The UK’s airport liquid rules for 2026

Passengers can now keep liquids in their hand luggage or cabin bag when flying from the majority of UK airports.

While the 100ml limit remains at most airports, there is no longer a requirement to put bottles and containers in a clear plastic bag - or remove them from your bags at security.

Stansted Airport is the latest to confirm that its new scanners are fully up and running.

Only those travelling from Heathrow and Manchester may still need to put liquids through the security scanner separately. They do have the latest CT scanners in some lanes, but not all, so passengers should assume they must follow the old liquid rules unless told otherwise.

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What do new security scanners mean for liquid rules?

The new CT scanners give security staff a 3D image of a bag, which means passengers no longer need to remove electronics or liquids from cabin bags. When fully functional, passengers can pack liquids up to two litres in size. 

Edinburgh and Birmingham's scanners have passed government checks, which means passengers can already carry bottles and containers holding up to 2L of liquid in their hand luggage. There is no limit on the number of two-litre bottles you can carry. 

The only caveat is that liquids in vacuum flasks must be poured out, as the new scanners can’t penetrate the double layer of insulation.

You can also leave your laptop or other electronic items inside your bag at airport security when the new scanners are in place and functioning. However, you’ll still need to remove your coat and items such as belts with buckles before walking through the metal detector arch. 

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How do I know which rules to follow at airport security? 

The coming months may be confusing, as different airports and even different queues within the same airport may have varying rules.

Some airports – Heathrow and Manchester – are rolling out the new CT scanners lane by lane at security, which means you may not find out whether you need to remove liquids and electronics until the last moment. 

This can cause delays, as passengers have to unpack or repack liquids at the last minute. 

Will the new scanners mean security queues are faster?

Airports have promised that the new technology will reduce queues. One of the first to introduce the CT scanners, London City, said that it has seen improvements in the pace of queues.

However, the sensitivity of the new scanners means that many people find that their bags must be searched by hand after passing through the scanner. This is because ordinary objects, such as certain kinds of bottles or food products, among other things, can trigger a manual search.

If you're a regular traveller who finds your bag is frequently hand-checked, you could ask security staff which items are setting off the scanners – in order to leave them behind next time, or pack them in hold luggage. That way, you should pass security more quickly.

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Do you still have to put liquids in plastic bags at UK airports in 2025?

Of the biggest airports, this is only the case in some security lanes at Heathrow and Manchester. Manchester Airport Group told us that it has the new scanners in place on most of its security lanes. However, passengers will still need to be prepared to take liquids out of their hand luggage, as the new scanners are not yet in use across the whole airport.

How many 100ml bottles can I take in hand luggage?

At most airports, there's no limit on the number of bottles you can take with you. Check the rules on the airport's website.

Which airports have scrapped the 100ml rule?

Edinburgh and Birmingham have scrapped the 100ml rule. 

What happens at overseas airports?

It's important to remember that you may not be able to leave liquids or electrical items in your bag on your return trip. While there are some exceptions, at most airports in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain – as well as the US – you will need to remove liquids from your hand luggage and put them in a clear plastic bag. 

At Palma de Mallorca airport, you can leave liquids up to 100ml in your bag, but this is not yet possible at other Spanish airports.

Check the rules on the airport website before you travel.

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