Can You Take Liquids on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Can You Take Liquids on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Everything you need to know about liquids in hand luggage, the 100ml rule, exemptions, duty-free purchases and checked baggage when flying from UK airports.
At airports where the standard liquid restrictions apply, each liquid container in hand luggage must hold no more than 100ml. Some UK airport terminals have introduced newer security scanners, so always check the current rules for your departure airport and terminal.
Flying from the UK with liquids?
Packing toiletries, drinks and cosmetics for a flight can often lead to confusion at airport security. UK airports are continuing to introduce advanced 3D CT security scanners, but liquid rules can vary depending on the airport and terminal you are travelling through.
To help you get through security smoothly and avoid having expensive toiletries confiscated, here's what you need to know before you pack your cabin bag.
The 100ml Rule for Hand Luggage
Unless your departure airport or terminal has officially introduced different liquid limits, the standard UK security rules apply.
Maximum container size
Each liquid, gel, cream, paste or aerosol container must hold no more than 100ml (or 100g).
The container size matters
A half-empty 200ml bottle is still not permitted if the bottle itself is labelled as 200ml. Security checks the container's maximum capacity, not how much liquid remains inside.
Use a clear resealable bag
Where required, 100ml containers should fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag of approximately 20 × 20cm.
One liquid bag per passenger
Where the standard liquid-bag rule applies, each traveller is permitted one clear liquid bag in their hand luggage.
Important: Security rules can differ between UK airports and terminals. Check the instructions provided by your departure airport before travelling.
What Counts as a Liquid?
Airport security treats many products that are not obviously “liquids” as liquids for security purposes. The following are common examples.
Toiletries & Cosmetics
Shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, perfume, aftershave, moisturisers, oils and liquid foundation.
Pastes & Gels
Toothpaste, hair styling gel, lip gloss and mascara.
Aerosols
Deodorant sprays, hairspray and shaving foam.
Food & Spreads
Jam, honey, peanut butter, soft cheeses, syrups and soup.
Common Liquids: What Can You Take?
| Product | Classification | Cabin baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | Liquid | Up to 100ml where standard rules apply | Full-size bottles generally permitted |
| Toothpaste | Paste | Up to 100ml where standard rules apply | Full-size tube generally permitted |
| Perfume | Liquid | Up to 100ml where standard rules apply | Full-size bottle generally permitted |
| Deodorant spray | Aerosol | Up to 100ml where standard rules apply | Check airline/security restrictions |
| Honey / jam | Liquid / spread | Up to 100ml where standard rules apply | Generally permitted |
Important Exemptions to the 100ml Limit
Certain essential liquids can be carried in quantities above the standard 100ml limit when they are required for your journey.
Essential Liquid Medicines
Essential liquid medication may be permitted above 100ml when required during your journey. Carry supporting documentation where appropriate, such as a doctor's letter, prescription or the original dispensing label.
Baby Food & Milk
When travelling with a baby or infant, you may be able to carry sufficient breast milk, formula, sterilised water and baby food for the journey. These items may be screened separately.
Liquids in Checked (Hold) Luggage
The standard 100ml cabin-bag restriction does not apply in the same way to liquids packed in checked baggage. This makes your hold suitcase the better option for full-size toiletries such as large bottles of shampoo, sunscreen or perfume.
Smart packing tip: Place liquid bottles inside sealed plastic zip-top pouches and wrap them in soft clothing towards the centre of your suitcase. This helps protect your clothes if a bottle leaks during transit.
Airport Duty-Free Liquids
Liquids purchased after airport security, such as spirits, wine or larger perfume sets, can generally be taken onto the aircraft.
If you have a connecting flight, keep the purchase sealed in the airport's Security Tamper Evident Bag (STEB) and keep the receipt visible inside the bag.
Before You Leave for the Airport
- Check the liquid rules for your departure airport and terminal.
- Use 100ml travel-size containers if the standard restrictions apply.
- Keep your liquids accessible so they are easy to present at security.
- Put full-size toiletries in your checked suitcase where appropriate.
- Keep essential medication and supporting documentation easily accessible.
- Keep duty-free liquids sealed if you have a connecting flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take perfume on a plane?
Yes. When the standard cabin-liquid rules apply, perfume containers carried in hand luggage should generally be no larger than 100ml. Larger bottles can usually be packed securely in checked baggage.
Does toothpaste count as a liquid?
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a paste and falls under the liquid restrictions at security. Where the standard rules apply, use a container of no more than 100ml.
Can I take deodorant in hand luggage?
Yes, but aerosol deodorants are subject to the applicable cabin-liquid restrictions. Where the standard 100ml rule applies, choose a container within the permitted size.
Can I take liquids over 100ml in checked luggage?
The standard 100ml cabin restriction does not apply to ordinary liquids packed in checked baggage in the same way. However, airline, customs and dangerous-goods restrictions can still apply to particular products.
Can I take medication over 100ml?
Essential liquid medication may be allowed above 100ml when it is required for your journey. Check your airport's requirements and carry supporting documentation where appropriate.
Are UK airport liquid rules all the same?
No. Liquid-security procedures can differ between airports and terminals, particularly as newer security scanners are introduced. Always check the current guidance for the specific airport and terminal you are travelling through.
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