Why the liquids rule depends on your airport: which UK airports allow containers up to 2 litres, where 100ml still applies, what counts as a liquid, food rules and exemptions.
Packing your own food and drink is one of the easiest ways to avoid airport prices, but the rules on liquids in hand luggage now differ from one UK airport to another. New CT security scanners have let some airports relax the old 100ml limit, while many have not. The safest approach is to check every airport on your route, including the return.
The liquids rules, airport by airport
GOV.UK says that at most airports you still cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security, but some airports allow containers up to 2 litres. As of autumn 2026, reports based on airport guidance show:
- Containers up to 2 litres: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, Belfast City, Bournemouth and London Southend.
- 100ml limit still applies at many others, including Manchester, London Stansted, London Luton, London City, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands. Several of these no longer require you to take liquids out of your bag, but the container size limit remains.
Rules can change and can differ by terminal, so check your departure airport's website shortly before you travel. Your return flight is the trap: many overseas airports still apply 100ml limits, so a 2-litre bottle that was fine on the way out may be taken away on the way back.
What counts as a liquid?
More than you might think. Liquids include drinks, soups, jams, honey and syrups, yoghurt, sauces, creams, lotions, mascara and lip gloss, sprays, toothpaste, gels and contact lens solution. Frozen liquids are not allowed in hand luggage. If it can be poured, spread, squeezed or sprayed, treat it as a liquid.
The 100ml rule, where it applies
- Each container must hold no more than 100ml, even if it is only part full.
- Some airports still ask you to put containers in a single transparent, resealable bag of no more than 1 litre (about 20cm × 20cm), one per person.
Exemptions at all UK airports
You can take liquid containers of up to 2 litres through security at any UK airport if they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or are baby food or baby milk. You may need proof, such as a prescription, and staff may need to test them. Duty-free liquids bought airside can be carried if sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible.
Food you can take
Solid food such as sandwiches, fruit, crisps, biscuits and cakes is generally fine in hand luggage on flights from the UK. Be aware of rules at your destination: the EU does not allow travellers from the UK to bring in meat, milk or products containing them, except in limited cases. Many other countries have strict biosecurity rules too, so eat it on the plane or declare it.
Practical tips to save money
- Take an empty refillable bottle and fill it after security. Metal or insulated bottles must usually be empty at screening.
- Pack solid snacks that travel well.
- Use solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars and solid deodorant, which are not liquids.
- Decant into small containers if any airport on your route has a 100ml limit.
- Check your airline's hand-luggage allowance, as budget airlines may only include a small under-seat bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a full water bottle through security?
Only at airports that allow 2-litre containers, and not in a metal or double-walled bottle at some of them. Elsewhere, take it empty.
Are batteries and vapes allowed?
Spare lithium batteries, power banks and vapes must go in hand luggage, not checked bags. Check your airline's limits.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, liquids
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions
- Gatwick: Preparing for security
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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Tom has visited 47 countries on a shoestring budget. He specialises in flight hacking, hostel reviews, and off-peak travel.
Last updated: 2026-04-25 · Fact-checked by editorial team
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