Packing liquids for your next flight shouldn’t be complicated. This guide explains the latest hand luggage liquid rules at UK and Irish airports, including where the 100 ml limit still applies, which airports now allow containers up to 2 litres and what exceptions you can bring through security.
- Standard rule: Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less at most airports.
- Bag size: Liquids usually need to fit inside one clear, resealable 20 × 20 cm bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
- Airport differences: Some UK airports now allow containers up to 2 litres and no longer require liquids to be removed from your bag.
- Container size matters: A 200 ml bottle isn’t allowed, even if it’s nearly empty.
In this article
- What are the liquid rules for hand luggage?
- Which UK airports have removed the 100 ml rule?
- What counts as a liquid?
- What liquids are allowed over 100 ml?
- Tips for packing liquids smartly.
- Common mistakes that get liquids confiscated.
- Frequently asked questions about travelling with liquids on a plane.
What are the liquid rules for hand luggage?
At most UK and Irish airports, liquids carried in your hand luggage must be in containers of 100 ml or less. These containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag measuring approximately 20 × 20 cm, with a total capacity of no more than 1 litre.
Airport security measures the size of the container, not how much liquid is left inside. Even a nearly empty 200 ml bottle won’t be allowed through security.
Which UK airports have removed the 100 ml rule?
Several UK airports have introduced new CT security scanners, allowing passengers to keep liquids in their hand luggage during screening. Some airports also permit containers of up to 2 litres.
| Airport | Plastic bag required? | Remove liquids from your bag? | Maximum container size |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | No | No | 2 litres |
| London Gatwick | No | No | 2 litres |
| Birmingham | No | No | 2 litres |
| Edinburgh | No | No | 2 litres |
| London Luton | No | No | 100 ml |
| Bristol | No | No | 100 ml |
| Newcastle | No | No | 100 ml |
| Leeds Bradford | No | No | 100 ml |
Always check your departure airport before you travel, as scanner rollouts and local procedures continue to change.
Do all airlines follow the same liquid rules?
No. Liquid restrictions are set by the airport you’re departing from, not the airline you’re flying with. That means the same airline may have different hand luggage liquid rules depending on where your journey starts.
For example, if you’re flying with British Airways from London Heathrow, you can take liquid containers of up to 2 litres through security. Fly with the same airline from another airport that still applies the standard rules and you’ll be limited to containers of 100 ml or less.
What counts as a liquid?
If it can be poured, sprayed, spread or squeezed, airport security usually treats it as a liquid.
Common examples include:
- Water, soft drinks and alcohol
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo and shower gel
- Suncream and moisturiser
- Foundation, mascara and lip gloss
- Contact lens solution
- Honey, jam, yoghurt and peanut butter
What liquids are allowed over 100 ml?
Some liquids are exempt from the standard rules.
Essential medication
Prescription medicines, liquid medication and medical gels are permitted when needed for your journey. You may be asked to show a prescription or medical letter.
Baby food and milk
Baby milk, sterilised water and baby food are allowed in quantities needed for your journey when travelling with a child. Security staff may ask to inspect these items separately.
Duty free purchases
Liquids bought after security or on board can exceed 100 ml. Keep duty free purchases sealed in the security bag provided until you reach your final destination, especially if you’re connecting through another airport.
If you’re transferring through another airport, especially outside the UK, check whether your duty free liquids will need to be screened again.
Check item restrictions at your destination.
Be mindful of what you are legally permitted to take into the country at your final destination too. Bringing alcohol into the Maldives, for example, is strictly prohibited – and this is applicable to duty free purchases. Such items may be confiscated on arrival.
Tips for packing liquids smartly.
Here are a few simple ways to get through security more quickly and make the most of your liquids allowance.
- Buy a reusable clear pouch with a zip that measures 20cm x 20cm so you can organise your liquids at home instead of at the airport.
- Swap liquids for solids where possible to make the most of your 1 litre limit. Perhaps you could swap your mini aerosol deodorant for a solid one, or pack your favourite solid lipstick instead of a lip gloss.
- Buy reusable 100ml containers to decant your favourite products, like shampoo and conditioner, at home.
If the 1 litre limit isn’t enough for you, pack your most expensive liquids like foundation and face creams in your hand luggage allowance and buy cheaper items like shower gel after security (or if you’re packing a checked bag, stash those bigger items there).
Common mistakes that get liquids confiscated.
- Bringing a large bottle that’s nearly empty – security checks the container size, not the fill level, so a 250ml bottle with 10ml left is still a no-go.
- Forgetting spreadable foods – peanut butter, hummus, and cream cheese are all treated as liquids and must be 100ml or under.
- Have your 20cm x 20cm clear pouch filled with mini liquids ready to go before you head to the airport so you can easily grab it at the security line and pass through without any hold ups.
- Check that your reusable water bottle is empty before you arrive at security. Not every UK airport security point has sinks to tip your drink away, so you may be stuck standing there for a while if you’re a slow drinker!
Frequently asked questions about travelling with liquids on a plane.
Only if you’re departing from an airport that allows containers larger than 100 ml. Otherwise, containers must hold 100 ml or less, regardless of how much liquid is inside.
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a liquid or gel and must follow the same rules as other toiletries.
Yes. Aerosol and roll-on deodorants count as liquids and must comply with the liquid allowance. Solid deodorant sticks don’t count as liquids.
Yes. Empty reusable water bottles are allowed through security and can usually be filled after you’ve passed the checkpoint.
Yes. Perfume is allowed in your hand luggage, but it counts as a liquid. At airports still applying the standard rules, perfume bottles must be 100 ml or smaller and packed inside your clear resealable liquids bag. Duty Free perfume bought after security can exceed 100 ml and doesn’t count towards your liquids allowance.
