Navigating liquids in hand luggage can be one of the most confusing parts of airport security, especially with the 100ml rule. This article guides you through the current regulations and explains the upcoming changes expected in the UK by 2025. You’ll learn how to pack your liquids correctly and stay within the rules to ensure a smooth journey.
Contents
- 1 100ml Airport Rule
- 2 Changes to the 100ml Rule in the UK
- 3 Exceptions to the 100ml Airport Rule
- 4 Empty Water Bottle in Hand Luggage
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 What counts as liquids on a plane?
- 5.2 Are aerosols allowed in hand luggage?
- 5.3 Does a deodorant stick count as a liquid?
- 5.4 How many 100ml bottles can I take in my hand luggage?
- 5.5 What happens if I violate the liquids rule?
- 5.6 Can I transport larger quantities of liquids in checked luggage?
- 5.7 Do the containers in the liquids bag also have to be transparent?
- 5.8 Can I take alcoholic drinks in my hand luggage?
Who’s behind these travel insights?
I’m Sebastian, your luggage expert since 2017. I help you choose the perfect travel gear and navigate baggage rules with ease.
100ml Airport Rule
Regulations for Liquids in Hand Luggage
When packing liquids in your hand luggage, be aware of the 100ml Airport Rule that restricts each container to a maximum of 100ml. In the UK, this regulation is evolving; several airports have already eased these limits, and all others are required to do so by June 2025 (read the next section for more details). However, keep in mind that this rule is still strictly enforced at most international airports. Let’s delve into the specifics of the 100ml rule:
Source: www.gov.uk
You can buy appropriate bags for your liquids – like freezer bags – at supermarkets or drugstores. For a more durable option, consider special toiletry bags, reusable multiple times. If you’re looking to decant personal care products, specialized bags with bottles offer great convenience.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clear Toiletry Bag 20x20 cm | £5.98 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-11-14 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MOCOCITO Toiletry Bag with 8 Bottles | £9.98 £8.48 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-11-14 at 12:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Changes to the 100ml Rule in the UK
Current status & what to expect
What’s changing? – The UK is gradually phasing out the longstanding 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage. New 3D CT scanners allow security staff to inspect bags without passengers removing liquids or electronics, and once the rollout is complete, travellers will be able to carry much larger containers of liquids – up to two litres each – in their hand luggage.
Where has the rule been lifted? – Birmingham, Edinburgh, Belfast International and Belfast City have already scrapped the 100ml restriction. At these airports, travellers can carry liquids in containers of up to two litres and keep them inside their bags during screening.
Which airports still apply 100ml? – At several other airports, including London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Teesside, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Liverpool, Inverness and Bournemouth, the scanners are in use but the 100ml limit remains. The benefit is that liquids and devices can stay inside bags, even though each container must still be 100ml or less.
What about the other airports? – At the remaining UK airports, the traditional 100ml rule continues to apply until the rollout of new scanners is complete and fully approved.
June 2025 deadline – The nationwide rollout is scheduled to be completed by June 2025. The deadline hasn’t been pushed back again, but the process is not yet finished and most airports still enforce the 100ml restriction. For the latest updates, travellers should always check the official website of their departure airport before flying.
Source: www.gov.uk
Exceptions to the 100ml Airport Rule
In certain cases, you are allowed to transport additional liquids
Liquid Medicines
Prescription medicines needed during your flight or trip can be brought in containers over 100 ml and don’t need to go in the 1-litre liquids bag. Present them separately at security and bring proof of medical need, such as a prescription or doctor’s note. These exceptions apply not only to the flight itself but also to medication needed during your entire trip — as long as the amount is reasonable and clearly for personal use.
Over-the-counter liquid medicines under 100 ml must go in the liquids bag. If the container exceeds 100 ml, pack it separately — ideally in its original packaging. A doctor’s note isn’t mandatory but recommended to avoid issues during screening, especially for larger quantities.
Baby Food on Plane
Baby food is not counted among the regulated hand luggage liquids either. However, this exception only applies if the child is traveling and is under 3 years old.
There’s no specific quantity limit, but in principle, this exception is only for the amount of baby food needed for the journey’s duration. It’s not permissible to carry larger amounts for the entire holiday. The food should also be suitable for babies, i.e., no sodas, caffeinated beverages, or similar items.
Other foods necessary for special dietary needs can also be carried, but a medical certificate or similar documentation is required.
Duty-Free Liquids
The regulations also do not apply to liquids purchased in shops beyond the security checkpoints or on board an aircraft. Duty-free liquids are sealed at the time of purchase along with the sales receipt in a security bag with a red edge and must not be opened before reaching the final airport. This exception only applies to items with a sales receipt from the same day of the flight. Transferring with duty-free goods at other EU airports is also no issue as long as the bag remains closed and sealed until the end of the final leg. There’s no limit to the number of duty-free bags.
Empty Water Bottle in Hand Luggage
Is Taking It into the Cabin Allowed?
Carrying your own drinks in containers over 100 ml is not permitted.
You can buy beverages either at the airport after security or directly on board. If you’re looking to save money, it’s permitted to bring an empty water bottle in your hand luggage.
After passing through security, you can refill your bottle. Some airports have drinking water dispensers, or you can use tap water from the restroom area.
You can use a regular water bottle, a thermos, or an empty PET bottle. The crucial factor is that the bottle must be completely empty. The size of the bottle generally doesn’t matter and is not restricted.
Be cautious with glass and metal bottles, as depending on their type and size, they may be prohibited in hand luggage for security reasons.
I use a collapsible water bottle because it’s extremely space-efficient and lightweight. It’s not only ideal for flying but also handy for excursions at your holiday destination.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Salomon Soft Flask 250ml - Collapsible Water Bottle | £18.00 £12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-11-14 at 12:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Frequently Asked Questions
About Liquids in Hand Luggage
What counts as liquids on a plane?
The following items are considered liquids in hand luggage:
- All types of beverages, including water and alcohol
- Cosmetic and toiletry items such as shampoos, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss
- Aerosols & Sprays, including deodorants, sunscreens, and hairsprays
- Gels, including hair gel, shower gel, and toothpaste
- E-cigarette liquids, including fluids and gels
- Liquid Foods such as soups, spreads, honey, oils, yogurt, etc.
Please note: Liquid medications and special dietary products required during the journey are exempt from this rule but may need to be verified with a medical certificate.
Are aerosols allowed in hand luggage?
Yes, aerosols are permitted in hand luggage but must adhere to the same restrictions as other liquids. This means each aerosol container should not exceed 100ml, and all containers must fit within a single, transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag. This rule applies to items like deodorant sprays and hair sprays.
Does a deodorant stick count as a liquid?
According to the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a deodorant stick is not considered a liquid, so it should be able to be carried in hand luggage without any issues. Since most sticks contain less than 100ml, they can also be easily placed in the liquids bag, in case there are any problems at the security checkpoint. Please note that this does not apply to deodorant sprays or roll-ons, as these are considered liquids.
How many 100ml bottles can I take in my hand luggage?
You can carry as many 100ml bottles in your hand luggage as fit into a clear, resealable plastic bag. This bag must have a maximum volume of 1 litre and must be completely closed. All liquids you want to carry in your hand luggage must fit into this bag.
What happens if I violate the liquids rule?
If you violate the liquids rule for hand luggage, the items in question may be confiscated and disposed of by airport security. Fines are rather unusual, but additional security checks (e.g., explosives testing) may occur. To avoid delays and potential inconvenience, it is advisable to adhere to the existing regulations.
Can I transport larger quantities of liquids in checked luggage?
Yes, you can carry larger quantities of liquids in your checked luggage. However, there are some restrictions on dangerous liquids and substances. For example, many flammable or explosive materials are not allowed to be transported. Alcoholic beverages can usually be carried in limited quantities.
Do the containers in the liquids bag also have to be transparent?
No, the containers in the liquids bag do not have to be transparent. What matters is that the bag itself is transparent and has a resealable mechanism. The containers can be made of any material and do not have to be see-through. It’s only important that they do not exceed the maximum capacity of 100ml.
Can I take alcoholic drinks in my hand luggage?
Yes, as long as they are in containers of no more than 100 ml in the transparent liquids bag. Alcoholic drinks purchased after the security checkpoint are not subject to this restriction. However, be aware of any import restrictions of your destination country.
If I take aerosols, e.g., 65ml deodorant, toothpaste, aftershave, and polygrip in travel size, can they go in hand luggage as long as they are in a transparent, resealable bag?
Yes, you can carry aerosols like 65ml deodorant, toothpaste, aftershave, and polygrip in travel sizes in your hand luggage as long as they are in a transparent, resealable bag. Each container must not exceed 100ml, and the total volume should fit within a 1-litre bag.
Sorry for the dumb question but what are the dimensions of a 1 litre bag? I’m worried mine is too big and I will have to leave some of my toiletries. It’s 20cm x 24cm.
No question is dumb when it comes to travel preparation! Generally, the dimensions for a 1-litre bag for liquids in hand luggage are around 20cm x 20cm. However, there’s no strict regulation on the exact size, and the dimensions you mentioned, 20cm x 24cm, might still be acceptable in some cases. Since there’s no absolute rule on this, it can vary by airline. To avoid any issues at security, it might be safer to use a bag that closely matches the typical size. If in doubt, you could check with your airline before travelling.
Hi, can I decant toiletries into small bottles? I read somewhere that this is only allowed if there is a label on the bottle with the measurement, and that you are not allowed to label it yourself. Is this true? Thanks.
Hi Laura,
Yes, you can decant toiletries into smaller bottles for air travel. It is not required that these bottles be labeled with their measurements. Airport security personnel have enough experience to estimate container sizes and can usually determine if a container exceeds the liquid limits. While labeled containers can help clarify any doubts about capacity, they are not mandatory.
Safe travels!
Thank you so much!
We fly through Heathrow in 3 weeks. Does the clear bag for liquids have to be like a zip-loc one, or can it be one of the TSA approved ones with a zipper sold on Amazon? They seem to be able to hold a bit more than a ziploc. Also, are eye drops and nasal sprays as well as arthritis cream considered liquids?
Hi Regina,
The clear bag for your liquids can indeed be one of the TSA-approved bags with a zipper that you find on Amazon, as long as it meets the size requirements—about 1 litre in capacity and approximately 20 cm by 20 cm. These bags often provide a bit more structure than a standard zip-lock bag, but they must still be transparent and resealable.
As for your other question, yes, eye drops, nasal sprays, and arthritis creams are considered liquids under the 100ml rule. Each of these items must be contained within containers of no more than 100ml, and they all need to fit comfortably within your clear liquids bag. However, if you are carrying medications such as eye drops or creams that exceed these limits, you can bring them in larger quantities if you have a doctor’s prescription or a medical certificate with you.
Safe travels!
Do sheet facial masks count as a liquid? My daughter-in-law takes them as carry-on for regular flights to the US, and says they are not counted as a liquid. I’m travelling to Spain next month. Many thanks.
Hi Sarah,
Sheet facial masks are generally not classified as liquids and usually don’t need to be stored in your clear liquids bag. However, masks that are heavily saturated with cream or gel might occasionally be questioned by security. If you want to ensure a hassle-free journey, you might consider placing them in your liquids bag, especially if they appear more ‘wet’ than typical dry sheets.
Best regards.
Hi Sebastian
Thank very much. The one’s I use aren’t too saturated, its just I have skin problems and these really help.
I have a repeat prescription for Dermol 500 Lotion, a soap substitute/moisturizer for dermatitis. I will require more than 100ml for my two-week holiday. Is it permissible to carry this amount in my hand luggage?
Yes, it is allowed to carry more than 100ml of Dermol 500 Lotion in your hand luggage if you have a repeat prescription or a doctor’s note. Medical necessities are exempt from the 100ml liquid rule. Just make sure to carry the prescription or doctor’s note with you to present at security if needed.
Safe travels!
Hi! I was curious if sunscreen sticks are considered a liquid and if the bag rule applies.
Hi Maureen, Sunscreen sticks are not considered liquids for airport security purposes. You should be able to carry them in your hand luggage without issues related to the liquids rule. Safe travels!
Hi, I can’t find the rule anywhere regarding disposable contact lenses (in their blister packs) and vaping pods (also in sealed blister packs). I want to take enough of both for 2 weeks but I’m unsure if they should go in my hand luggage or the liquids bag – and this will really fill up the liquids bag!
Hi Richard,
To the best of my knowledge, disposable contact lenses and vaping pods in sealed blister packs can typically be packed in your hand luggage. These items contain only a small amount of liquid to keep the lenses moist and sterile, and this amount is usually so minimal that it doesn’t fall under the airport regulations for carrying liquids in hand luggage. Therefore, they generally do not need to be placed in the transparent, resealable 1-litre bag required for other liquids.
However, if you plan to carry a larger quantity of these items, it’s a good idea to consider the cumulative amount of liquid they might contain. While individually they may not seem like much, together they could potentially add up to exceed allowable liquid limits. In such cases, it might be prudent to place them in your liquids bag to ensure you comply with security regulations without any issues. Always check with your specific airline to confirm their policies on such items to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Please would you clarify if a glass bottle is allowed for a 100ml liquid. Thank you.
Yes, a 100ml liquid in a glass bottle is allowed. Ensure the bottle is within the 100ml limit when filled and placed in your clear plastic bag at security.
Can you clarify the allowance for aerosols purchased post-security at Boots, airside? Is there a restriction on aerosol volume after you have cleared security? I am travelling with hand luggage only and want to purchase several aerosols including sunscreen, mosquito repellent, after-sun, and deodorant.
Hi Debbie,
There are no volume restrictions on aerosols and liquids purchased in the duty-free area of the airport. These items are stored and sealed in a transparent bag along with the purchase receipt. Please note that for many airlines, duty-free purchases are considered part of your hand luggage and must be stowed in your suitcase or travel bag without exceeding the allowed hand luggage dimensions and weight limit. Safe travels!
What about insect repellent spray 125 ml?
Hi Margaret,
Insect repellent spray in containers over 100ml cannot be carried in hand luggage at airports where the 100ml liquid rule applies. If your spray is 125ml, it must go in checked luggage. If you’re travelling with hand luggage only, consider purchasing a smaller size or transferring some into a travel-sized container of 100ml or less.
Hello, I’m going on holiday for the first time and need to bring the following items: sun mist spray 200ml, after sun spray 200ml, and toothpaste 125ml. Are these items allowed in my checked luggage? I really don’t want to get things wrong.
Hi Dan,
Yes, you can bring sun mist spray, after sun spray, and toothpaste in your checked luggage, even if they exceed 100ml. There are no restrictions on liquid volumes in checked baggage. Just make sure they are well-sealed to prevent any leakage that could damage your belongings.
Safe travels!
I have several liquid and gel medicines, all in containers much smaller than 100ml, but I can’t fit these and my other essential liquids (mosquito repellent, sun cream, etc.) in a 20cm x 20cm bag. Can I put the medicines in a separate small clear bag, as they’re essential and extra to the liquids most people need?
Yes, you can place your medicines in a separate clear bag. Medications are typically allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the standard liquid limits and can be separated from your other liquids. Just ensure you have proper documentation for them, such as a prescription or a doctor’s note, especially if they are essential for your health during the flight. It’s a good idea to declare these items at the security checkpoint to ensure a smoother process.
Safe travels!
Hi, I wanted to ask about over-the-counter medicines such as children’s Calpol, Dioralyte, etc. Do these medicines have to stay in their original packaging and be placed in the clear small bag? Thank you.
Hi Sidrah,
yes, over-the-counter liquid medicines like Calpol or Dioralyte should go in your clear resealable liquids bag at security if they’re 100 ml or less. It’s best to keep them in the original packaging, especially if they’re for a child, as that helps explain their purpose.
If the container is over 100 ml, it doesn’t need to go in the liquids bag, but you should declare it separately at security. Non-prescription medicines over 100 ml are generally allowed if clearly for medical use. A doctor’s note isn’t always required, but it can help avoid issues — especially if the amount is large or the use isn’t obvious.
Safe travels!
Hello, my husband has a 300ml bottle of Oramorph, a controlled drug. He has a letter from his GP stating this is for personal use, as well as a list of his other medications. Will these be allowed in carry-on luggage?
Hi Janice,
yes, your husband can take the 300ml bottle of Oramorph in his carry-on luggage, even though it exceeds the usual liquid limit of 100ml. Liquid medicines are exempt from the hand luggage liquid rules as long as they are essential for the trip.
Since he has a GP letter confirming it’s for personal use, and a list of his medications, he should be fine. Just make sure the bottle is clearly labelled and easy to present at security. Officers may check the documents or scan the medicine separately, but it’s usually not a problem.
Safe travels to you both!
I’m flying from Manchester in September. Having not flown for more than 20 years, I’m a tad confused regarding travel bottles. Do they have to show the capacity from the manufacturer? We bought some bottles, sprays etc. that don’t state the capacity on them.
Hi Tony, bottles don’t need to have the capacity printed on them, but it can be helpful if there’s any uncertainty at security. Staff usually have a good sense for what’s under 100 ml, so if your bottles are sold as travel-sized, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you’re unsure whether your bottles are under 100ml, it’s safest to compare them with a clearly labelled 100ml container or use bottles that are specifically sold as travel-size.
Safe travels!
Are hydrophilic catheters allowed in hand luggage? If going on a week’s holiday, someone who catheterises three times a day would need 21 catheters. Are they allowed with a medical certificate from a urologist? Which type of luggage would you recommend? Thank you.
Hi there,
yes, hydrophilic catheters are allowed in hand luggage. They’re considered medical items, so you can bring as many as you reasonably need for the duration of your trip — in your case, around 21 for a week sounds fine. It’s a good idea to carry them in their original, sealed packaging and to keep a doctor’s note or a certificate from your urologist with you, just in case security staff ask for confirmation.
If you’re travelling with other medical supplies or liquids, pack them together in a separate pouch so you can easily show them at security. For convenience, a carry-on case with quick-access compartments (like a front pocket) is often the most practical option.
Safe travels!