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Nineteen years after it was first introduced, the strict 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage has finally been lifted at two major UK airports. From this week, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports no longer require passengers to pack their liquids into tiny bottles or transparent plastic bags before passing through security. Instead, flyers can leave their liquids, up to two litres, loose in their cabin bags.

 

The move comes as part of a wider rollout of new 3D scanning technology designed to speed up and simplify security checks. “A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule,” said Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport. “It really is a momentous day.” He added that the new scanners will “maintain and improve our high safety levels” while giving passengers more flexibility.

 

The change will be welcomed by many British holidaymakers, particularly as it comes just days after news broke of Ryanair’s new game-changing cabin baggage policy. While Ryanair is relaxing its rules on what you can bring into the cabin, Birmingham and Edinburgh are now making it easier to get it all through security too - a promising combination for smoother summer travel.

 

However, it’s not quite universal yet. Passengers are strongly advised to check the rules at their return airport, especially when flying back from outside the UK or through major hubs like Heathrow and Manchester. Some terminals still use the old-style X-ray machines, and until all areas are fully upgraded, the 100ml rule remains in place in many locations. “Passengers should continue to check security requirements with airports before they travel,” warned a Department for Transport spokesperson.

 

The EU and Schengen Area also reverted back to the old 100ml rule in September last year, following issues with scanner reliability.

 

There are flights between Birmingham and Murcia Airport all year round, operated by Ryanair, as well as to Alicante Airport and Málaga Costa del Sol with Jet2 and easyJet and for now, the message is simple: if you’re flying from Birmingham or Edinburgh, you can leave your liquids loose and large. But if you’re flying home to them, or from somewhere else entirely, you might still need your trusty zip-lock bag just a little longer.