Liquids in hand luggage: current and new rules explained

Ever asked yourself, ‘How much liquid can you take on a plane?’ We’ve got the answer, updated for 2026.

Whether it’s sunscreen, toothpaste or your moisturiser, getting liquids through airport security can be confusing. This guide covers the latest hand luggage liquid rules at UK and Irish airports, including which airports have dropped the 100ml limit altogether.

What are the hand luggage liquid restrictions in the UK and Ireland?

If you want to take these liquids in your hand luggage, you need to make sure of a few things.

UK and Irish airports define liquids broadly: if it spreads, smears, pours or sprays—it likely counts as a liquid. Liquids include:

All drinks (including bottled water, juice and alcohol)
Semi-liquid foods (soups, honey, jam, sauces)
Liquid cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lip gloss)
Toiletries (toothpaste, contact lens solution, creams, gels, sprays)

Understand the 100ml rule and how it applies today

Heathrow, among the largest and busiest airports in the UK and globally, now permits liquids in containers up to two litres to remain in passenger cabin bags while going through security in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5).

At most airports, you can only bring liquids in containers of 100ml or less. These containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag (no larger than 20cm x 20cm), with a total capacity of no more than 1 litre. This bag must be removed and screened separately at security, unless you're flying from an airport with new CT scanners.

Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham are currently the other UK airports to replace the 100ml rule with a 2-litre limit per container, and no plastic bag is required. But since rules vary by airport, always check both your departure and return airport before travelling.

The 100ml rule for liquids in 2026

Some UK airports now let you leave liquids in your bag at security thanks to new 3D CT scanners. Even better, Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports have now replaced the 100ml rule with a new limit of 2 litres per container. This means passengers flying from these airports can carry liquids up to 2 litres in their hand luggage, without removing them at security.

The following UK airports use new CT scanners, so you don’t need to remove your liquids or electronics at security:

Bristol
Gatwick
Leeds Bradford
Luton
Newcastle
Southend
Teesside
Cardiff Airport

At these airports, passengers can now bring liquids in containers of up to 2 litres:

Heathrow
Gatwick
Edinburgh
Birmingham

There’s no limit on the number of liquid containers you can bring in your hand luggage, as long as each one holds no more than 2 litres. However, metal water bottles must still be emptied before going through security, even at airports where the 100ml rule has been replaced.

Exemptions to the hand luggage rules

When more than 100ml is allowed through airport security

Sometimes you can carry liquids that are over 100ml through airport security. Here we’ll look at the liquid rules exemptions.

Duty free liquids

Bought in the airport or on the plane

You can bring any liquids purchased at the airport or on the plane, in your carry-on luggage, even if they exceed the 100ml limit. Just remember you can’t drink anything you bought at duty free during the flight.

Hand luggage in a tray at airport security

Medication

Doctor’s note required

You can bring essential medicines or creams in your hand luggage, even if they exceed 100ml. You’ll just need a doctor’s letter or a copy of your prescription. The airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

Cigarette lighters (no more than one)

Regulations for carrying lighters on flights are very specific

You can only carry one lighter on board and you must keep it on you during the flight. It can’t go in your hold luggage or carry-on bag. Your lighter must be on your person on the flight, but it needs to go in a clear resealable bag when you go through security.

Frozen items

Including ice packs

In the UK, generally you are allowed to carry frozen items in your hand and hold luggage. If you pack your frozen items with ice packs, they must be completely frozen when going through security. If they’ve partially thawed and contain any liquid at the bottom, security may not allow them through.

Cosmetics in a clear bag being placed in an airport security tray

Baby food and milk

If your baby is with you

You can bring as much baby milk, sterilised water, and food as you need, even if it exceeds 100ml. You can also carry up to 2 litres of breast milk (unfrozen) in your hand luggage, even if you’re not travelling with a baby. Here is a summary of the hand luggage restrictions on baby milk and food:

Item	Is it allowed in hand luggage?
Breast milk	Yes
Frozen breast milk	No
Soya, formula and cow’s milk	Yes (baby has to be present)
Sterilised water	Yes (baby has to be present and water must be in a baby bottle)
Baby food	Yes (baby has to be present)

Liquids in hand luggage FAQs

Do all UK airports allow liquids over 100ml now?

No. Only Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports have relaxed the 100ml liquid rule, allowing you to bring liquids in containers of up to 2 litres in your hand luggage. You can carry more than one container, but each one must be no larger than 2 litres. At most other UK airports, the 100ml limit still applies—even if you no longer need to remove liquids or electronics at security. Always check the rules at both ends of your journey.

Can I bring a 500ml, 1-litre or 2-litre bottle of liquid in my hand luggage now?

Yes, but only if you're flying from Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh or Birmingham Airports, where the 100ml rule has been replaced with a 2-litre per container limit. You can bring several containers as long as each one holds no more than 2 litres. Metal water bottles must be emptied before going through security, even at these airports. At all other UK airports, the 100ml limit still applies.

Can I take aftershave or perfume in hand luggage?

Yes, as long as the bottle is 100ml or under and placed in your clear plastic bag — unless you're flying from Edinburgh or Birmingham, where containers can be up to 2 litres and don't need to be removed at security. For all other airports, the 100ml rule still applies.

Can I take deodorant or aerosols in hand luggage?

Yes, but aerosols and roll-on deodorants are classed as liquids. At most airports, they must be 100ml or under and packed in your clear plastic bag. However, Edinburgh and Birmingham now allow containers up to 2 litres, and you don't need to remove them at security.

Can I take food on board the flight in my hand luggage?

Yes — solid foods like fruit, biscuits, and sandwiches are allowed at all airports. For liquid or spreadable foods like soup, hummus, or jam, the 100ml limit applies at most airports, but Edinburgh and Birmingham allow up to 2 litres per item in hand luggage.

Are lighters, e-cigarettes and vapes allowed on flights?

Yes — lighters, e-cigarettes and vapes are allowed in hand luggage, but you’re only allowed one lighter per person, and it must be carried on your person during the flight (not in your bag). They're classed as liquids at most airports, so they typically need to go in a clear plastic bag — though this may not be required at Edinburgh or Birmingham.

Information correct as of January 2026 - please always check the latest guidance at gov.uk. This article only covers the most common items people take on holiday. Find out what surprising items not allowed in your hand luggage here.

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