Eight UK airports have scrapped the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage this summer, while several others still enforce the long-standing restriction. The change is intended to speed up security checks during the busy holiday season, with around 30 million Brits expected to fly in July and August.
Airports that have ditched the 100ml rule
The following airports now permit passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, thanks to new CT scanners that produce 3D images of bag contents: Belfast International, Belfast City, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick and London Heathrow.
Travelers passing through these airports no longer need to remove liquids from their bags or place them in clear plastic bags. The scanners allow security personnel to inspect items more thoroughly without the need for separate screening.
Airports still enforcing the 100ml limit
Many major hubs have not yet adopted the new technology. London Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, East Midlands and Newcastle airports still require liquids to be in containers of 100ml or less. However, some of these airports have eased the rule so that passengers no longer need to place liquids in a clear plastic bag — they can simply keep them in their hand luggage.
Travellers are advised to check the specific rules of their departure airport before travelling, and also to verify restrictions at the airport they will be returning from, as countries outside the UK may have different regulations.
What counts as a liquid?
According to the Foreign Office, liquids include: all drinks, liquid or semi-liquid foods (soup, jam, honey, syrups), cosmetics and toiletries (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, lip gloss), sprays (shaving foam, hairspray, spray deodorants), pastes (toothpaste), gels (hair gel, shower gel), contact lens solution, and any other solutions or items of similar consistency.
For airports that still follow the 100ml rule, exemptions apply for baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements, and liquids purchased in duty-free shops. Passengers should confirm specific requirements directly with the airport they are using.
