Since 26 January 2026, London City Airport has scrapped the old 100ml liquids limit. New CT scanners across the security hall mean you can now carry containers up to 2 litres in your cabin bag, and liquids, laptops and tablets no longer need to come out for separate screening. Checked August 2026.
What changed, and when
For years, the standard UK security rule limited passengers to liquid containers of 100ml or less, all fitting inside a single clear plastic bag. London City has moved away from that rule by installing CT, or computed tomography, scanners across its security hall. These scanners build a detailed 3D image of the contents of your bag, which is precise enough that staff no longer need to physically separate out your liquids and electronics to check them individually. The change took effect on 26 January 2026.
What you can now bring
With the new scanners in place, you can carry liquid containers up to 2 litres in your hand luggage, and they can stay inside your bag rather than being pulled out into a tray. This means you no longer need to decant liquids into 100ml bottles or seal them in a clear plastic bag before you fly from London City. Laptops and tablets can also stay in your bag rather than going through in their own tray, which is one of the main reasons the security process now moves faster for most passengers.
Why this matters for how you pack
Practically, this changes what is worth putting in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage. Full-size toiletries, a bottle of water bought before security, or a larger container of a favourite product can now travel in your cabin bag rather than being confiscated or needing to go in the hold. If you are travelling with a laptop, tablet or other electronics, you can leave your bag packed as normal rather than repacking it at the tray.
What's still restricted
This change is about liquids and electronics screening, not a general relaxation of security rules. The standard restrictions on other prohibited items, such as sharp objects and certain other banned goods, remain in place, so if you are carrying anything unusual, it is worth checking the current restricted items list before you travel.
Does this apply to your connecting flight too
The new rule is about London City's own security equipment and applies to what you carry through this airport's checkpoint. If your return leg or a connecting flight departs from a different airport, that airport's own scanners and rules apply there, and not every airport has completed the same upgrade on the same timetable, so it is worth checking the rules at your next airport before you fly if you are relying on carrying larger liquid containers throughout your trip.
How this fits with London City's speed
The CT scanner rollout sits alongside London City's broader reputation for being a fast airport to move through. Fewer items need pulling out of bags, which means fewer trays and less repacking at the belt, on top of an airport that already markets around 20 minutes from front door to departure lounge for hand-baggage passengers. For more on how that timing works in practice, see the guide to how fast the airport really is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a full-size shampoo bottle through London City security now? Yes, as long as the container is 2 litres or smaller. Since 26 January 2026, London City's CT scanners no longer require liquids to be limited to 100ml or sealed in a clear plastic bag.
Do I still need to take laptops out of my bag at security? No, not at London City. The CT scanners can see clearly enough into your bag that laptops and tablets can stay inside rather than going through in a separate tray.
When did the liquid rule change at London City Airport? The new CT scanners and the scrapping of the 100ml limit took effect on 26 January 2026.
Does the new liquid allowance apply if I'm connecting through another airport? It applies to London City's own security checkpoint. A connecting or return airport that has not completed its own CT scanner upgrade may still enforce the old 100ml limit, so check before you travel.
Are all other security restrictions still in place at London City? Yes. This change relates specifically to liquids and how bags are screened. Standard restrictions on other prohibited items are unchanged.
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Last verified August 2026 by the London City Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official London City Airport website before you travel.