If you're jetting off abroad this summer, it's important to be aware of the liquid rules, especially now that a handful of UK airports have scrapped the 100ml requirement, while others still enforce the rules.
The summer holidays are among the busiest times to fly, with a whopping 30 million Brits expected to board a plane in July and August. In order to avoid any unnecessary holdups when passing through the airport this summer, it's crucial to be fully prepared, including when it comes to airport security restrictions.
One of the biggest rules when going through airport security is the limit on how many liquids you can carry through in your hand luggage. For years, travellers have been restricted to a limit of 100ml of liquids, which needed to fit into a clear, plastic bag, but this requirement has now changed at a number of UK airports, making it even easier when travelling abroad.
In a major switch-up earlier this year, several UK airports ditched the 100ml liquid rule, meaning passengers can carry up to two litres of liquids through security. The change is thanks to new CT scanners that provide security personnel with comprehensive 3D images of bags, which also allows travellers to keep their two-litre liquids in their hand luggage when passing through airport security.
UK airports that have ditched the 100ml liquid rule so far include:
However, it's crucial to note that not every UK airport has introduced the change, and many still require liquids to be 100ml or less. Hubs such as London Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, East Midlands and Newcastle airports still have the 100ml liquid restrictions in place. Nevertheless, many have eased the rules so travellers no longer need to place them in a clear plastic bag, but can keep them in their hand luggage when going through security. You can check the rules on your departure airport's website.
While these airports require a 100ml liquid limit, it's best to check directly with the airport you're departing from for any additional and specific regulations they may require. It's equally important to verify any restrictions at the airport you'll be flying home from, as countries outside the UK can impose different rules, including those concerning liquids in 100ml containers.
For airports that follow the 100ml rule, the government advice page noted that exemptions exist for baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids purchased in a duty-free shop. Again, it is best to check directly with the airport you're travelling through to check specific requirements for these forms of liquids.
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