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.

The 100ml rule has also been scrapped at several major airports, with passengers at Heathrow, Edinburgh and Birmingham able to take up to 2 litres of liquids through security. 

These changes are a result of new CT scanners, which provide more detailed scan images. 

The roll-out of the scanners is running several years behind schedule. At some airports, including Luton and Manchester, passengers still need to follow the 100ml rule – although they can keep liquids in their cabin bags.

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 the system is fully functional, passengers will be allowed to travel with up to 2 litres of liquids. 

Most airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham, have now passed government checks, which means passengers can carry bottles and containers holding up to 2 litres of liquid in their hand luggage. 

Are there limits to the new 2-litre rule at UK airports?

There is no limit on the number of 2-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'll also be able to leave your laptop and 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? 

At all major UK airports, you can leave liquids inside your cabin bag. These do not need to be placed in a transparent plastic bag.

Most, but not all, airports now let you take through up to 2 litres of liquids. At Luton and Manchester airports, the maximum allowed is still 100ml.

Heading on holiday and need new luggage? Discover the best cabin bag brands, as rated by Which? readers

Will the new scanners mean security queues are faster?

Airports have promised that the new technology will reduce queues. One of the first airports 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 at some airports more bag searches are carried out by hand after passing through the scanner. This is because ordinary objects, such as some types of bottles and food products, among other things, have been triggering 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 – so you can leave them behind next time, or pack them in hold luggage. That way, you should pass security more quickly.

See which airports have the fastest queues in our annual survey

Do you still have to put liquids in plastic bags at UK airports in 2026?

No. However, remember that the airport at your destination may not have the new scanners in use. So although you may be permitted to take your 2-litre bottle on the outbound flight, this may not be possible when you return.

Many European airports do have the new scanners, but those that don't include some in popular holiday hotspots.

How many 100ml or 2-litre 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?

All major UK airports have now scrapped the 100ml rule.