Take your laptop, iPad, Kindle and any other large electrical items out of your hand luggage ready to be X-rayed. Remove coats, jackets and belts. They will need to be X-rayed along with your bag. You may need to remove your shoes before going through the security archway.

Navigating UK airport security in 2026 is significantly faster than in previous years due to the rollout of Next-Generation CT scanners. At major hubs like Heathrow, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, the "100ml liquid rule" has been scrapped. You can now carry containers of up to 2 litres of liquids, and you no longer need to remove your laptop, tablet, or liquid bag from your luggage—everything stays inside. However, you must still remove your coat, belt, and large jewelry before stepping through the metal detector or body scanner. At smaller airports like Luton or Manchester, the old 100ml rules may still apply until their upgrades are finalized, so always check your specific airport's 2026 guidance. For the smoothest experience, ensure your pockets are empty and your boarding pass is ready on your phone or Apple Watch.