One of my standard travel tips for anyone flying through London Heathrow (LHR) has always been simple: be prepared for strict, slow and often frustrating security.
For years, Heathrow was my former least favorite airport to transfer through. Not because of the terminals, lounges or airline choices. But because of security. It felt like every single time I passed through, my bags were flagged. Agents would meticulously go through everything I owned, which could easily add 20 to 30 minutes to the process. And most of the time, it was over something small and silly. A lip balm I forgot to put in a plastic bag. A tiny bottle of gel buried in a pocket. Or having too many electronics, cords and camera accessories in my carry-on.
If you’ve traveled through Heathrow in the past, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
According to Reuters: “Heathrow said on Friday that all security lanes across its four terminals were now operating the CT security scanners, which it said made it the largest airport in the world to fully roll out this technology.”
The good news is that Heathrow has been rolling out next-generation CT security scanners across its terminals and it’s a game changer. These scanners create high-resolution 3D images of what’s inside your bag, allowing security officers to screen items without passengers having to unpack everything.
In practical terms, that means travelers can now leave laptops, tablets and other electronics inside their bags. Liquids can also stay packed, in containers up to two liters.
While I haven’t personally transited Heathrow recently, I’ve been closely following what travelers and airport employees are saying about the new system.
Andrew Ingram, who works at Heathrow, shared on Facebook: “This is old. Heathrow have been accepting liquids up to 2 litres and laptops left in bags since at least September. I work there and our staff search has the same security rules as passengers!”
Not every experience has been flawless. Rebecca Cocozza commented: “Lol went through the new scanners in December. They pulled at least 50% of the bags to the side because it didn’t take a picture.”
And Leon G. Biesiadecki made an important point: “So you can take your favorite hair shampoo but can’t return with it because the airport at your destination still says no to larger bottles.”
Even with a few kinks, this is still a massive improvement over the old Heathrow routine. Fewer items to remove means faster lines, less stress and a lower chance of secondary screening. For connecting passengers, that can be the difference between sprinting through the terminal and having time to grab a coffee, browse duty-free or enjoy a lounge.
One big reminder: Heathrow’s rules do not automatically apply at other airports. Many airports around the world still require liquids in small containers inside a clear plastic bag and all large electronics removed. So while Heathrow may be easier now, you should always check the rules for every airport on your itinerary.
My longtime advice still stands: keep your carry-on organized and streamlined. A good tech organizer for cords, chargers, earbuds and accessories makes security easier anywhere in the world. It also prevents loose cables from triggering extra screening.
Bottom line: Heathrow security has finally entered the modern era. And for anyone who remembers the old days of constant bag checks and slow searches, that’s welcome news.
