A social media influencer has put Heathrow Airport's strict liquid rules to the test in a bold experiment that left her feeling nervous. The traveller, known online as Khoslaa, attempted to carry a substantial two-litre bottle of liquid through security at the UK's busiest airport, challenging the long-standing 100ml limit.
The Heathrow Liquid Rule Experiment
For years, the universal rule for hand luggage has been clear: liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, all placed within a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. This has meant miniature toiletries and decanted products for generations of air passengers. However, with several UK airports, including London City, having installed new generation CT scanners that allow larger quantities, confusion has arisen about whether Heathrow has followed suit.
Khoslaa decided to investigate personally. In a video posted to TikTok on 28th December 2025, she documented her attempt to pass through security with a full two-litre bottle – twenty times the standard limit. She admitted to feeling apprehensive, noting a heightened security presence and larger crowds than usual on the day of her test.
A Change of Plan at the Security Gate
The experiment took an unexpected turn before it even reached the X-ray scanner. Confronted with the reality of carrying the large bottle, Khoslaa altered her plan. She cited the weight of the two-litre container as being "too heavy" and instead opted to test the rules with a 125ml bottle of hairspray. Despite this reduction, the new container still exceeded the official 100ml limit.
Proceeding with her modified test, Khoslaa felt "nervous," especially as she saw no signage indicating any relaxation of the rules. In her determination to record the outcome, she even ignored a 'no camera' sign to film the crucial moment her bag entered the scanner.
Success or Security Slip-Up?
The result was surprising. Both Khoslaa and her over-limit hairspray passed through Heathrow security without being stopped or questioned. The gripping footage shows her bag rolling unscathed through the X-ray machine.
This outcome sparked debate among her viewers. Was this a deliberate implementation of new, relaxed rules facilitated by advanced scanning technology? Or was it simply a case of British Transport Police officers momentarily "taking their eye off the ball," as Khoslaa herself speculated?
The online reaction was mixed and highlighted widespread confusion. One user questioned, "Flying in terminal 4 still 100ml?" Another pointed out a critical detail: while Heathrow's scanners may not require liquids to be removed from bags, the 100ml rule officially remains in force for most passengers. A third commenter humourously noted the potential problem on the return journey, writing, "Good luck coming back with it tho."
The Official Stance on UK Airport Liquid Rules
As of late December 2025, the situation across UK airports is a patchwork. A Heathrow Airport spokesperson confirmed that, for the vast majority of passengers, the traditional 100ml rule is still strictly enforced. This requires all liquids, gels, and aerosols to be in containers of 100ml or less and presented in the standard clear bag at security.
The airports that have fully lifted the restrictions are currently limited. Passengers flying from terminals with the new CT scanners at Birmingham and Edinburgh airports can now take containers holding up to two litres in their hand luggage without using a plastic bag. Heathrow has begun rolling out this next-generation technology, but the change is not yet universal.
For now, the advice for travellers departing from Heathrow remains clear: to avoid delays and confiscations, stick to the familiar 100ml limit until an official announcement confirms the rules have changed for your specific terminal and airline. Khoslaa's experiment, while successful for her 125ml hairspray, serves as a reminder that the old rules are very much still in play for most.
