Two major UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage this summer.

A policy on the amount of liquids holidaymakers can carry in their hand luggage has been in place since 2006, with rules stating liquid containers must not exceed 100ml. If containers are larger than this they must be packed inside hold luggage instead. Travellers who are carrying liquids in their hand luggage must place these items in a transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.

But both Edinburgh Airport and Birmingham Airport have lifted the 100ml liquid rule and now allow passengers to carry liquids in containers up to two litres inside their hand luggage.

Edinburgh Airport has become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule after installing eight new top-of-the-range X-ray scanners as part of a £24 million investment to transform its security.

Alongside liquid containers up to two litres, passengers can also keep large electricals, such as laptops and tables, inside their bags when they go through security.

Announcing the change this week, Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This is a big day for our passengers and the airport team – we are delighted to be able to lift this rule and really transform the whole security process, making it easier for everyone.

“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006.

“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology.

“But it is important that passengers continue to check with the situation at their return airport as not all airports will be moving away from 100ml just yet.”

Similarly, Birmingham Airport has also lifted the rule and now allows passengers to carry liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to two litres inside their hand luggage.

The airport said: “Only liquids, pastes and gels in containers no more than 2 litres (2L) can be carried in hand luggage – anything larger needs to be checked in luggage. No liquids above this size. Anything above the 2L limit will be removed and destroyed.

“There is no limit on the amount 2L containers that can be carried. Containers such as insulated bottles, are permitted but need to be completely empty.

“Do not put your liquids, pastes and gels into plastic bags (please leave them loose in hand luggage). Do not take them out of your hand luggage when you're in the security search area.

“Leave all electricals in hand luggage during the security search. When going through security please ensure all items are out of pockets including phones, keys, coins and tissues etc. Watches can be left on.”