Millions of British travellers face confusion this summer as UK airports remain divided on liquid restrictions, with some enforcing the traditional 100ml rule while others have adopted a two-litre allowance following the rollout of new CT scanners. The Department for Transport (DfT) initially required airports to restore the 100ml limit at sites using the new scanners after a temporary relaxation in 2024, but a number of major hubs have now moved to the larger allowance.
Which Airports Have the Two-Litre Rule?
At the time of writing, the following airports have implemented a two-litre liquid allowance: Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, and Belfast City. At these airports, passengers can keep liquids and large electronics in their cabin bags without needing to remove them for security screening.
However, many other airports continue to enforce the standard 100ml container limit, with liquids required to fit in a clear plastic bag. These include Aberdeen, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow International, Glasgow Prestwick, Inverness, Isle of Man, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London City, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, and Teesside.
Passengers Urged to Check Rules Before Travel
Shane Margereson, owner of Ecigone, highlighted common pitfalls: "E-liquid is still a liquid at security, so if your departure airport has the 100ml rule, the bottle needs to be 100ml or smaller. The device itself is different." He added: "The biggest mistake is assuming one airport's relaxed liquid rule covers the whole trip. Check the outbound airport, the return airport and the airline before you pack, because a bottle that is fine on the way out may not be allowed in hand luggage on the way home."
Vapes and spare lithium batteries should be kept in cabin baggage, not checked luggage, and devices must be switched off and protected from accidental activation. Passengers are advised to review their departure airport's website before travelling to avoid falling foul of restrictions.
Background on the Scanner Rollout
The new CT scanners, which use advanced 3D imaging, were intended to eventually allow liquids up to two litres to be carried without the need to remove them from bags. However, the rollout has been uneven, with some airports experiencing delays and technical issues. In 2024, the DfT temporarily relaxed restrictions at airports with the new scanners before requiring the 100ml limit to be reinstated at those sites. Now, a patchwork of rules remains in place, creating confusion for travellers.
As reported by Glasgow Live, some airports now let liquids stay inside hand luggage while still enforcing the 100ml container cap, while others have fully moved to the two-litre allowance. The situation remains fluid, and passengers are urged to stay informed.
