Manchester Airport will keep the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage during the October half term, even though new security scanners mean passengers no longer have to remove them from their bags.
Thousands of families are expected to fly from Manchester for late autumn sun, with the Canary Islands and mainland Spain among the popular destinations, along with long-haul routes to Orlando.
Liquid rules at Manchester Airport
Unlike several major UK airports - including Birmingham, London Heathrow and Edinburgh - Manchester has not ditched the strict volume limits. At those airports, passengers can carry up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage, but at Manchester the 100ml restriction still applies.
The rule covers anything that is 'pourable or spreadable' at room temperature, such as toothpaste, moisturisers and aerosols.
Exemptions and items to watch
One item that caught travellers out over the summer was children's 'squishy toys'. These contain liquids but do not feature measurements, so security staff have to estimate their size. If a child has a squishy toy - often in the shape of dumplings - it is best to pack it in hold luggage.
There are exemptions. Passengers can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk. Liquid prescription medication in containers over 100ml is allowed, including liquid dairy foodstuffs and inhalers, but only the quantity required for the journey can be carried. Proof of prescription must be shown.
What passengers should do
Although the volume limits still apply, the new scanners mean liquids do not need to be removed from bags at security, and they no longer need to be placed in a plastic bag. Electric items can also be left in hand luggage, and watches - including smart watches - do not need to be removed, though items should be taken out of pockets.
