Seven UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage this summer, allowing passengers to carry containers of up to two litres through security.
Airports that have made the switch
The airports that have removed the 100ml limit are: Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, and Belfast City.
Heathrow says liquids in containers of up to two litres can be carried through security at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, but metal or insulated bottles must be emptied before screening. Gatwick, Edinburgh and Bristol also tell passengers that containers can be up to two litres, with restrictions on metal or double-walled containers.
Manchester Airport maintains 100ml rule
Manchester Airport has confirmed the 100ml rule for liquids in hand luggage will remain in place throughout summer 2026. The airport is bracing for its busiest summer to date, with more than 5.7 million passengers expected between July 17 and September 1 – more than 120,000 per day.
Passengers should check the rules for their specific airports and flights to avoid delays at security. It is important to note that a half-empty 200ml bottle can still be confiscated as it needs to comply with the 100ml rule where that limit applies.
Return journey warning
Passengers are being warned that they could be caught out by their return journey, as airports abroad may have different rules. Someone may be able to take a full-size bottle of sun cream through a UK airport on the outbound journey, then have to put it in checked luggage or leave it behind if the airport at their destination still abides by the 100ml limit.
Manchester Airport has also warned parents travelling with children that they should watch out for ‘squishy’ toys, as they can be classified as liquids so it’s important to pack those in hold luggage, otherwise they could be confiscated.
