The largest airport in Europe has canceled a restriction that had been annoying passengers for years

One of the most famous restrictions at European airports is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Europe's largest air hub has allowed passengers to take much more liquids in their hand luggage than before. Learn more about the rule and what it means for travelers

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For more than 20 years, the rule for transporting liquids in hand luggage has been one of the most inconvenient for air passengers in Europe. The 100 ml limit created difficulties on short and long journeys, especially for families with children and people with medical needs. Now the situation is starting to change: London Heathrow Airport has officially relaxed this requirement through the introduction of new security screening technologies.

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What rule was relaxed and what are passengers allowed to do now?

The largest aviation hub in Europe, London Heathrow Airport, has officially eased one of the strictest aviation security rules that has been in place for more than 20 years. It is a restriction on the transportation of liquids in hand luggage, which has long been a source of dissatisfaction for passengers.

Since the beginning of this year, travelers passing through security at Heathrow have been allowed to:

1. Carry containers with liquids of up to 2 liters in volume in hand luggage instead of the previous 100 ml;

2. Take water, drinks and other liquids brought from home or purchased outside the airport;

3. Do not put liquids in special transparent bags with a strict volume limit.

In addition, passengers no longer need to take bottles with liquids and electronic devices out of their bags during the inspection - the check is done automatically. This greatly simplifies the security check and reduces queues, especially during peak hours.

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Why was the airport able to make such relaxations?

The relaxation of the rules became possible due to a large-scale technical upgrade of the security system at London Heathrow Airport. The airport administration has invested about £1 billion in the installation of modern, next-generation scanners for checking hand luggage.

The new control systems are capable of:

- Analyze the contents of baggage in detail without physically inspecting items;

- Detect dangerous and prohibited substances more accurately;

- Automatically check liquids and electronics without human intervention.

Thanks to these technologies, inspection procedures have become not only safer but also much faster. Passengers pass security control without unnecessary stops and shifting of belongings, which is especially important for large transit airports with high passenger traffic.

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What is the reason for the restriction on the transportation of liquids?

Restrictions on the transportation of liquids in hand luggage at European airports were introduced in 2006 after a large-scale terrorist plot in the UK was prevented. Back then, the attackers planned to blow up transatlantic flights using liquid explosives disguised as drinks and cosmetics.

In response, the authorities immediately introduced strict security measures, which were later unified at the European Union level. The 100 ml rule became one of the most visible symbols of aviation control, but over the years it was increasingly criticized as outdated and inconvenient. Passengers complained about difficulties in transporting medicines, baby food and essential liquids, as well as about queues and additional stress during security checks.

Even though the rules at some airports have been simplified, traveling always involves health risks. That is why before traveling, you should take care of health insurance, which will help you get the necessary medical care abroad and avoid significant expenses in case of illness or unforeseen situations.

We remind you! Traveling with pets by air is becoming more and more accessible for travelers. Read more about which airlines allow pets to be transported in the cabin, what documents are required, and how to prepare your pet for the flight.

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