Security checks at London Heathrow Airport have become much easier. Thanks to new CT scanners, passengers can now have their hand baggage checked without limiting liquids and without unpacking electronics.
Passengers at Europe's largest airport can breathe a sigh of relief; from now on, the strict 100-milliliter limits for liquids and the tedious unpacking of laptops will be a thing of the past. Thanks to a multi-billion euro modernization programme, the London authorities are using state-of-the-art CT scanners to ensure faster and stress-free security checks.
For passengers, this means that they can take their own coffee, juice or water in containers of up to two liters through security checks and on board without any problems. Laptops, tablets and other electronic devices remain safely packed in hand luggage while the CT scanners precisely check their contents in 3D.
This innovation ends a safety rule that was introduced 20 years ago. Following foiled attacks in 2006, in which terrorists attempted to smuggle liquid explosives in drinks bottles, strict hand luggage regulations were introduced worldwide.
The advantages of the relaxed regulations are obvious: travelers pass through security checks more quickly, waiting times are reduced, especially at peak times, and around 16 million plastic bags are saved. Heathrow shows how safety, efficiency and environmental awareness can go hand in hand.
London Heathrow will remain the busiest airport in continental Europe in 2025, handling more than 84 million passengers for the first time in 2025.
