Can You Take Liquids on a Plane? UK Rules Explained
Emnan ButtFrom perfume and toothpaste to drinks, makeup and medication, discover which liquids can travel in your cabin bag and why the permitted container size now depends on your departure airport.
Updated July 2026Packing liquids for a flight used to follow one familiar rule: containers could hold no more than 100ml and had to fit inside a transparent one-litre plastic bag.
That remains the safest rule to follow for many journeys, but airport security technology is changing. Some UK airports now permit larger liquid containers, while others continue to apply the traditional 100ml restriction.
This means the correct answer no longer depends only on the country or airline. It can depend on the exact airport terminal through which you pass security.
This guide explains what counts as a liquid, the difference between cabin and checked baggage, the current 100ml and two-litre systems, exemptions for medicine and baby products, and how to avoid having toiletries confiscated at security.
The safest universal approach is to pack cabin liquids in containers of 100ml or less unless your departure airport officially confirms a higher limit.
Can You Take Liquids on a Plane?
Yes. Liquids can usually travel in both cabin and checked baggage, but cabin liquids are subject to airport-security restrictions. At most airports, each cabin container must hold no more than 100ml. Some airports equipped with newer scanners currently permit containers of up to two litres.
Use containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml, even when a larger bottle contains less than 100ml of product.
New screening equipment may allow larger containers, but the airport must officially confirm that the higher limit applies.
Larger permitted toiletries can normally travel in checked luggage, subject to dangerous-goods and airline quantity limits.
The UK Liquid Rules in 2026
UK airports do not all use identical passenger-screening procedures. Always check the official guidance for your departure airport, connecting airport and return journey.
The 100ml Rule
Each container must hold no more than 100ml. A bottle with a capacity of 200ml is not normally accepted simply because it is half empty. You may also be asked to place all containers in one transparent, resealable bag holding no more than one litre.
The 2-Litre Rule
Selected airports may allow individual liquid containers holding up to two litres. Liquids can often remain inside the cabin bag during screening, although local instructions and container-type restrictions still apply.
Do not assume the same rule applies on your return flight
An airport that permits a two-litre container on departure does not guarantee that the airport abroad will permit the same container through security for your return journey.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow currently states that passengers departing through Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 may carry liquids in containers of up to two litres and leave them inside their cabin baggage during screening. Reusable metal or insulated bottles must be empty before security.
London Gatwick Airport
Gatwick currently permits liquids in containers of up to two litres. Liquids may remain inside the cabin bag, but metal and double-walled containers must be empty when passing through security.
Procedures can change, and additional screening may still be required. Follow the instructions provided by security staff on the day.
What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
Airport security uses a wider definition of “liquid” than many passengers expect. The rules generally cover anything that can be poured, sprayed, squeezed, spread or applied as a gel or paste.
Shampoo and Shower Gel
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, liquid soap and shower gel all count as liquids.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is treated as a paste and is included within airport liquid restrictions.
Perfume and Aftershave
Perfume, cologne and aftershave count as liquids, regardless of whether the bottle uses a spray mechanism.
Mascara and Lip Gloss
Mascara, liquid foundation, cream makeup, lip gloss and cosmetic gels are treated as liquids.
Creams and Lotions
Moisturiser, sun cream, body lotion, face cream and cosmetic oils are included.
Spray Deodorant
Spray deodorant, hairspray and shaving foam are treated as liquids or aerosols and may also be subject to quantity limits.
Contact-Lens Solution
Contact-lens cleaning and storage solution counts as a liquid. Medical exemptions may apply when it is essential.
Honey, Jam and Sauces
Honey, jam, yoghurt, soup, sauces, syrups, hummus and other spreadable or semi-liquid foods are treated as liquids.
How to Pack Liquids Under the 100ml Rule
Use this method whenever your airport has not clearly confirmed that a higher limit is available.
Check the Container Capacity
The container itself must normally hold no more than 100ml. A larger container containing only a small amount of product can still be rejected.
Use One Transparent Bag
When required by the airport, place containers inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag holding no more than one litre and measuring approximately 20cm by 20cm.
Do Not Overfill the Bag
Every container must fit comfortably inside so the bag can be fully sealed. Each traveller is normally limited to one bag.
Keep It Accessible
Pack the liquid bag near the top of your cabin luggage in case you are asked to remove and present it separately at security.
Common Travel Products Explained
This table shows how common toiletries and travel products are generally classified at airport security.
| Product | Classification | Cabin baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfume | Liquid | Permitted within the airport’s container limit | Generally permitted within applicable quantity limits |
| Toothpaste | Paste | Subject to liquid restrictions | Generally permitted |
| Mascara | Liquid cosmetic | Subject to liquid restrictions | Generally permitted |
| Lipstick | Solid | Generally not treated as a liquid | Generally permitted |
| Lip gloss | Liquid cosmetic | Subject to liquid restrictions | Generally permitted |
| Roll-on deodorant | Liquid | Subject to liquid restrictions | Generally permitted |
| Solid deodorant stick | Solid | Generally not subject to liquid limits | Generally permitted |
| Spray deodorant | Aerosol | Subject to liquid and aerosol restrictions | Permitted within dangerous-goods limits |
| Sun cream | Cream | Subject to liquid restrictions | Generally permitted |
| Disposable wet wipes | Usually accepted | Generally permitted | Generally permitted |
| Jam or honey | Semi-liquid food | Subject to liquid restrictions | Subject to airline and border rules |
| Water bottle | Drink | Subject to departure-airport rules | Possible, but leakage protection is essential |
Can You Pack Liquids in Checked Luggage?
Larger toiletries and cosmetics can generally be packed in checked luggage, provided the products are not prohibited dangerous goods and remain within applicable quantity limits.
Toiletry aerosols and perfumes may be subject to maximum quantities. Caps and valves should be protected to prevent accidental release. Flammable industrial liquids, fuels, paint thinners and many hazardous chemicals are not ordinary toiletries and may be prohibited from the aircraft entirely.
How to Prevent Leaks
Changes in pressure and baggage handling can cause bottles to open or leak. Tighten every lid, cover bottle openings, use individual sealed bags and place liquids away from documents and valuable clothing.
Avoid filling reusable bottles completely. Leaving a little expansion space can reduce pressure around the closure.
Liquid Medication and Medical Exemptions
Essential liquid medication may qualify for an exemption from the ordinary cabin-liquid limit. At UK airports, essential medical liquids can generally be carried in containers of up to two litres, although additional screening may be required.
Prepare Medical Liquids Correctly
- Carry medicine in its original labelled packaging where possible.
- Bring a prescription or medical letter when supporting evidence may be required.
- Tell security staff that your bag contains essential medical liquids or equipment.
- Keep medicine required during the journey inside your cabin bag.
- Check airline requirements for needles, syringes, cooling packs and specialist medical devices.
Requirements for taking medicine into another country are separate from airport-security rules. Check whether your destination restricts the medicine or requires additional documentation.
Baby Milk, Baby Food and Sterilised Water
Baby milk, baby food and sterilised water required for the journey qualify for special treatment at UK airport security. Containers of up to two litres may generally be taken through security, although they may be screened separately.
Breast milk may be carried even when the passenger is travelling without the baby, but UK guidance states that it must be liquid rather than frozen. Individual airport procedures and container restrictions should still be checked before travel.
Security staff may ask to inspect containers. Pack baby products so they can be removed from the bag without disturbing everything else.
What About Duty-Free Liquids?
Liquids purchased after airport security can normally be carried onto the aircraft. When passing through another security checkpoint, such as during a connecting journey, duty-free liquids should remain sealed inside their security bag with the receipt visible.
Do not open the security bag before reaching your final destination. Security staff may need to inspect or screen the contents during a connection.
A duty-free purchase accepted on the outbound journey may still be affected by the rules of a connecting or return airport.
Eight Ways to Pack Cabin Liquids More Efficiently
Check Every Airport
Review the official rules for your departure, connection and return airports before packing.
Use Travel Containers
Decant everyday toiletries into clearly labelled containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml.
Choose Solid Alternatives
Shampoo bars, solid deodorant and cleansing bars can reduce the number of products treated as liquids.
Take Only What You Need
Avoid carrying a full-size product when a small travel quantity will cover the entire journey.
Protect Against Leaks
Seal liquids individually rather than relying only on the outer transparent security bag.
Keep Essentials Accessible
Place medicine and products needed during the flight near the top of your cabin bag.
Leave Space for Purchases
Allow room for toiletries or duty-free products purchased during the trip.
Follow Security Instructions
Airport staff may request additional screening even when an item normally complies with published guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 100ml liquid rule still in force in the UK?
Yes, at most airports. However, selected UK airports with newer screening equipment may allow containers holding up to two litres. Check the official website of your departure airport before packing.
Can I take a 200ml bottle that is only half full?
Under the traditional 100ml rule, no. The capacity printed on the container is what matters, not the amount remaining inside it. A 200ml bottle can be rejected even when it contains less than 100ml.
Can I take perfume on a plane?
Yes. Perfume is permitted in cabin baggage when it complies with the departure airport’s liquid-container limit. Larger permitted bottles can generally travel in checked baggage within applicable quantity limits.
Does toothpaste count as a liquid?
Yes. Airport security treats toothpaste as a paste, which means it is included within cabin-liquid restrictions.
Does mascara count as a liquid?
Yes. Mascara, lip gloss, liquid foundation and cream cosmetics are treated as liquids for security-screening purposes.
Can I take deodorant in hand luggage?
Yes. Roll-on and spray deodorants are subject to the airport’s liquid restrictions. A solid deodorant stick is generally not treated as a liquid.
Can I take an empty water bottle through security?
An empty water bottle can normally pass through security and be refilled afterwards. At airports with new scanners, larger liquids may be accepted, but metal or insulated bottles may still need to be empty.
Can I take frozen liquids through airport security?
UK government guidance states that frozen liquids are not permitted in hand luggage under the general rules. Special medical or baby-product arrangements should be checked directly with the airport.
Do liquid rules apply to checked luggage?
The cabin-security container limit does not normally apply to checked luggage. However, dangerous-goods rules, aerosol quantity limits and prohibitions on flammable or hazardous products still apply.
Do I still need a clear plastic bag at Heathrow or Gatwick?
Heathrow and Gatwick currently state that ordinary liquids can remain inside cabin baggage during screening. Procedures can change, so check the airport’s current guidance before departure and follow security staff instructions.
Can I take liquid medicine over 100ml?
Essential liquid medicine may qualify for an exemption. Carry supporting medical documentation where required and allow time for additional screening.
Does the airline decide the liquid limit?
Airport security controls what passes through the security checkpoint, while the airline controls cabin-baggage allowances and may apply additional dangerous-goods restrictions. Both sets of rules must be followed.
Official Sources
GOV.UK — Hand luggage restrictions: liquids
UK Civil Aviation Authority — Safety advice on what to pack
Important travel information
Airport-security rules, scanner availability, airline policies and destination restrictions can change. This article provides general guidance and does not replace instructions from your departure airport, connecting airport, airline, medical professional or destination government. Always check the latest official information before travelling.