Passengers flying with airlines such as Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and easyJet can bypass the 100ml liquid rule at airports that still enforce it by using a simple shopping hack.
While some major airports, including Birmingham and Bristol, have scrapped the 100ml limit and now allow liquids up to two litres, many hubs such as Liverpool John Lennon Airport still have the restriction in place. Liverpool Airport has updated its security scanners, making the small plastic bags for separating liquids unnecessary, but the 100ml rule means packing beauty products or items for children can be tricky when flying with hand luggage only.
How the click and collect hack works
Passengers can pre-order items from shops such as pharmacies and book a click and collect for airside locations. The process involves finding the retailer's website, adding items like sun cream, wipes, premade formula, full-sized shampoo or shower gels to the basket, and arranging a click-and-collect on the day of departure. When ordering from a popular chain, it is important to select the location marked as past security or airside at checkout, as there may be multiple branches in the same airport.
Most airlines allow passengers to take a shopping bag of items bought at the airport into the cabin in addition to their existing luggage allowance. Because the purchase is made after passing through security, items over 100ml can be carried onboard.
Jet2 tips for family travel
The tip comes from Jet2, which revealed its ultimate parent hacks for family travel during the summer, covering navigating the airport and keeping children engaged during the journey. Jet2 also noted that airports allow passengers to take enough baby milk for the journey even if it exceeds 100ml, but warned: "Security may ask to screen the milk separately, so it's best to take it out of your hand luggage for ease."
Jet2 confirmed that staff members will warm baby milk onboard if asked, but not all airlines offer this service, so passengers should check before flying. Many airlines will provide a cup of hot water on request, allowing passengers to warm milk themselves.
The airline's spokesperson also suggested: "Allow extra time with children at the airport so you have time for security as well as toilet trips, feeding hungry little ones, and any last-minute inevitable surprises."
For passengers flying with Jet2, younger travellers can pick up a Teddy Passport at many airport check-in desks to engage them in the airport experience and help beat boredom. They can even show the passports to cabin crew onboard as extra fun.
