Liquids in Hand Luggage at UK Airports: What to Check Before You Pack

Start with the liquids guidance on your departure airport’s own website. Look for three things: the maximum container size, whether liquids need a separate transparent bag, and whether you must remove them from your hand luggage at security.

Check any terminal-specific instructions. New security scanners do not, by themselves, tell you which liquid allowance applies: follow the airport’s published rules rather than advice based on someone else’s recent journey.

Repeat this check for your return airport and any connection where you will be screened again. If the rules differ, packing to the strictest limit on your route can avoid having to replace or discard toiletries later. Your airline’s cabin-bag size and weight allowance is a separate requirement.

Airport liquid rules cover more than drinks. Common examples include:

- Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. - Creams, lotions, liquid sunscreen, perfume and liquid make-up. - Mascara, lip gloss and hair gel. - Aerosols such as spray deodorant and shaving foam. - Contact lens solution. - Soup, yoghurt, honey, jam, sauces and other liquid or semi-liquid foods.

Judge an item by its contents, not its packaging: a yoghurt pot or tube of toothpaste can fall under the same rules as a bottle. For an unusual food or cosmetic, check the airport’s prohibited-items guidance before travelling.

Liquids allowances do not override restrictions on dangerous goods. Fuel, solvents and other hazardous substances may be prohibited regardless of container size.

Where an airport applies the 100ml rule, each ordinary liquid container must have a capacity of no more than 100ml. The container’s capacity matters, not how much is left inside: a half-empty 200ml bottle does not meet that rule.

Where a liquids bag is required, use one transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of no more than one litre. The contents must fit comfortably and the bag must close. Check the airport’s instructions for the required bag dimensions and presentation.

Use clearly marked travel containers for suitable toiletries, and keep lids secure against leaks. Do not decant medicines into unlabelled toiletry bottles.

If you need larger toiletries, check whether they are permitted in your checked baggage and whether airline restrictions apply, particularly to aerosols. If you are checking a suitcase, our guide to [bag drop after online check-in](/guides/airport-bag-drop-after-online-check-in) explains the departure steps.

Essential liquid medicines, baby milk and food, and liquids needed for special dietary requirements can qualify for exemptions from ordinary liquid limits. The conditions are not identical for every category, so check the airport’s guidance rather than treating an exemption as permission to carry any quantity.

For medicines, check what evidence is needed, particularly for containers larger than 100ml. Keep original labels and any required prescription or medical letter accessible. Cooling packs and medical equipment may also need checking. Our guide to [taking medication through airport security](/guides/taking-medication-through-airport-security) covers the practical preparation.

For babies, check the rules for formula, expressed breast milk, sterilised water and baby food separately. Requirements can depend on the item and whether the baby is travelling with you. Keep these supplies easy to reach and tell security staff about them; additional screening may be required.

For medically necessary dietary liquids, confirm any evidence requirements before leaving home.

Keep liquids and any exempt items accessible, even if your departure airport normally allows them to remain inside your bag. Follow the signs and staff instructions for the lane you use: procedures can differ between airports.

Before joining the queue, check side pockets for forgotten drinks, hand sanitiser or toiletries. Finish or dispose of drinks that do not meet the applicable rules. Present exempt liquids and supporting documents when asked.

Allow for additional screening without relying on a fixed security-queue estimate. Use your airline’s and airport’s arrival guidance, especially when travelling with medical supplies or children. A liquid is not automatically cleared simply because it passed security on a previous trip.

Liquids bought after security may be allowed on your departing flight, but that does not guarantee they will pass another security checkpoint during a connection.

For duty-free liquids, check the transfer airport’s rules before buying. Where a security-sealed bag is required, keep the purchase and receipt inside it and do not open it before the relevant security checks. Ask the retailer about suitable packaging, but verify acceptance with the transfer airport rather than relying solely on shop advice.

Ordinary drinks bought airside may also be restricted if you are screened again. Before returning home, reassess any larger toiletries bought during your stay against your departure airport’s rules.

Security clearance is separate from customs permission. Food, alcohol and other purchases can face destination restrictions or allowances; our [guide to UK arrivals and customs](/guides/uk-airport-arrivals-passport-control-baggage-customs) explains the arrival process.