Are Liquids Allowed in Hand Luggage? UK Rules Explained

4 minutes read

Last Updated: February 23, 2026

The burning question is: can you carry liquids in your hand luggage for your next flight? The simple answer is yes, but it depends. In order to pack responsibly, you need to know the rules. The problem? They are constantly evolving and can be hard to keep track of.

Travellers definitely want to avoid issues at security that can add extra time to the trip or result in precious items like souvenirs, gifts, and expensive toiletries getting confiscated.

So, let’s dive into the current rules for travelling with liquids in your hand luggage in the UK. You’ll learn the prohibited items to avoid, the items you can bring, and the associated quantities. We’ll also cover the current exception UK airports that allow more than you might expect.

The Current UK Hand Luggage Liquid Rules

The majority of UK airports operate using the 100ml rule. That means that only containers this size or smaller are permitted in your hand luggage.

The same is true for other European airports. Although trials of higher limits were done at airports in Rome and Amsterdam, they were eventually reverted to the 100ml maximum in September 2024 due to scanner unreliability.

Certain exceptions apply in the UK and the rest of Europe. Passengers can carry over 100ml of essential liquids such as baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary items with sufficient proof (like a prescription).

What to watch out for:

Containers can’t exceed 100ml, even if they’re only partially full.
All liquid containers must fit comfortably inside a 20cm x 20cm clear bag (usually provided at the airport).
In total, only one litre of liquid is allowed.
Most airports require you to remove the liquids from your carry-on luggage before going through security. As scanning technology improves, this will be required less and less.

What Exactly Counts as a Liquid?

This may appear obvious, but the term “liquids” refers to everything from aerosols to gels and can easily catch travellers off guard. The 100ml restriction applies to:

Liquids: water, soft drinks, oils, soups.
Gels: hair gel, mascara, toothpaste
Creams: moisturiser, sun cream
Aerosols and sprays: mousse, hairspray, shaving foam, deodorant
Pastes and viscous food products: peanut butter, yoghurt, jam, and even soft cheese

Any of these types of items should stay at home or travel with you in your checked baggage, although we all know that comes with the risk of delay, loss, or damage. Note that you can bring duty-free-purchased liquids on the plane as long as they remain in the sealed bag provided.

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Prohibited and Restricted Items

Even if your liquids meet the guidelines above, there are additional restrictions to take into account – flammable or hazardous liquids. This means you’ll have to travel without the following items because they can’t go in your checked or hand luggage:

Petrol
Lighter fluid
Kerosene
Paint thinner
Liquid propane
Butan cannisters

For the complete list, it’s best practice to double-check with your airline. Additionally, when you check in, there is a questionnaire about any hazardous or prohibited items you might be carrying.

The UK Airport Exceptions

As we mentioned briefly, certain airports have more relaxed rules for liquids, and currently, both Birmingham and Edinburgh airports don’t adhere to the 100ml rule.

Instead, the limit per container is two litres, and you can have an unlimited number of containers that fit this size.

Due to the large size of the containers, they don’t need to be placed in a clear plastic bag. In fact, these two airports want you to leave all liquids (even smaller bottles) loose in your hand luggage. There’s no need to remove them at all.

The exception to the exception is metallic or double-walled containers. In practice, this refers to things like flasks and insulated water bottles. These are only permitted through security if they are empty.

A person sitting on a bed packing their hand luggage

Practical Liquid Travel Tips for Your Next Flight

To make the trip through security hassle-free and ensure you have everything you need, follow these tips:

Pack your liquids ahead of time – This lets you judge how much you have and whether it will all fit in the allotted 20cm x 20cm bag.
Invest in 100ml reusable bottles – Take the time to decant your favourite toiletries into 100ml containers to maximise the allowances. Note that the bottles need to state their size.
Go solid – For items like shampoo and conditioner, opt for solid forms. Then, you don’t have to worry about the liquid limit.
Keep the liquids bag handy – At airports where you need to remove your liquids for security screening, always pack it on top for easy access.
Don’t forget the exceptions – Whether it’s medical or baby-related items or the two-litre limit, know what you’re getting into at the airport and pack accordingly.

The Bottom Line on Hand Luggage Liquids

In reality, most UK airports and airports worldwide still use the 100ml rule. Pack smart and you’ll breeze through security while still having all your precious toiletries, foodstuffs, and other liquids. And because things are evolving, always check the airport’s specific rules before you arrive in the security queue!

Author:

Amy Lancelotte

Job/Position: Senior Writer & Content Strategist

Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.