UK Airport Liquid Rules Explained (2026 Update)
Travelling with hand luggage only? Understanding UK airport liquid rules helps you avoid delays at airport security and pack your cabin baggage correctly.
This guide explains exactly what liquids you can and cannot take through airport security in 2026, including travel toiletries, 100ml container limits, airport liquids bag rules, and what counts as a liquid in hand luggage.
Last updated 11th June 2026
Quick Answer: UK Airport Liquid Rules
At most UK airports in 2026:
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Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less
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Containers should fit inside one clear resealable 1-litre liquids bag
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Liquids may still need to be removed at airport security
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New scanners are being introduced, but rules vary by airport
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The safest option is still to pack to the 100ml rule unless your departure airport confirms otherwise
This means everyday travel toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, sun cream and moisturiser should normally be packed in travel-size containers of 100ml or under.
Most Searched UK Airport Liquid Questions
Is toothpaste classed as a liquid?
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a liquid or gel and should be in a container of 100ml or less.
Does deodorant count as a liquid?
Roll-on deodorant and aerosol deodorant normally count as liquids. Solid deodorant is usually treated differently.
Can I take sun cream in hand luggage?
Yes, but the container should normally be 100ml or under if travelling through UK airport security.
Does mascara count as a liquid?
Yes. Mascara is treated as a liquid or gel for airport security purposes.
Can I take more than one 100ml bottle?
Yes. You can usually take multiple 100ml containers, provided they fit within the airport’s liquids screening requirements.
What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
Airport security classes liquids broadly. This includes anything that can be poured, spread, sprayed or squeezed.
Most everyday travel toiletries are allowed in hand luggage provided containers are 100ml or under and comply with airport security rules.
Common examples:
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Shampoo
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Conditioner
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Toothpaste
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Sun cream
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Moisturiser
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Hair gel
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Mascara
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Liquid foundation
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Contact lens solution
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Roll-on deodorant
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Aerosol deodorant
Many travellers now keep a dedicated cabin-approved toiletry kit ready for short breaks, business trips and carry-on travel.
Unsure about a specific item?
See our full Airport Liquid Rules FAQ.
Common Travel Items and the 100ml rule
Toiletries
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Shampoo – Liquid – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Conditioner – Liquid – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Roll-on deodorant – Liquid – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Aerosol deodorant – Aerosol – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
Cosmetics
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Mascara – Liquid/Gel – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Lip gloss – Liquid/Gel – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Lipstick – Solid – ✓ Usually not subject to the 100ml rule
Health & Travel
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Contact lens solution – Liquid – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Vape liquid – Liquid – ⚠ Must follow the 100ml rule
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Solid soap – Solid – ✓ Usually not subject to the 100ml rule
Common Mistakes That Delay Travellers
Avoid these common hand luggage mistakes:
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Bringing containers larger than 100ml, even if they are only partly full.
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Assuming a half-full 200ml bottle is allowed.
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Forgetting to separate liquids if your airport requires it.
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Packing toiletries deep inside your cabin bag, making security checks slower.
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Forgetting that mascara, lip gloss and foundation can count as liquids.
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Assuming all airports use the same liquid rules or scanner technology.
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Assuming all UK airports now allow larger liquids.
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Carrying duty-free liquids on connecting flights without checking the rules.
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Packing loose toiletries around your bag instead of keeping them together.
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Forgetting that frozen liquids are still subject to airport security restrictions.
Are UK Airport Liquid Rules Changing in 2026?
Yes. Some UK airports now use advanced CT scanners that may allow passengers to carry larger liquids and leave them inside bags.
However, rules vary by airport and can change.
Always check your departure airport before travel.
Read airport-specific questions in our FAQ page.
Do New Airport Scanners Change the Liquid Rules?
Some UK airports are introducing newer security scanners that may allow passengers to leave liquids inside hand luggage or carry larger liquid containers. However, the rules are not yet identical across every UK airport.
Some airports may still ask passengers to follow the standard 100ml liquid rule, use a clear liquids bag, or remove liquids at security.For the smoothest journey, check your departure airport before travel.
If you are unsure, the safest option is still to pack liquids in containers of 100ml or less.
Can You Bring Multiple 100ml Bottles?
Yes. You can usually bring several 100ml containers if they comply with your airport’s screening requirements.
Typical examples:
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100ml shampoo
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100ml shower gel
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75ml toothpaste
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50ml moisturiser
If in doubt, pack fewer items for faster screening.
Special Exemptions
Some airports may allow exceptions for:
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Essential medicines
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Baby milk and baby food
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Special dietary liquids
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Duty free liquids in sealed bags
Cabin Cleared Travel Kits
Many travellers now keep a dedicated cabin-approved toiletry kit packed and ready for short breaks, business trips and carry-on travel.
Using travel-size toiletries can help speed up packing, reduce airport security stress and avoid problems with oversized liquids in hand luggage.
CabinCleared travel kits are designed around standard UK airport liquid rules and include trusted travel-size products suitable for cabin baggage and airport security screening.
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Products 100ml or under
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Trusted brands
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Clear travel bag included
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Ready for airport security
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mascara count as a liquid at airport security?
Yes. Mascara is treated as a liquid or gel and should comply with standard airport liquid rules.
Can I take aerosol deodorant in hand luggage?
Yes, aerosol deodorants are usually allowed in hand luggage if the container is 100ml or under and packed correctly for airport security screening.
Can I take lip gloss in hand luggage?
Yes. Lip gloss is considered a liquid or gel and should follow the same airport liquid restrictions as other toiletries.
Can I take vape liquid through airport security?
Yes. Vape liquid is normally allowed in hand luggage if containers are within the airport’s liquid limits, typically 100ml or less.
Do solid toiletries count as liquids?
Usually no. Solid soap bars, solid deodorants and similar solid toiletries are generally not treated as liquids by airport security.
Can I take duty free liquids onto another flight?
Usually yes, if the items remain sealed inside the official airport security bag with proof of purchase visible. Additional checks may apply during connecting flights.
Final Tip
If you want the smoothest airport experience, assume the 100ml rule applies unless your airport specifically confirms otherwise.
Simple packing avoids delays.