Airport rules 2025 on what counts as a liquid including lip balm, deodorant, mascara and toothpaste

In this photo illustration a BAA employee holds a plastic bag with liquid containers in an airport queue
-Credit:Illustration Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images


With planning for summer holidays well underway, or even a trip to look forward to a lot sooner, many of us will be eager to find cheap flights. But as is often the case, we find ourselves frantically packing at the 11th hour.

And there’s always the ‘can I bring this in my hand luggage’ discussion, whether it’s toothpaste, perfume, or sun cream. These are important conversations to have, as in 2006 we were banned from bringing liquids of 100ml or more onto flights, following a foiled liquid-based terrorist plot.

If possible, pack liquids into your hold luggage to avoid disaster at security. You cannot carry frozen liquids in your hand luggage.

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Liquids include

  • All drinks, including water.

  • Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.

  • Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.

  • Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.

  • Pastes, including toothpaste.

  • Gels, including hair and shower gel.

  • Contact lens solution.

  • Makeup remover, but you can bring the wipes as they're solid and don't count as a liquid.

  • Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage

  • Containers must hold no more than 100ml.

  • Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.

  • Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.

  • The bag must not be knotted or tied at the top.

  • You’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person.

  • You must show the bag at the airport security point.

Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security at all UK airports if they:

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  • Are for essential medical purposes.

  • Are for special dietary requirements.

  • Contain baby food or baby milk.

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