A significant change has been implemented across multiple UK airports, affecting how travellers pack for summer holidays. This development comes as most schools have finished for the summer, marking the busiest period for airports.
Manchester Airport has warned it is preparing for its busiest summer on record, with more than 5.7 million passengers expected between Friday, July 17 and September 1. This represents over 120,000 passengers daily, following a record-breaking June that saw the airport process more than three million passengers.
New liquid rules at seven airports
Until this year, liquids in hand luggage were restricted to 100ml and had to be removed and placed in transparent plastic bags. Due to new technology, travellers can now keep electronic devices and liquids under 100ml in their bags at many UK airports, including Manchester, reducing waiting times.
According to government guidance, liquids include drinks, soup, jam, honey, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, sprays, aerosols, gels, pastes, toothpaste and contact lens solution. A half-empty 200ml bottle can still be seized as it must comply with the 100ml rule.
However, a limited number of airports have scrapped the 100ml restriction entirely, introducing a two-litre allowance instead. The airports implementing the change are: Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International and Belfast City.
Passengers should verify details with their departure airport directly before travelling, as airport pages remain the safest source on the day. Heathrow states that liquids in containers of up to two litres can be taken through security at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5, though metal or insulated bottles must be emptied prior to screening. Gatwick, Edinburgh and Bristol similarly inform passengers that containers can hold up to two litres, with limitations on metal or double-walled containers.
Cautions for travellers
Passengers are being cautioned that they could be caught out on return journeys, as airports overseas may operate different regulations. Someone might carry a full-size bottle of sun cream through a UK airport on the outbound leg, then have to place it in checked baggage or abandon it if the destination airport still enforces the 100ml restriction.
Not every UK airport has adopted the change. Many still mandate liquids to be 100ml or under, including Manchester Airport, which confirmed this month that the 100ml restriction will remain in place throughout summer 2026. The 100ml rule also still applies at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The airport has also warned parents travelling with youngsters to be mindful of 'squishy' toys, as these can be categorised as liquids, meaning they must be stowed in hold luggage or risk being seized at security.
