Scotland’s busiest airport has just given travellers something to cheer about. Starting July 7, Edinburgh Airport became the first in the country to scrap the 100ml liquid rule for carry-ons — a security measure that’s frustrated fliers for nearly two decades.
A New Era for Security and Convenience
If you’ve flown anywhere in the last 20 years, you know the drill: toiletries crammed into tiny bottles, last-minute bag checks, plastic bags that never seal properly. It all stems from the 2006 liquid explosives plot that forced airports worldwide to clamp down on what you could pack.
One line: Now, Edinburgh Airport says enough is enough.
Thanks to cutting-edge scanning technology, passengers no longer have to worry about ditching their favourite perfume or repacking hand cream at the security gate.
Gail Hendry, who flew to Berlin on Monday, put it best: “It feels like we’re back in the 90s — but in a good way.”
How It Works
So, what’s changed? Edinburgh Airport installed new 3D CT scanners at security. Instead of a quick X-ray, these scanners give staff a detailed, 360-degree view inside every bag. That means larger liquid containers are no longer an unseen threat.
One small paragraph: In plain English? You keep your liquids, laptop, and electronics in your bag.
The Rule That Lasted Too Long
To appreciate the change, it helps to remember why the 100ml rule stuck around so long.
In 2006, British authorities foiled a plan to blow up transatlantic flights using homemade bombs disguised as sports drinks. The global response was immediate and sweeping: every airport, every passenger, every liquid bottle — suspect until proven safe.
But while some airports trialled new scanners in the years since, progress was slow. Edinburgh’s decision to roll them out airport-wide makes it the first Scottish hub to ditch the limit altogether.
One-liner: It’s a milestone — and a bit of an overdue one.
Other UK Airports Watching Closely
Of course, Edinburgh won’t stand alone for long. London City Airport became the UK’s first to trial the scanners in 2023, and Heathrow and Gatwick are working on full upgrades.
A quick bullet point of who’s likely next:
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Glasgow Airport: Upgrading security lanes by 2026
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Aberdeen Airport: Early stages of testing new scanners
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Prestwick Airport: Watching closely before committing
One short sentence: Scotland might be ahead now, but rivals won’t want to lag behind for long.
Boost for Travellers — and Tourism
Beyond saving you from shampoo stress, there’s a real business side to this. Airport analysts say ditching the liquid limits cuts security bottlenecks by up to 30%. That means shorter queues, fewer missed flights, and happier passengers who spend more in shops and restaurants.
According to VisitScotland, smoother airport flow could help Scotland’s tourism sector as it pushes to attract more international travellers post-pandemic.
A local café manager at Edinburgh Airport laughed: “If they’re not dumping shampoo at security, maybe they’ll spend that extra tenner on a coffee and a scone.”
Safety Still Comes First
None of this means security is taking a backseat. Officials stress that the scanners actually make it easier to spot unusual items. Bags flagged by the 3D tech are pulled aside for a closer look, just like before.
One small reminder: Firearms and banned items still stay banned — no amount of fancy scanning will change that.
What’s Next?
Travel insiders say the change will roll out more widely across Europe over the next few years. The EU already has a 2024 deadline to get airports up to speed with similar tech. The UK’s roadmap is less clear but moving fast.
One line: For now, Edinburgh’s leap forward is a signal that Scotland’s airports are ready to lead, not lag.
So, the next time you pack your bag for a weekend city break or a summer holiday, breathe easy: your full-size face cream gets to come along for the ride.
