As summer travel approaches, passengers should be aware of the current liquid rules at UK airports. The 100ml restriction, in place for nearly two decades, has been eased at some airports but remains in force at most. At Newcastle International Airport, liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, but travellers are no longer required to place them in a clear plastic bag.
Airports Still Enforcing the 100ml Rule
The following airports continue to enforce the 100ml liquid restriction: Manchester Airport (MAN), London Stansted (STN), London Luton (LTN), Glasgow Airport (GLA), Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK), Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), Newcastle International Airport (NCL), Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), East Midlands Airport (EMA), London City Airport (LCY), Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ), Jersey Airport (JER), Cardiff International Airport (CWL), Southampton Airport (SOU), Inverness Airport (INV), and Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY).
Airports That Have Scrapped the 100ml Rule
A small number of UK airports have adopted new scanning technology, allowing liquids in containers up to two litres. These include London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Birmingham Airport (BHX), Bristol Airport (BRS), Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), and Bournemouth Airport (BOH).
Newcastle International Airport Specifics
According to Newcastle International Airport's official website, passengers must ensure all liquids, aerosols, and gels in hand luggage are in individual containers of 100ml or less. Containers larger than 100ml are not permitted. The airport states: "All Liquids, Aerosols and Gels will be subject to an automated screening process which will ultimately determine if they can be taken on your journey. Any liquids within double-skinned containers, such as thermos flasks or thermal water bottles, are not able to be scanned and therefore will not be permitted through security." Empty double-skinned containers are allowed. The airport recommends packing as many liquids as possible in hold baggage and only carrying essentials in hand luggage. Notably, passengers at Newcastle are not required to place liquids in a clear plastic bag.
Important Considerations for Travellers
Holidaymakers should avoid using metal or double-walled bottles (e.g., Thermos flasks) for liquids, as scanners cannot penetrate the insulated layers. Rules at the return airport may differ; most European airports still enforce the 100ml rule, so a large bottle of suncream taken outbound may need to go in checked luggage on the return. The GOV.UK website lists items considered liquids, including semi-liquid foods like soup, jam, honey, syrups, nut butters, and soft cheeses. In the USA, the TSA uses a guideline: if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, it counts as a liquid. While not an official UK rule, it is a helpful guide. Liquid rules can change with little notice, so always check your departure airport's official website before flying.
