or even experienced it yourself – the 100ml liquid rule is starting to disappear. But where? And why? And, most importantly, can you finally pack that full-sized bottle of sunscreen for your next trip?
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess right now. The rules are changing, but not everywhere at once. It’s created a confusing patchwork of regulations that can trip up even the most seasoned traveler. So, let's break it all down. Who’s actually letting you bring more than 100ml of liquids through security? The answer, it turns out, depends entirely on where you’re flying from.
The Magic Behind the Change: What are these New Scanners?
Before we dive into which airports are on the “yes” list, it’s worth understanding why this is happening at all. The hero of our story is a new piece of technology: the Computed Tomography (CT) scanner.
Think of it like a medical CT scanner, but for your luggage. Instead of the old 2D X-ray machines that gave a flat, somewhat blurry image of your bag’s contents, these new CT scanners create a high-resolution 3D image. This allows security officers to see exactly what’s in your bag from every angle, making it MUCH easier to identify potential threats without you having to take anything out.
These scanners are so good, they can tell the difference between a bottle of water & a dangerous liquid. And that’s why some airports are now saying, “Go ahead, leave your liquids & your laptop in your bag.” The new tech is a game-changer for airport security, promising not just more convenience, but also a higher level of safety.
So why isn’t every airport using them? Well, as you can probably guess, they’re expensive. REALLY expensive. We’re talking millions of dollars for the scanners themselves, plus the logistical headache of installing them, which can sometimes even require reinforcing the floors of the security area. That’s why the rollout has been so staggered, creating the confusing situation we find ourselves in today.
The UK: A Tale of Two (Liter) Systems
The United Kingdom is a perfect example of this new, confusing reality. While the government had set a deadline for all major airports to install the new CT scanners, the rollout has been… well, let's call it a work in progress.
The All-Clear List: 2 Liters Allowed!
As of summer 2025, there are two major UK airports that have fully scrapped the 100ml liquid rule. If you're flying from one of these, you can breathe a sigh of relief & pack those full-sized toiletries:
- Birmingham Airport (BHX)
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
At these airports, you can now carry liquids in containers of up to two liters in your hand luggage. That’s right, two LITERS. You can bring a whole bottle of wine, a big jar of olives, or enough shampoo to last you a month. And the best part? You don’t even have to take them out of your bag.
This is a HUGE step forward for travelers. It means less stress, less hassle, & no more wasting money on travel-sized everything. It makes the whole airport experience a little bit smoother, which is something we can all appreciate.
The "It's Complicated" List: New Scanners, Old Rules
This is where it gets tricky. A bunch of other UK airports have installed the new CT scanners, but they haven’t been given the official green light to ditch the 100ml rule just yet. At these airports, you might find that you can leave your liquids & electronics in your bag, but the 100ml limit still applies.
Here are some of the airports in this transitional phase:
- Aberdeen (ABZ)
- Glasgow (GLA)
- Southampton (SOU)
- London City (LCY)
- Teesside (MME)
- Luton (LTN)
And then you have the biggest hubs, like Heathrow (LHR) & Manchester (MAN). These airports are so massive that they’re rolling out the new scanners lane by lane. This means you could be in a queue with the new, relaxed rules, while the person next to you is in a lane still enforcing the old system.
The Golden Rule for UK Travel: ALWAYS check the specific airport’s website right before you travel. Don’t assume the rules are the same as the last time you flew. And if in doubt, stick to the 100ml rule to be safe.
Dealing with all this uncertainty can be a pain, especially when you’re trying to get to the airport on time. The last thing you want is more stress. It’s one of the reasons a service like Prked is so handy. You can find & book a private driveway to park in near the airport, so you know exactly where you’re going & don’t have to worry about finding an expensive spot in a massive airport garage. It just takes one little thing off your plate on a hectic travel day.
The European Union: A Patchwork of Progress
The situation in the EU is just as dynamic, if not more so. The European Commission has given its approval for the new scanners to be used, which means airports across the bloc can now start to lift the 100ml restriction. But, just like in the UK, it’s up to each individual airport to buy & install the technology.
The "Coming Soon" List
Several major European travel hubs have the new CT scanners installed & are expected to scrap the 100ml rule very soon, allowing up to two liters of liquids. Keep a close eye on these airports, as they’re likely to be the next to announce the change:
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
- Berlin Brandenburg (BER)
- Milan Linate (LIN) & Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Some Italian airports have already started using the new systems, & airports in Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, Sweden, & the Netherlands are also poised to make the change.
The Big EU Caveat: The Return Trip Trap
Here's a SUPER important point for anyone traveling in Europe this year: just because your departure airport has scrapped the 100ml rule, it doesn’t mean your return airport has.
You could fly out of, say, Milan with a lovely big bottle of Italian olive oil in your carry-on, only to have it confiscated on your way back from an airport that hasn't upgraded its scanners yet. This "patchwork problem" is going to be a reality for a while, so you absolutely MUST check the rules for BOTH your departure & return airports before you pack.
The United States: Sticking to the Status Quo
And what about across the pond? If you’re traveling within or from the United States, the rules are simple & clear: the 100ml (or 3.4 ounce) liquid rule is still very much in effect.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not announced any plans to scrap the 3-1-1 rule (3.4-ounce bottles, in 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger). While some US airports have started rolling out the new CT scanners, the official policy on liquids hasn’t changed.
The only exceptions to the TSA’s liquid rule are for:
- Medications: Both prescription & over-the-counter liquid medications are allowed in larger quantities.
- Infant & child nourishment: This includes breast milk, formula, & baby food.
For everything else, you’ll still need to stick to your trusty travel-sized bottles. Even if you have TSA PreCheck, which lets you leave your liquids in your bag, the 100ml limit still applies.
So, if you're flying from the US, don't get caught out. That full-sized bottle of anything will have to go in your checked luggage.
So, What's the Takeaway?
Honestly, the biggest takeaway is to check, check, & check again. The airport liquid rules are in a massive state of flux, & the situation is likely to change throughout the year. Before you fly, do a quick search for the liquid rules at your specific departure & return airports. It will save you a world of hassle.
It’s exciting to see the end of the 100ml rule on the horizon. It’s a change that will make travel easier & less stressful for everyone. And as more airports invest in the new technology, we’ll slowly but surely be able to say goodbye to those tiny bottles for good.
In the meantime, a little bit of pre-travel planning goes a long way. Whether it's double-checking the liquid rules or pre-booking your airport parking with a service like Prked to save money & stress, being prepared is the best way to ensure a smooth journey. And hey, if you live near an airport, you could even make some extra cash by renting out your empty driveway on Prked to travelers. It’s a pretty cool way to make the most of the travel boom.
Hope this was helpful in clearing up some of the confusion! Let me know what you think – have you flown through an airport with the new rules yet? What was it like?
