Hand luggage rules at UK airports
There is no single answer any more. The liquid rule now depends on the airport you fly from. This is what 34 of the 35 airports on this site publish on their own websites, with the page and the date it was read.
Only 11 of the 35 airports on this site still ask for a clear plastic bag for liquids, and the pages of 5 more disagree.
Read on each airport’s own website, 11 Oct to 2 Nov 2026.
The short answer
At 21 of the 35 airports on this site, each liquid container must still be 100ml or less. 6 allow containers of up to 2 litres, and 7 publish both figures. Every airport is named just below. gov.uk itself says the rule depends on the airport.
“The rules for carrying liquids in your hand luggage depend on the airport.”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
The clear plastic bag has changed more than the limit. Of the airports on this site, only 11 of 35 airports still ask for one. At 15 it has gone. At 14 of those, liquids stay in your hand luggage, and Southend’s pages differ. At 5 their own pages disagree on the bag, and 3 never say either way.
Bag sizes and weights are a separate question. The airport sets the liquid rules. The airline sets how big the bag can be: see Cabin bag sizes by airline.
Which UK airports still have the 100ml rule?
Up to 2 litres per container (6): Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, Bournemouth and City of Derry.
Still 100ml per container (21): Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, London City, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, Aberdeen, Southampton, Exeter, Inverness, Humberside, Norwich, Prestwick, Newquay, Sumburgh, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Both figures, on their own websites (7): Heathrow, Edinburgh, Belfast City, Teesside, Southend, Kirkwall and Stornoway. Each of these publishes 2 litres on one of its pages and 100ml on another. Both are shown. Until the airport settles it, the safe choice is 100ml.
No rule published at the moment (1): Cardiff. By 30 October 2026 Cardiff Airport had replaced its website. The security page its rules were read from is gone, and no liquids rule can be found on the new site.
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are in these lists too, but not in the UK. They are Crown Dependencies, with their own airports’ rules.
Read on each airport’s own website, mostly on 11 Oct 2026. Tap an airport for its own words, the page, and the date it was read. Check the airport you fly home from too, because its rule is its own.
Can I take aerosols and toiletries in hand luggage?
They count as liquids. gov.uk’s list of liquids includes sprays such as hairspray and spray deodorant, and cosmetics and toiletries such as creams, lotions and perfumes. The CAA’s rule names aerosols and gels too. So they follow the liquid rule of the airport you fly from: its row in the table below decides. The CAA’s own size limits, in the next section, still apply.
What gov.uk and the CAA say
“sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants”
“cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 25 Oct 2026
“forbid the carriage of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in hand baggage through the passenger security point in containers larger than 100ml”
CAA what you can travel with pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
Can I put liquids in my suitcase or hold luggage?
Yes. gov.uk’s own advice is to pack liquids in your hold baggage, the hold luggage you check in, if you can. The limit at security, 100ml at most airports and up to 2 litres at some, is for hand luggage only. The CAA says larger containers can go in the hold instead, as long as they stay within its dangerous goods limits.
- Toiletries, including aerosols such as hairspray and perfume: the CAA’s table gives 0.5 litres or 0.5kg an item, and 2 litres or 2kg in all per person. Aerosol valves must be protected by a cap or similar. The table does not say whether everyday non-flammable items such as shampoo count, so ask your airline about anything bigger.
- Alcoholic drinks: the CAA sets no limit up to 24%. Above that and up to 70%, they must be in shop packaging, and 5 litres per person at most. Its table does not cover anything stronger, so ask your airline before you pack it.
The CAA’s limits apply in hand luggage too, on top of your airport’s rule. Your airline, or another country’s rules, can still stop an item. Some liquids cannot fly at all, such as flammable paint, aerosol paint, thinners and bleach: see what is banned from both.
What gov.uk and the CAA say
“If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 30 Oct 2026
“Larger containers may be placed in hold baggage”
“provided they comply with the dangerous goods limits”
“Toiletry articles (including aerosols – hairspray, perfumes etc)”
“no more than 0.5 kg or 0.5 L total net quantity per single article”
“no more than 2 kg or 2 L total net quantity of all articles (e.g. four aerosol cans of 0.5 L each) per person”
“release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means”
“containing not more than 24 per cent alcohol by volume are not restricted”
“must be in retail packagings”
“no more than 5 L total net quantity per person”
“airlines and security screening agencies have the right to refuse”
“containing more than 24 per cent but not more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume”
“some are not allowed anywhere on the aircraft”
“Aerosol paints are also forbidden.”
“Thinners or turpentine substitute must not be carried.”
“Gloss paints are often flammable and must not be carried.”
“Restrictions implemented by other countries in the interests of aviation security may further limit or forbid”
CAA what you can travel with pagechecked 30 Oct 2026
What the official sources say
All three were read on the same day. This page does not pick between them, because none of them screens your bag.
- It depends on the airport
Most airports cap containers at 100ml, but some allow up to 2 litres, and the rules have changed at some of them.
“Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to 2 litres of liquid.”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- 100ml
The CAA says the regulations forbid containers larger than 100ml in hand baggage. It then points readers back to gov.uk for the current rules.
“forbid the carriage of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in hand baggage through the passenger security point in containers larger than 100ml”
CAA what you can travel with pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- A flat 100ml
gov.uk's own air travel checklist, a different page from its liquids guide, gives one flat limit and never mentions the airport making a difference.
“If you take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml.”
gov.uk air travel checklistchecked 11 Oct 2026
They disagree about electronics as well. gov.uk’s checklist still tells people to take them out, while 20 of the 35 airports below now say to leave them in.
“Electrical items such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and hair straighteners should be removed from hand luggage to go through X-ray machines separately.”
gov.uk air travel checklistchecked 11 Oct 2026
How much liquid can I take? Airport by airport
Read your own airport’s row. Where an airport’s own pages disagree, both figures and both links are here.
| Airport | Liquid limit | Clear bag | Out of the bag | What the airport's page says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Up to 2 litres per container100ml per container | Pages differ | Pages differ at Terminal 4 | What Heathrow’s pages say“You can carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres through security at Heathrow.” “This applies at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.” “Leave liquids in your cabin bag when you go through security. You don't need to remove them for screening.” “Leave laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices in your bag.” Heathrow hand baggage and liquids pagechecked 25 Oct 2026 “Liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes are still only allowed in containers of up to 100ml” “In Terminal 4, security upgrades are ongoing, so passengers may be asked to remove electricals and liquids from their cabin bags at security.” “will need to be placed in a 1 litre clear plastic bag.” Heathrow assistance departure guidechecked 25 Oct 2026 Pages differ Heathrow's hand baggage page says 2 litres at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5; its assistance departure guide says Terminal 4's security upgrades are ongoing and liquids there are still limited to 100ml. The guide adds that liquids you are asked to take out there go in a 1 litre clear plastic bag, which is provided. |
| Gatwick | Up to 2 litres per container | Not stated | Nothing comes out | What Gatwick’s page says“containers of up to two litres, provided they are not in metal or double walled containers” “All other liquids can stay inside your hand luggage when passing through security.” “Your laptop, iPad, Kindle and any other large electrical items can also be left inside your hand luggage.” Gatwick security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Metal and double-walled bottles are the exception: they have to be empty. |
| Manchester | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Manchester’s page says“You can pack liquids, gels, and aerosols under 100ml each in your hand luggage.” “These can be left in your hand luggage during the Security search.” “Electrical items can be left in your hand luggage for the Security search” Manchester security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Stansted | 100ml per container | Not stated | Nothing comes out | What Stansted’s page says“You can pack liquids in your hand luggage, as long as each liquid is under 100ml.” “These can be left in your hand luggage during the Security search.” “Electrical items can be left in your hand luggage for the Security search.” Stansted security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Luton | 100ml per container | Pages differ | Nothing comes out | What Luton’s pages say“All liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each (that includes creams, pastes, lotions and gels).” “a plastic bag is no longer required” Luton liquid limits pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Liquids and large electronics can now stay in your bag.” Luton security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “You can take up to a maximum of 100ml in a resealable clear plastic bag with any other liquids you’re carrying.” Luton help and advice pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 Pages differ Luton's liquid limits page says a plastic bag is no longer required; its help page's answer on liquid medicines still says a resealable clear plastic bag. |
| Birmingham | Up to 2 litres per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Birmingham’s pages say“Liquids, pastes and gels, in containers up to 2 litres, should be left in hand luggage during the security search.” “in containers up to 2 litres hand luggage, there is no limit on the amount of containers that can be carried” “All electricals to remain in hand luggage during the security search.” “Hand luggage dimensions must not exceed 56cm long, 45cm wide and 25cm deep (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc).” Birmingham security advice pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Do not put your liquids, pastes and gels into plastic bags (please leave them loose in hand luggage).” Birmingham before you travel pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 A news item of 5 June 2024 gave 100ml until further notice. Its security advice, security FAQs and before you travel pages say 2 litres. |
| Edinburgh | Up to 2 litres per containerUnder 100ml | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Edinburgh’s pages say“Make sure individual liquid containers are securely sealed and total no more than 2 litres per container.” “Liquids and electricals can stay in your bag - there's no longer any need to remove these at EDI.” Edinburgh airport security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Make sure all liquids are under 100ml.” Edinburgh passenger article, 19 May 2025checked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ Edinburgh's main security page says 2 litres; a second live page still says under 100ml and does not say it is out of date. |
| Glasgow | 100ml per container | Pages differ | Nothing comes out | What Glasgow’s pages say“Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less” “Liquids under 100ml can stay in your cabin baggage without using a liquid bag, with no restriction on how many 100ml containers you bring.” “Liquids carried in containers capable of holding more than 100ml will not be permitted through security” “Electronic items can remain in cabin baggage” Glasgow hand baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Use a 1-litre, resealable, clear plastic bag for your liquids.” Glasgow departing pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 Pages differ Glasgow's hand baggage page says liquids under 100ml need no liquid bag; its departing page still says to use a 1-litre, resealable, clear plastic bag. A container that could hold more than 100ml is refused even when it is nearly empty. |
| Bristol | Up to 2 litres per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Bristol’s page says“There's a 2 litre max rule for each liquid container you take in your hand luggage.” “Keep all your containers inside your hand baggage, you do not need to put them in a clear plastic bag.” “Keep laptops and electrical items, such as hairdryers, inside your hand baggage.” Bristol security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Belfast International | Up to 2 litres per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Belfast International’s page says“Leave liquids up to 2 litres in their hand luggage” “Plastic bags are no longer required” “all electronic equipment; laptops, phones etc can now be left in their hand luggage” Belfast International hand luggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Liverpool | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Liverpool’s page says“Liquids in containers of 100ml or less are permitted to remain in your hand luggage without the need of a clear plastic bag.” “There is no need to take them out of your bag when passing through security” “Large electronic devices can stay in your hand luggage - you don't need to take them out of your bags” Liverpool security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Newcastle | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Newcastle’s pages say“Passengers must ensure any Liquids, Aerosols and Gels within hand luggage are in individual containers up to 100ml.” Newcastle liquid rules answerchecked 11 Oct 2026 “No, all liquids must be under 100ml but do not need to be placed in a clear plastic bag.” Newcastle clear bag answerchecked 11 Oct 2026 “When transiting through the security search area, passengers can leave everything in their hand luggage. Liquids and electricals do not need to be removed.” Newcastle what to take out answerchecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| London City | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What London City’s page says“Liquids and gels only allowed in containers of up to 100ml in hand luggage” “No more plastic bags! Our CT security scanners can now scan liquids and electronics inside hand baggage.” “Leave liquids, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices inside hand luggage” “From 00:01 on Sunday, 9th June 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers.” London City security and baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 London City calls its own 100ml limit temporary, in place since 9 June 2024. |
| Leeds Bradford | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Leeds Bradford’s page says“Liquids/gels must be in containers of 100ml or less.” “There’s no need to place them in a plastic bag—just keep them inside your hand luggage for screening.” “Keep liquids and electronics in your hand luggage.” Leeds Bradford security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| East Midlands | 100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What East Midlands’ page says“You can pack liquids, gels and aerosols under 100ml each in your hand luggage.” “Liquids under 100ml no longer need to be in a plastic bag and can be left in your hand luggage.” “These can be left in your hand luggage as you go through security.” East Midlands security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Cardiff | Not published | Not published | Not published | By 30 October 2026 Cardiff Airport had replaced its website. The security page its rules were read from is gone, and no liquids rule can be found on the new site. |
| Aberdeen | 100ml per container | Pages differ | Nothing comes out | What Aberdeen’s pages say“Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less” “Liquids under 100ml can stay in your cabin baggage without using a liquid bag” “Electronic items can remain in cabin baggage.” Aberdeen hand baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Food in sauces or dishes that have a high liquid content will need to be in containers 100ml or less, and go into a transparent, resealable bag.” Aberdeen security FAQs pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 Pages differ Aberdeen's hand baggage page says liquids under 100ml need no liquid bag; its security FAQs still put food in sauces or with a high liquid content in a transparent, resealable bag. |
| Southampton | 100ml per container | Pages differ | Nothing comes out | What Southampton’s pages say“you can bring liquids in containers of 100ml or less in your hand luggage” “you no longer need to place them in a transparent resealable bag” “Electronic items can remain in cabin baggage.” Southampton hand baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “Any liquids, gels or pastes must be in containers no bigger than 100ml and must fit within one transparent resealable bag.” Southampton FAQ pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 “These will need to go in a transparent resealable bag.” Southampton customer service pagechecked 31 Oct 2026 Pages differ Southampton's hand baggage page says you no longer need a transparent resealable bag; its FAQ and customer service pages still say liquids go in one. |
| Belfast City | Up to 2 litres per container100ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Belfast City’s pages say“liquids, creams, pastes, gels, and aerosols can be taken through security providing they are 2 litres or less” “These items no longer need to be placed in a single transparent and sealable bag and passengers can keep them in their cabin baggage.” “new security screening technology will enable passengers to keep liquids, gels, and pastes (up to 2 litres) and large electronic devices in their cabin baggage” Belfast City FAQs pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “keep liquids, gels, and pastes, including toiletries and cosmetics, up to 100ml and large electronic devices in their cabin baggage” Belfast City press release, 14 October 2024checked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ Belfast City's FAQs page says 2 litres; its own press release announcing that same scanner says 100ml. |
| Exeter | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids and laptops come out | What Exeter’s page says“Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (one per passenger)” “All liquids and large electrical items (e.g., laptops) must be removed from hand luggage and presented separately for screening.” “There are currently no changes to the rules regarding liquids and large electrical items in hand luggage.” Exeter passenger information pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Exeter says plainly that nothing has changed there. |
| Bournemouth | Up to 2,000ml per container | Not needed | Nothing comes out | What Bournemouth’s page says“These liquids must be in containers no larger than 2,000ml.” “Passengers flying from Bournemouth Airport will no longer need to present liquids separately in a clear resealable plastic bag” “to carry and leave large electrical items such as laptops in your hand luggage for security screening” Bournemouth passenger information pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Inverness | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids come out; pages differ on laptops | What Inverness’ pages say“liquids are limited to 100ml containers contained in a clear plastic bag” “you will need to remove them from your cabin bag for security screening” “Electronic devices may also need to be removed for screening too.” Inverness airport information pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “including the ability to leave large electronic devices in hand baggage for screening” HIAL news article, 10 June 2024checked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ The airport information page says devices may need to come out; HIAL's own news article says large electronics can stay in the bag. |
| Humberside | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids and large electricals come out | What Humberside’s page says“you can continue to take small liquids & gels, with a capacity of up to 100ml per container through security” “These must continue to be carried in a single, clear, re-sealable plastic bag.” “Small liquids in a 20 x 20cm plastic bag must still be removed from cabin baggage and placed in your tray” “Any electronic/electrical item larger than a mobile phone must continue to be removed from hand luggage at the Security Control Point” Humberside security and travel advice pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Anything electrical bigger than a mobile phone comes out too. |
| Teesside | 100ml per containerUp to 2 litres per container | Not needed | Liquids stay in; laptops not stated | What Teesside’s pages say“All liquids, gels and creams in hand luggage must be in containers of up to 100ml.” “Liquids in your hand luggage do not need to be placed in a plastic bag” “do not need to be taken out of your bags prior to screening” Teesside preparing for security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “the previous 100ml threshold on liquid containers has been upped to 2 litres for hand luggage” Teesside news article, 8 March 2023checked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ Teesside's current security page says 100ml; a 2023 news page on the same site says the limit was raised to 2 litres. |
| Norwich | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids and laptops come out | What Norwich’s page says“Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (one per passenger)” “This liquid bag cannot be inside your cabin baggage when presented for screening. It must be placed separately in the tray and must be sealed.” “All liquids and large electrical items (e.g., laptops) must be removed from hand luggage and presented separately for screening.” Norwich passenger information pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 The bag goes in the tray on its own, sealed, not inside your cabin bag. |
| Prestwick | Under 100ml per container | Still needed | Laptops come out; liquids not stated | What Prestwick’s page says“Liquids, aerosols, gels and lighters under 100mls can be carried on, limited to one clear re-sealable plastic bag of no more than 20x20cm.” “Laptop computers and other large electrical items (e.g. hairdryer) must be removed from bags at the passenger security screening point and screened separately.” Prestwick security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 One clear re-sealable bag, no bigger than 20cm x 20cm. |
| Southend | Up to 2 litres per container100ml per container | Not needed | Laptops stay in; pages differ on liquids | What Southend’s pages say“Liquids and gels are only allowed in containers of up to 2 litres.” “London Southend now uses state-of-the-art screening equipment, known as C3 technology, which means passengers leave all electrical items and liquids in their bag.” Southend security answerschecked 11 Oct 2026 “The 100ml rule still applies.” “Whilst this service is available most of the time, we cannot yet guarantee that it will be available 100% of the time” Southend general FAQs pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ Southend's security answers say 2 litres; its general FAQs page says the 100ml rule still applies, because the larger-liquids scanner is not guaranteed every day. |
| Newquay | 100ml per container | Still needed | Pages differ | What Newquay’s pages say“Any liquids, aerosols or gels, being carried in hand luggage must be in containers of up to 100ml.” “Liquids must be stored in a clear, sealable bag and separated from hand luggage. We provide these bags in security.” Newquay help desk pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 “keep your liquids and laptop in your bag, and your shoes on” Newquay escape pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ Newquay's help desk page, dated 2024, says liquids go in a clear sealable bag, separate from your hand luggage; another of its pages says keep liquids and laptop in your bag. |
| City of Derry | Up to 2 litres per container | Not stated | Laptops stay in; liquids not stated | What City of Derry’s page says“as of Spring 2025, liquids of up to 2 litres can be packed within your hand luggage” “as of Spring 2025, these items can remain inside luggage during Security scanning” “Lighters are considered to be liquids and should be put inside the plastic bag or screened separately.” City of Derry security measures pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 The page never says whether a bag is needed, and its lighters rule still mentions one. |
| Kirkwall | 100ml per containerUp to 2 litres per container | Still needed | Liquids come out; pages differ on laptops | What Kirkwall’s pages say“liquids are limited to 100ml containers contained in a clear plastic bag and you will need to remove them from your cabin bag” “Electronic devices may also need to be removed for screening too.” Kirkwall airport information pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “from 1 June 2024, passengers will be able to: Bring liquids in containers of up to 2 litres in hand baggage.” “all liquids will need to be removed from hand baggage and liquid containers of 100ml or less should be placed in a plastic bag” “Leave all electronic devices in their hand baggage for screening.” Kirkwall security FAQ 17checked 22 Oct 2026 “into a clear plastic bag which is available in the security cordon. The bag must not be knotted or tied at the top.” Kirkwall security FAQ 6checked 22 Oct 2026 Pages differ Kirkwall's airport information page says 100ml in a clear bag; its own security FAQ still says containers of up to 2 litres from 1 June 2024, and to leave electronic devices in the bag where the information page says they may need to come out. Packing to 100ml containers in the bag meets both of its pages. |
| Sumburgh | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids come out; pages differ on laptops | What Sumburgh’s pages say“liquids are limited to 100ml containers contained in a clear plastic bag and you will need to remove them from your cabin bag” “Electronic devices may also need to be removed for screening too.” Sumburgh airport information pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “in a container with a capacity of 100 ml or less which are contained within the required 20cm x 20cm, clear plastic bag” Sumburgh security FAQ 9checked 22 Oct 2026 “All liquids will need to be removed from hand baggage” “Electronic devices can remain in hand baggage for screening.” Sumburgh security FAQ 4checked 22 Oct 2026 Pages differ Sumburgh's airport information page says electronic devices may need to come out; its security FAQ 4 says they can stay in the bag. |
| Stornoway | 100ml per containerUp to 2 litres per container | Still needed | Liquids come out; pages differ on laptops | What Stornoway’s pages say“liquids are limited to 100ml containers contained in a clear plastic bag and you will need to remove them from your cabin bag” “Electronic devices may also need to be removed for screening too.” Stornoway airport information pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “from 1 June 2024, passengers will be able to: Bring liquids in containers of up to 2 litres in hand baggage.” “Leave all electronic devices in their hand baggage for screening.” Stornoway security FAQ 17checked 22 Oct 2026 “Any liquids in a container with a capacity of 100 ml or less must be placed in 20cm x 20cm clear plastic bag for screening.” Stornoway security FAQ 9checked 22 Oct 2026 “Liquids, pastes, aerosols, and gels are permitted in containers of 100ml or less but will need to be removed from hand baggage” Stornoway security FAQ 8checked 22 Oct 2026 Pages differ Stornoway's airport information page and security FAQ 8 say 100ml; its security FAQ 17 still says containers of up to 2 litres from 1 June 2024, and to leave electronic devices in the bag where the information page says they may need to come out. Packing to 100ml containers in the bag meets all of its pages. |
| Jersey | 100ml per container | Not needed | Liquids stay in; pages differ on laptops | What Jersey’s pages say“Liquids, aerosols, gels and pastes can remain in your hand luggage in individual containers no greater than 100ml.” “There is no need to take them out of your bag when passing through security.” “There is no need to place them in a separate tray or in a plastic bag.” “If you have more than one large electronic device, leave one in your bag and place any others in a separate tray.” Jersey Airport security pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “You will need to remove any electronic devices from the bag so that they can be screened” Jersey Airport family facilities pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 Pages differ Jersey's security page says leave one large electronic device in your bag and put any others in a tray; its family facilities page says remove electronic devices from the bag. |
| Guernsey | 100ml per container | Still needed | The bag is shown at security; pages differ on laptops | What Guernsey’s pages say“Carry any toiletries, aftershaves, perfumes, cosmetics, gels and pastes (in containers of 100ml or less) in a transparent resealable plastic bag.” “You may be asked to remove your electronic device(s) (laptop, tablet or mobile devices) and any other large electrical items from your hand baggage.” Guernsey Airport security pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm” “You must show the bag at the airport security search area” Guernsey Airport liquids pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 “this includes any metal objects such as belts, and large electronic items, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptop computers” Guernsey Airport autism information leafletchecked 22 Oct 2026 Pages differ Guernsey's security page says you may be asked to take laptops out; its autism information leaflet says large electronic items, laptops included, go in the tray. |
| Isle of Man | 100ml per container | Still needed | Liquids and laptops come out | What the Isle of Man’s page says“Liquids, gels and aerosols are only allowed in individual containers of 100ml” “All containers must fit comfortably in one transparent, re‑sealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm” “The bag must be presented separately for examination at airport security” “Laptops and large electrical items (larger than A5) must be removed and screened separately” Isle of Man Airport security pagechecked 22 Oct 2026 |
Three questions gov.uk does not answer
gov.uk does not answer these three. Each answer says what was checked and links to it. No gap is filled with a number from a forum.
- gov.uk does not sayWhich airports changed, and which scanners they use
gov.uk says the rules have changed at some UK airports and tells you to check with the airport. It never names one, and it never names the scanners. There is no official list, which is why the table above is read off each airport’s own page instead.
“The rules for taking liquids through security in your hand luggage have changed at some UK airports. Check with the airport before you travel.”
gov.uk hand luggage overviewchecked 11 Oct 2026
- gov.uk does not sayWhether a total liquid volume still applies now the bag has gone
gov.uk does not say. The 1-litre bag was a cap, but it only applied where a bag is required, so at the 15 airports that have dropped it, no security rule could be found that limits how many 100ml containers you carry. Glasgow and Birmingham say outright there is no limit on containers. Southend is the one to check: it says “up to two litres of liquids” and a “2 litre allowance”, without saying whether that is a total. Newquay, which still asks for the bag, says 10 items on a page dated 2024. No number was found for the other 33. Forum answers contradict each other, and a made-up figure would be worse than saying this. The CAA's dangerous goods limit of 2 litres or 2kg per person for toiletries and aerosols is a separate rule, under "Can I put liquids in my suitcase?".
“containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“Currently (2024) you are only permitted to take 10 items of liquids, of no more than 100ml through security.”
Newquay help desk pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“Passengers are allowed to carry up to two litres of liquids in their cabin baggage, thanks to our CT security scanners.”
Southend security preparation pagechecked 2 Nov 2026
- gov.uk does not sayPower banks and portable chargers
gov.uk’s electronics page does not mention them at all. It points to the CAA’s battery guidance and to your airline. The CAA’s page says power banks must only be carried as carry-on baggage, with no more than two per person. One airport says it plainly too: keep them in the cabin, never in a checked bag.
“Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you're not sure what you can carry.”
gov.uk electronic devices pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“must only be carried as carry-on baggage”
“no more than two power banks may be carried per person”
CAA what you can travel with pagechecked 31 Oct 2026
“Always keep vapes and power banks with you in the cabin. Never pack them in checked luggage”
Bristol security pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
How big can hand luggage be? Cabin bag sizes by airline
Nothing in the table above affects the size of your bag. The airport decides what can go through security. The airline decides how many bags you get and how big they are, and gov.uk says so plainly.
“Check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you.”
gov.uk hand luggage overviewchecked 11 Oct 2026
Airlines differ on what is free. Jet2, TUI and British Airways include the bigger cabin bag as standard. Ryanair, Wizz Air and Aer Lingus charge for it. Whether the measurements include wheels and handles also varies, so the table shows that too.
| Airline | Free small bag | Larger cabin bag | Wheels and handles | What the airline's page says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | 40 x 30 x 20cm · no weight published | 55 x 40 x 20cm · 10kg · paid (Priority & 2 Cabin Bags) | Not stated | “All fares include one small personal bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) that must fit under the seat.” “and a 10kg bag (55x40x20cm) onboard, to be stored in the overhead locker.” Ryanair bag policy pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| easyJet | 45 x 36 x 20cm · 15kg | 56 x 45 x 25cm · 15kg · paid add-on | Included | “Maximum size 45 x 36 x 20cm (including any handles and wheels)” “Please note that the maximum number of cabin bags available per person is two” easyJet cabin bags pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Two cabin bags is the maximum, so there is no third item. |
| Jet2 | 40 x 30 x 20cm · no weight published | 56 x 45 x 25cm · 10kg · free as standard | Included | “no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels and handles)” “You can also bring a small, under-seat bag onboard (such as a handbag, laptop bag or airport purchase)” Jet2 baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| TUI | 40 x 30 x 20cm · no weight published | 55 x 40 x 20cm · 10kg · free as standard | Not stated | “Each piece of hand luggage can weigh up to 10kg and fit within the maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.” “You can also bring one small personal item or laptop, which must be stored under the seat in front of you.” TUI luggage allowance pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| British Airways | 40 x 30 x 15cm or 45 x 36 x 20cm · no weight published | 56 x 45 x 25cm · no weight published · free in every cabin | Included | “Max dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in)” “1 handbag or backpack (40 x 30 x 15cm)” “Max dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in) – including wheels and handles” British Airways baggage essentials pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 Pages differ The allowance sections say the hand bag is 40 x 30 x 15cm; the baggage calculator on the same page says 45 x 36 x 20cm. |
| Wizz Air | 40 x 30 x 20cm · 10kg | 55 x 40 x 23cm · 10kg · paid (WIZZ Priority) | Excluded, but wheels may add no more than 5cm | “MAX 10 KG Wheels: Allowed/Not mandatory 40 x 30 x 20 cm” “To bring another, Trolley Bag on board, please add WIZZ Priority to your booking.” Wizz Air baggage allowance pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Aer Lingus | 40 x 30 x 20cm · no weight published | 55 x 40 x 24cm · 10kg · paid, or included with some fares | Included | “1 x 10kg Carry-on Bag Per Passenger” “A small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) is still included for all customers.” Aer Lingus carry-on baggage pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Loganair | 40 x 35 x 18cm · under 6kg, plus a small handbag | None sold | Not stated | “The cabin luggage must weigh under 6 kg, and not exceed dimensions of 40cm x 35cm x 18cm” “Fly and Fly Flex customers can carry a bag up to 6kg free of charge, plus a small handbag.” Loganair luggage guidance pagechecked 11 Oct 2026 |
Airlines change their allowances often. Check yours against the link beside it before you pack. Some airports’ own pages give a cabin bag limit too. Birmingham’s says:
“Hand luggage dimensions must not exceed 56cm long, 45cm wide and 25cm deep (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc).”
Birmingham security advice pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
What can I take in hand luggage and the hold?
Apart from the hand luggage liquid limit, these rules are national. They are the same whichever UK airport you fly from. The words are gov.uk’s, quoted as written. Most come from its tables, so “Small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm) | Yes | Yes” means the item, then hand luggage, then the hold.
- Can I take medicines in hand luggage?
Essential medicines are allowed above 100ml, wherever you fly from. You only need proof it is yours when the medicine is a liquid AND the container holds more than 100ml — a prescription or a letter from your doctor. Tablets, and liquid medicine in a container of 100ml or less, need nothing. Ice packs are the one gap: gov.uk gives three different answers on three pages, so ask your airport.
“essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers”
“You'll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription)”
“You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: in tablet form”
gov.uk medicines and medical equipment pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take baby food and milk?
Baby food, baby milk and sterilised water are exempt from the liquid limit: you may take enough for the journey, with no legal limit on how much, although gov.uk still says to check with your airport. Breast milk is allowed even if the baby is not with you, in containers of up to 2,000ml, but not frozen.
“When travelling with a baby you're allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey.”
“There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.”
“You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you're not travelling with a baby.”
“Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml.”
“You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.”
gov.uk baby food and baby milk pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take a pram or wheelchair?
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs usually go into the cabin, but they are screened first, so leave time for it. Anything battery-powered needs your airline's agreement before you travel.
“Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are usually allowed in the cabin, but will need to be security screened first.”
“For battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids check with your airline first.”
gov.uk personal items pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take food in hand luggage?
Solid food is allowed and gov.uk sets no quantity limit on it. The catch is what counts as a liquid: soup, jam, honey and syrups do, so they meet whatever limit your airport sets. Food and powders also muddle the X-ray picture, so expect a hand search, and frozen food and ice packs are not usually allowed at all.
“liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups”
gov.uk liquids pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security.”
“You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example liquid, food or ice packs.”
gov.uk hand luggage overviewchecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take a laptop, phone or hairdryer?
Phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, hairdryers, straighteners, travel irons and electric shavers are allowed in the cabin and in the hold. E-cigarettes are the reverse of the usual rule: cabin only, never the hold. Whatever you carry has to switch on if security asks. gov.uk does not set battery rules itself — it sends you to the CAA and your airline.
“Mobile phone | Yes | Yes”
“E-cigarettes | Yes | No”
“If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft.”
gov.uk electronic devices pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take scissors, razors or nail clippers?
Scissors are fine if the blades are 6cm or shorter, and so are disposable razors, nail clippers, nail files, tweezers and knitting needles. Knives with a point or a blade over 6cm are not, and neither is a corkscrew. A lighter cannot go in your bag at all: you may carry one, on you, in a plastic liquids bag, and it cannot go back in the bag after screening.
“Small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm) | Yes | Yes”
“Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) | No | Yes (check with your airline)”
“No, but you can put a lighter in a plastic liquids bag and keep it on your person”
gov.uk personal items pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take sports equipment?
Tennis racquets, cues, fishing rods and sports parachutes can go in the cabin. Golf clubs, darts, walking and hiking poles, catapults, crossbows and martial arts kit are hold-only — as are heavy bats and sticks, including cricket bats. Diving equipment and firearms need your airline's answer.
“Tennis racquets | Yes | Yes”
“Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats) | No | Yes”
“Walking/hiking poles | No | Yes”
gov.uk sports equipment pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- Can I take work tools?
Every work tool gov.uk lists is banned from the cabin and allowed in the hold: anything with a blade or shaft over 6cm, plus drills and bits, Stanley knives, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches, bolt and nail guns, crowbars and blowtorches.
“Tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm (for example chisel) | No | Yes”
“Stanley knife | No | Yes”
gov.uk work tools pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
- What is banned from both hand luggage and the hold?
These stay at home, because they are banned from the cabin AND the hold: bleach and car body repair kits, acids, corrosives, vehicle batteries and fuel systems, pepper and other self-defence sprays, poisons and biological hazards, radioactive and self-combusting materials, fire extinguishers, non-safety matches, fireworks, flares and pyrotechnics down to party poppers, explosives including grenades, gunpowder and detonators, and replica or model guns. The CAA adds flammable paint, aerosol paint and thinners.
“You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold”
“self defence or disabling sprays (for example mace, pepper spray)”
gov.uk chemicals and toxic substances pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps | No | No”
gov.uk personal items pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold”
“imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)”
gov.uk ammunition pagechecked 11 Oct 2026
“Aerosol paints are also forbidden.”
“Thinners or turpentine substitute must not be carried.”
“Gloss paints are often flammable and must not be carried.”
CAA what you can travel with pagechecked 30 Oct 2026
Can I take it? Every item gov.uk lists, A to Z
Each line is gov.uk’s own table, word for word: the item, then hand luggage, then the hold. Liquids are not here, because your airport’s own rule decides them: see its row. Security staff can still stop anything they think is dangerous.
| Item | Hand luggage | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Blowtorch | No | Yes |
| Bolt gun or nail gun | No | Yes |
| Catapult | No | Yes |
| Cigarette lighter | No, but you can put a lighter in a plastic liquids bag and keep it on your person | No |
| Corkscrew | No | Yes |
| Crossbow | No | Yes |
| Crowbar | No | Yes |
| Darts | No | Yes |
| Diving equipment | Check with your airline before you travel | Check with your airline before you travel |
| Drill and drill bits | No | Yes |
| E-cigarettes | Yes | No |
| Electric shaver | Yes | Yes |
| Firearms (including replica firearms) | No | Check with your airline before you travel |
| Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps | No | No |
| Fishing rod | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed-cartridge razor blades (disposable razor) | Yes | Yes |
| Golf clubs | No | Yes |
| Hairdryer or straighteners | Yes | Yes |
| Hammer | No | Yes |
| Harpoon or spear gun | No | Check with your airline before you travel |
| Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats) | No | Yes |
| Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) | No | Yes (check with your airline) |
| Knitting needles | Yes | Yes |
| Laptop | Yes | Yes |
| Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) | No | Yes (check with your airline) |
| Martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks) | No | Yes |
| Mobile phone | Yes | Yes |
| MP3 player | Yes | Yes |
| Nail clippers/nail file | Yes | Yes |
| Non-safety matches | No | No |
| Pliers | No | Yes |
| Pushchair | Yes | Yes |
| Round-ended/blunt scissors | Yes | Yes |
| Safety matches | Yes | No |
| Saw (including portable power saw) | No | Yes |
| Screwdriver | No | Yes |
| Sewing needle | Yes | Yes |
| Small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm) | Yes | Yes |
| Snooker, pool or billiard cue | Yes | Yes |
| Spoon | Yes | Yes |
| Sports parachute | Yes | Yes |
| Stanley knife | No | Yes |
| Tablet devices | Yes | Yes |
| Tennis racquets | Yes | Yes |
| Tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm (for example chisel) | No | Yes |
| Travel iron | Yes | Yes |
| Tweezers | Yes | Yes |
| Umbrella | Yes | Yes |
| Walking stick/cane, walking aid | Yes | Yes |
| Walking/hiking poles | No | Yes |
| Wheelchair | Yes | Yes |
| Wrench or spanner | No | Yes |
Do you still need your passport at UK eGates?
Yes. UK eGates are moving to a contactless system, and only the standard clearance changes.
- Keep your passport with you. For a standard clearance you no longer put it on the reader — a live photo is checked against your verified passport and immigration information and the gate opens — but further checks still use the reader or an officer.
- Testing found it can be “up to 25% faster” than using a passport at an eGate.
- The rollout started on 6 October 2026, with every eGate due to be upgraded “by early 2027”. It is phased: British citizens first, then more airports and other eligible nationalities.
- East Midlands is the first airport with contactless eGates, and Birmingham is named among the first.
- eGates are now open to children aged 8 and over.
The 13 airports gov.uk lists as having eGates: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, London City, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Stansted. The story does not say which of those airports already have contactless gates running.
gov.uk news story, 6 October 2026checked 11 Oct 2026
Questions
Is the 100ml liquid rule still in place?
It depends where you are flying from. Of the 35 airports on this site, 21 still cap each container at 100ml, 6 allow containers of up to 2 litres, 7 publish both figures on their own websites, and Cardiff publishes no rule at the moment (its website changed). gov.uk says the rules have changed at some UK airports but never names them. So the table on this page is read from each airport's own page, with the date it was read.
Do I still need the clear plastic bag?
At 11 of the 35 airports, yes: Exeter, Guernsey, Humberside, Inverness, the Isle of Man, Kirkwall, Newquay, Norwich, Prestwick, Stornoway and Sumburgh all still want liquids in a clear plastic bag. At 15 the bag has gone. At 14 of those, liquids stay in your hand luggage, and Southend's pages differ. Heathrow, Luton, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton have pages that disagree, and each row says how. Gatwick, Stansted and City of Derry do not say either way. Your airport's row above is the one that matters.
If there is no bag, is there still a total limit on liquids?
No security rule could be found that sets one. The 1-litre bag was a cap, but it only applies where a bag is required. So at the airports that have dropped it, no rule could be found that limits how many 100ml containers you carry through security. Southend is the one to check: it says “up to two litres of liquids” and a “2 litre allowance”, without saying whether that is a total. Newquay, which still asks for the bag, says 10 items of 100ml or less on a page dated 2024. No number was found for the other 33. A separate rule does set a total: the CAA's dangerous goods limit of 2 litres or 2kg per person for toiletries and aerosols, in the cabin and the hold alike.
Do I have to take liquids and laptops out of my bag?
At most airports, no: the scanners read them inside the bag. At Exeter, Humberside, Norwich and the Isle of Man both still come out. Prestwick’s security page says laptops come out and does not say whether liquids do. Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Sumburgh take liquids out and their own pages disagree about laptops, and Newquay's pages disagree about both. Jersey keeps liquids in the bag and Guernsey asks to see the liquids bag, and both have pages that disagree about laptops. Southend says laptops stay in but its pages disagree about liquids, Teesside never says what happens to laptops, and City of Derry never says whether liquids come out. Heathrow's own guide says Terminal 4 may still ask you to take both out.
What about the airport you fly home from?
Its rules are its own. gov.uk is clear that the liquid rules depend on the airport. A 500ml bottle allowed on the way out will not get through on the way back if the airport you return from still caps containers at 100ml. No official body publishes a single list, so check the airport you are flying home from on its own website before you buy liquids abroad.
How many clear liquid bags can I take?
One per person, where your airport still asks for a bag. gov.uk's liquids page says it must be a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than a litre and measures about 20cm by 20cm, and that you are limited to one plastic bag per person. Your airport's row in the table above says whether it still asks for one.
Can I take duty-free liquids through security?
Yes, if you bought them at an airport or on a plane, they are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them, and the receipt is sealed in the bag where it can be seen. That is gov.uk's liquids page. It also says not to open the bag until you reach your final destination, and that staff may need to open the items to screen them.
Do I need a doctor's letter for my medication?
Only if the medicine is a liquid and the container holds more than 100ml. gov.uk then asks you to carry proof it is prescribed to you, such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription. Tablets need nothing, and neither does liquid medicine in a container of 100ml or less. Essential medicines over 100ml are allowed at every UK airport.
How this page is put together
Every fact above was read on an airport’s, an airline’s or the government’s own website on 11 Oct 2026, or, for what was added or re-read since, on 22 Oct 2026 or 23 Oct 2026 or 25 Oct 2026 or 30 Oct 2026 or 31 Oct 2026 or 2 Nov 2026. Every row names the page and quotes it. Airport liquid rules and airline allowances both change. If the date beside a fact looks old, the link beside it is where the current answer is.
This site is not an airport, an airline or a government service, and it does not decide any of these rules.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.