Airport liquids rule: Are others following Edinburgh's change?

Key Points

What are the changes at Edinburgh Airport?

Rule which meant passengers could only carry liquids in containers of a maximum 100ml has been lifted
Passengers will be allowed to carry containers of up to two litres through security
The liquids will not need to be removed from bags during security checks
Large electronics, such as tablets and laptops, will also be allowed to remain in bags
Transport minister tells passengers to ‘work on the basis’ that 100ml rule remains in place at other airports

Airline passengers around Scotland had grown used to strict 100ml restriction on liquids, pastes and gels, which had to be put in a clear plastic bag.

On Monday, Edinburgh Airport became the first to lift the hand luggage rule that had been in force since 2006.

It means departing passengers will now be allowed to carry liquids in containers of up to two litres through security.

The new rules regarding liquids at Edinburgh Airport. STV News

The containers can also remain inside bags.

It means bottles of water, wine, and juice can be taken on board flights.

There is no limit on the number of containers that passengers can carry in their hand luggage.

Metal water bottles will need to be emptied before, but can be refilled airside at water fountains.

Michael Hering, head of security at Edinburgh Airport, said the change means its going to be a “simpler and faster process for the customer”.

“When the customer comes now, you can see there’s not a lot of people hanging about having to take liquids out their bags, because now everything can stay in the bag.

“They can get through the boarding card check, and then it’s going to the loading point. Take the bag off, put it in the tray, end of your worries.

“Then its all about getting prepared for security on the person. So, take your jackets, your belt off, make sure your pockets are empty.

“But ultimately, it’s going to be a much simpler and faster process for the customer.”

The rule change has been welcomed by holidaymakers.

Passengers at Edinburgh Airport welcomed the 100ml rule change. STV News

“We have bought some bottles, and think, ‘Oh, we have to drink them empty’. But now it’s like, ‘Hey, we have some bottles and can use them,” one passenger told STV News on Monday.

Another said: “I’ve got so many creams I’d have to decant and I don’t have to do that now, so I’m just straight on the flight.’

However, Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, reminded passengers to “continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet”.

Are other airports changing the 100ml rule?

In the UK, Birmingham Airport has also lifted the restriction, but other airports still have the 100ml rule in place – including Glasgow, Prestwick and Aberdeen.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said passengers preparing to fly from UK airports should assume the 100ml liquids rule remains in place unless their airport has told them otherwise.

Alexander told Times Radio: “The rollout of this new technology, the new scanning technology, has been overseen by the individual airports themselves.

“They have different contracts in place, different providers.

“We have a situation in Edinburgh and Birmingham where they’ve got the new technology in place now and so are allowing people who are travelling to take liquids in containers up to two litres through with them.

“At all other airports the 100ml rule stays in place.”

AirportsUK advised passengers to check security arrangements at every airport.

“We would stress this involves return airports abroad as well as those in the UK, as rules will be evolving there too,” a spokesperson said.

“Aviation security procedures around liquids are evolving and this change will take place at different times at different airports.”

This is despite the investment of £20m in Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) at Aberdeen and Glasgow in April 2024, a change that means that large electrical items or liquids under 100ml will be allowed to remain in bags throughout the security process.

The new scanners produce 3D images, which provide security staff with a much clearer view of bags’ contents.

A spokesperson for AGS Airports, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southport airports, confirmed that passengers are still being requested to ensure that all liquids carried in cabin baggage do not exceed 100ml.

“AGS Airports has invested £20m in installing Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), which are now fully operational across all three of our airports,” a spokesperson said.

“Aberdeen was the first airport in Scotland to introduce the new scanners when it installed them in April 2024. This significant investment underscores our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and streamlining security processes.

“The new technology means liquids and large electrical items, such as laptops, no longer need to be removed from passengers’ hand luggage. Passengers are requested to ensure that all liquids carried in cabin baggage do not exceed 100ml and check for latest advice from the airports they are travelling through.”

At Inverness and Glasgow Prestwick airports, liquids, laptops and other electronic devices, including hairdryers, cameras and straighteners, must be removed from cabin bags and placed in a tray.

Liquids in a container of 100ml or less should be placed in a sealed 20cm x 20cm, one-litre plastic bag.