Heathrow Airport has become the first airport in the world to fully roll out advanced high-tech CT scanners, a major leap forward in security procedures. This new initiative means that passengers can carry their liquid-filled containers of no more than two litres in their bags. So their new best friend, security! With this change, Heathrow becomes the largest airport in the world to install these advanced scanners in all terminals. This key upgrade doesn’t just restore the travel experience — it’s a major improvement for millions of passengers.
The new liquid rules would only affect journeys departing from Heathrow. Prior to returning to the UK, travellers should confirm the liquid restrictions in place at their departure airports. The rules can be quite different from place to place. The old maximum of containers no larger than 100ml is still in place at most airports across the UK.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, welcomed the new technology. She hopes it will significantly improve efficiency at security checkpoints.
“We would urge UK airports to work collectively with the government to ensure there is clear messaging around the rules to avoid confusion and delays where possible.” – Julia Lo Bue-Said
Imaging of cabin baggage has significantly improved with the new scanners. This innovation allows security staff to conduct more comprehensive scans, letting passengers leave all their liquids in their carry-ons. This innovation aims to expedite the security process, helping travelers spend “less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey,” according to Thomas Woldbye of Copenhagen Airport.
This would fulfill former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 2019 pledge to raise the levels of airport security. The British government are clearly resolute in their commitment to make that happen. He even boldly claimed that the 100ml liquid limit would be gone by the end of 2022. The implementation was delayed three times, most recently by the state legislature, pushing the timeline back at least 18 months. The Conservative government’s last election platform promised that cutting-edge in-line scanning technology would be set up in security lanes by June 2024.
Heathrow’s successful transition to these new scanners sets it apart from the world’s busiest airports. It is currently the only airport among the top ten globally to have abolished the 100ml liquid rule for international flights. In reaction to the news, Bristol and Belfast airports have increased their liquid limits to two litres. This amendment is a sign of the UK’s changing security practices.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport emphasized the significance of these developments. They’re critical for maintaining security screening effectiveness while increasingly expediting the traveling public.
“These new scanners allow us to handle thousands of passengers an hour with significantly greater efficiency, while maintaining high safety and security standards.” – Heathrow
Heathrow’s completion heralds the coming of a new era for airport security in the UK. This follows on the heels of losing ground during the nationwide rollout of the technology. Some of these improvements are designed to improve passenger on-board convenience, while other improvements are focused on maintaining high levels of safety stringency.
It is imperative that passengers educate themselves on luggage stipulations at their point of departure. It’s enormously important to get up to speed with the final regulations. The improvements at Heathrow Airport are part of a larger effort to modernize the UK transportation landscape.