What are the current travel liquid rules and are they set to change?

Strict rules have been in place for decades restricting the amount of liquid you can take in your hand luggage while flying. These rules were introduced as part of security measures to combat terrorist incidents onboard flights.

Most travellers will be aware that they must not take liquids of more than 100ml in their hand luggage, or face having the item confiscated when they go through airport security.

However, the picture isn't quite as straightforward as it seems. There are some exemptions to the rule, and last year, certain UK airports introduced changes allowing passengers to pass through security freely without removing their liquids from their hand luggage. To take the stress out of your next trip, we have explained the rules and how they apply to you.

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What are the basic rules and what must I do with liquids when passing through airport security?

• Your liquids must not exceed 100ml

• All your 100ml containers should fit comfortably in a clear, sealed plastic bag that’s no bigger than 20cm x 20cm

• You must take your clear plastic bag out of your hand luggage at the airport security point

What items are regarded as liquids?

According to the Moneysaving Expert website, there is no definitive or universal list of what's considered a liquid for airport security purposes and some items cause confusion.

The following are ALWAYS treated as liquids:

• All drinks

• Liquid/semi-liquid food including soup, jam, honey and syrups

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

• Pastes including toothpaste

• Gels including shower gel and shampoo

• Contact lens solution

• Sprays including hairspray, deodorant and shaving foam

• Cigarette lighters

Sometimes rules vary on what constitutes a liquid. Certain airports say eyeliners, lipsticks, Vaseline, nail polish remover wipes, solid deodorant ARE liquids, while others don't specify. It's best to play it safe with these items and ensure they are bagged and less than 100ml.

Are there any exemptions to the rules?

There are three exemptions to the rules: liquids bought in duty-free, medicines and baby food and milk.

You can bring any liquids bought at the airport, or on the plane, in your carry-on luggage, even if they exceed the 100ml limit. Just remember you can’t drink anything bought from duty-free during the flight. Depending on the airline, you may need to be able to fit your duty-free items inside your hand luggage when boarding. Keep these items and the receipt inside the sealed security bag you receive them in.

You’re allowed to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey. You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s in liquid form or in a container larger than 100ml. You do not need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.

When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel. You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage. Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

What changes were introduced earlier this year and do they still apply?

This summer, some airports introduced changes to the rules around taking liquids in hand luggage. They introduced 3D scanners that are able to check liquids and electronics without people having to remove them from bags. This aimed to shorten queues and allow passengers to bring two litres in their carry-on.

However, a ‘temporary ban’ was subsequently put in place, meaning that for now, the original 100ml liquid rules are back. There’s no information on how long these limits will be in place. The rule still applies in EU airports too.