Travellers departing from London Gatwick Airport this Easter can expect a smoother journey through security, as new scanning technology removes the need to separate liquids into clear plastic bags.
For years, passing through airport security has felt like a stressful ritual — from squeezing miniature toiletries into flimsy bags to risking a hold-up if a single item doesn’t meet regulations. However, a significant change at Gatwick promises to make that process far less cumbersome.
Thanks to the installation of advanced computed tomography (CT) 3D scanners, passengers are no longer required to place liquids in separate plastic bags. While the 100ml limit per item still applies, passengers can now leave toiletries such as shampoo, suncream, and makeup remover inside their hand luggage as they pass through security.
This move is part of a wider government initiative aimed at modernising airport security protocols across the UK. Gatwick has now upgraded all 19 of its security lanes with the new technology, which is being hailed as a “cutting-edge” solution by airport officials.
In addition to improving efficiency and reducing queuing times, the change also supports environmental sustainability by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bags.
Gatwick has recently demonstrated its strong focus on safety and preparedness, as seen during its fire alarm evacuation response, ensuring that all protocols are in place to protect passengers and staff.
The multimillion-pound project marks a major investment by Gatwick Airport, aimed at streamlining operations in anticipation of the busy summer travel period.
Cyrus Dana, Head of Security at London Gatwick, said, “More than 95% of passengers already pass through security at London Gatwick in under five minutes. This is a positive change, with the scanners allowing our passengers to travel through the airport with more ease.
As we continue to grow, our top priority is the safety of our passengers and the security of the airport. This cutting-edge technology ensures a safe and robust experience for our passengers.”
Updated Security Guidelines for Passengers
According to the latest guidance on Gatwick Airport’s website:
- Liquids must still be under 100ml, but they no longer need to be placed in a separate bag. They can stay within hand luggage.
- Toiletries such as creams, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols are included in this change.
- Laptops, tablets, e-readers and other large electronic devices can also remain inside hand luggage during screening.
These relaxed rules are currently only applicable to a selection of UK airports equipped with the new scanning technology.
Other UK Airports with the New System
As of now, the following airports have introduced similar procedures, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronics inside their cabin baggage:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Edinburgh
- Gatwick
- Leeds Bradford
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
It’s worth noting that while these new systems have been implemented at several UK airports, they are not yet widespread globally.
Travellers should be prepared to revert to older security protocols — including the use of clear 1-litre plastic bags and liquid restrictions — when flying from or returning via international airports.
Gatwick Airport also reminds passengers that there are no changes to regulations concerning dangerous goods. Furthermore, they continue to advise arriving two hours before short-haul flights and three hours prior to long-haul departures to ensure a stress-free check-in and boarding experience.
