You can carry liquids in your hand luggage on a plane under the following rules as of 2025:
- Generally, liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, and all containers must fit inside a single transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (about 20cm x 20cm). This bag must be presented separately at security checks
- Some UK airports with advanced 3D scanners now allow you to keep liquids in your bag without removing them, but the 100ml container limit still applies. Airports with this technology include Gatwick, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and others
- There is a planned long-term change where the 100ml limit will be scrapped, allowing up to 2 litres of liquids per passenger in containers of any size, but this is not yet fully implemented everywhere
- Exceptions to the 100ml rule include:
- Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or on the plane, which must remain sealed in the security bag with the receipt visible
* Essential medicines and special dietary liquids (e.g., baby food), which can exceed 100ml but may require proof such as a doctor’s note or prescription
- Liquids include all drinks, liquid or semi-liquid foods (e.g., soups, honey), cosmetics, toiletries, sprays, gels, and pastes
In summary, for most passengers, the current limit is liquids in containers of 100ml or less, fitting into a 1-litre clear bag, with some airports easing the need to remove liquids at security. The future may allow carrying up to 2 litres of liquids in any container size once new scanning technology is fully adopted
