Manchester Airport will keep its 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage during the October half term, even though several other UK airports have relaxed their restrictions. Families heading to popular destinations such as the Canary Islands and mainland Spain should prepare for the stricter rules at Manchester.
Liquid limits still apply at Manchester
Unlike Birmingham, London Heathrow and Edinburgh airports, which now allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage, Manchester Airport continues to enforce the 100ml limit. This applies to anything that is 'pourable or spreadable' at room temperature, including toothpaste, moisturisers and aerosols.
The rules around liquids can vary depending on the airport you are flying from, so it is important to check ahead of your trip. New security scanners at Manchester mean passengers no longer have to remove liquids and electronics from their bags or place them in clear plastic bags, but the volume restriction remains in place.
Squishy toys and exemptions
One item that caught travellers out over the summer was children's 'squishy toys'. These contain liquids but do not feature any measurements, so security staff have to estimate their size. If your child has a squishy toy, it is best to pack it in hold luggage.
There are exemptions to the liquid rules. Passengers can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes (accompanied by a medical note or prescription), for special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk. Liquid prescription medication, including liquid dairy foodstuffs and inhalers, can be carried in containers over 100ml, but only the quantity required for the journey and with proof of prescription.
Check destination airport rules
Although liquid volume limits still apply at Manchester Airport, the new scanners mean passengers do not need to remove liquids from their bags at security, and they no longer need to be in a plastic bag. However, it is worth checking the rules at your destination's airport, as you may need the plastic bags for the other side.
At Manchester Airport, electric items can also be left in hand luggage at security. While items should be removed from pockets, watches - including smart watches - do not need to be removed.
