UK airports relax 100ml liquid rules as travellers given new advice

As winter travel heats up and Brits begin embarking on sunshine escapes or festive city breaks, airport regulations are once again in travellers' thoughts. Some might be rejoicing over the demise of the 100ml liquids restriction, only to find it's not quite so straightforward.

While certain UK airports have eased limitations, others are still adhering to the previous policy, creating bewilderment amongst passengers about what they can genuinely transport through security. If you're preparing for a November escape and thinking, "I'll just chuck my full-size shampoo in my cabin bag now that the rules are changing", think again.

Travel expert Andrea Platania of Transfeero explained: "Yes, some UK airports have lifted the 100 ml liquids limit, but this is only part of the picture and most travellers don't realise just how tricky the return leg can be."

What you can't presume

Andrea said: "To fly out of certain airports you might be allowed containers up to two litres, but you cannot assume that's valid for your journey home. The key mistake I see is people preparing for departure and forgetting that the airport you return to may still enforce 100ml."

Indeed, official guidance confirms that, at most UK airports, you cannot carry liquid containers larger than 100 ml through security.

Yet the landscape is shifting and that's where confusion strikes. Andrea said: "Airports such as Birmingham Airport and Edinburgh Airport have already introduced new CT-scanners and now permit up to two litres. But you'll still find many major hubs, like Heathrow Airport, that insist on the 100ml rule because their lanes haven't yet officially changed."

How to pack without stress

"So here's what I advise," Andrea continued. "First, check the liquid rules at both your departure and return airports. It's not just about getting through outbound security. The route home could ruin your day if you're caught out.

"Second, where you can take two litres, treat each container as if you're taking a full-sized product, not a travel mini. But even then, don't get complacent, always carry bottles in sealable bags and consider putting any questionable items in your hold luggage as backup.

"Third, if you're departing from a two-litre airport, make sure on the return you're still within that airport's policy. If not, you'll waste time repacking or risk losing items. When travellers ignore this, they get frustrated with queues or confiscations."

Why the rules are changing

"The security scanners are the game-changer. Once an airport has installed full CT (computed tomography) systems, the need for small bottles evaporates, hence the two-litre allowance at some hubs," said the expert. "But the rollout is patchy and until all airports are aligned, the '100 ml vs two litre' split will continue."

She continued: "It's not just UK airports either. If you're flying inter-Europe or via a transfer, overseas airports may still restrict you to 100ml, which means what you could carry at home might still be useless abroad."

Clever packing strategies for airport security

Andrea suggested keeping a spare resealable clear bag in your hold luggage. Should you depart from a two-litre airport but return to a 100ml one, you'll require it.

Secondly, place heavier liquids such as shampoo and after-sun in your hold baggage and keep your cabin bag liquids to a minimum. This way you will avoid worst-case scenarios.

Thirdly, utilise transparent containers so security personnel can see what you've brought, even at two-litre airports metal flasks frequently get flagged.

Finally, verify the transfer airport. Should your journey include a connection where the regulations revert to 100ml, factor in additional time at security.

She continued: "These are small changes, but they save you stress, confiscations and the embarrassment of being asked to bin your luxury toner two hours before take-off."

The return journey misconception

Andrea explained: "Many travellers think 'once I've passed outbound security I'm done with liquids' but that's wrong. The return leg counts.

"If you're flying back into a 100ml-only airport, you'll need to adhere to those limits, even if you boarded at a two-litre airport.

"Airports list their rules clearly, but whether you're routed through a lane that has the new scanners or not is not always obvious. That may mean your bag gets pulled aside and time lost. Always allow extra time."