Travel rules and restrictions for liquid items as deadline for 100ml ban approaches

Grey tray filled with liquid toiletries in a clear zip top bag, boarding pass and a beige tote bag. A female hand is holding the tray on a roller conveyors table at airport security.
There are liquid restrictions at UK airports -Credit:Getty


If you are heading on a plane soon be it for work or a holiday, there are rules we all need to adhere by as changes roll out across UK airports.

Written on the gov.uk website, they warn that there are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage and if possible, you should try and pack liquids in your check-in baggage.

Whilst many of us are aware of the 100ml rule, at some airports including Aberdeen International, this has been scrapped. New scanners are set to be installed across the UK which means flyers will be able to carry bottles containing up to two litres in their hand luggage.

However, many airports have not installed these new 3D scanners, so you won't be able to carry extra liquids. Many major airports in the UK will miss the June 2024 deadline previously set by the Department of Transport.

Whilst those flying from Aberdeen can bring up to two litres, as of now, Scotland's other major airports such as Edinburgh and Glasgow still require passengers to follow the 100ml rules.

Rule changes at UK airports

The rules for taking liquids through security in your hand luggage have changed at some UK airports.

At some airports, including Aberdeen International, London City Airport and Teeside Airport:

  • you can take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid in your hand luggage

  • you may not have to put the containers in a separate, transparent bag

Before travelling, you should check the rules of the airport you are flying from as well as the destination airport.

What items are classed as liquids?

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

  • any other solutions and items of similar consistency

The UK Government website cautions: "Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage."

What should I do if I want to put liquids in my hand luggage?

Passenger Puts Liquids Into Bag At Airport Security Check
The holiday season is upon us -Credit:Getty

If you take liquids in your hand luggage, they should be in containers which must hold no more than 100ml. You must also show the bag you've placed your liquids in at the airport's security point.

They must also:

  • 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 one plastic bag per person

Passengers have been warned liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security - even if the container is only part full. There are however some exemptions.

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What are the liquid exemptions?

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

You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:

  • The items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them

  • The receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible

At security, airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid however you must not open the security bag until you reach your final destination, they add.

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