liquid

Many airports across the UK have made a major change when it comes to packing 100ml liquids in hand luggage, scrapping the rule altogether, while many still have strict rules in place

Several UK airports have ditched the 100ml rule at airport security, and it’s vital to know before heading on holiday.

UK airports are gearing up for one of the busiest travel periods as thousands of families jet off abroad during the summer holidays. While it’s an exciting time, holidaymakers should be well prepared before heading to the airport, particularly regarding airport security restrictions.

In a major change, several airports scrapped the 100ml liquid rule earlier this year, allowing passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids through security. The shift is down to new CT scanners that provide security staff with detailed 3D images of bags, allowing travelers to keep their two-liter liquids in their hand luggage when passing through airport security.

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The UK airports that have ditched the 100ml liquid rule so far include:

• Belfast International
• Belfast City
• Birmingham
• Bournemouth
• Bristol
• Edinburgh
• London Gatwick
• London Heathrow

However, it’s important to note that not every UK airport has made the switch, and many still require liquids to be 100ml or under. Despite this, many have relaxed the rules so travellers no longer need to put them in a clear plastic bag, and they can also be kept in their hand luggage when going through security.

While specific rules can vary, it’s best to check directly with the airport you’re flying from, especially in the run-up to the summer holidays. It’s also important to check any restrictions with the airport you’ll be returning home from, as countries outside the UK can have different rules, including for liquids in 100ml containers.

The UK airports that still have the 100ml liquids rule include:

• Aberdeen
• Bournemouth
• Cardiff
• East Midlands
• Glasgow International
• Glasgow Prestwick
• Inverness
• Isle of Man
• Leeds Bradford
• Liverpool
• London City
• London Stansted
• London Luton
• Manchester
• Newcastle
• Norwich
• Southampton
• Teesside

The Foreign Office states that liquids include the following:

• All drinks, including water
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
• Pastes, including toothpaste
• Gels, including hair and shower gel
• Contact lens solution
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency

For airports that still follow the 100ml rule, the government advice page noted that there are exemptions for baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids purchased in duty-free.

In other news, TUI also warned holidaymakers about changes to airport security at some UK airports, where new restrictions are in place. In a travel alert to passengers, the holiday provider said: “While UK airports are installing new scanners to prepare for changes in security restrictions, at this time you should still follow current guidelines as not all airports have changed and destination airports still have these restrictions in place for your flight home.”

The airline went on to provide information on some UK airports that have implemented changes, including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, London Southend, and London City. TUI also advised customers to visit its airport security page on its website or the information page for the UK airport they’re departing from to find relevant details.

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TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways hand luggage rules aren’t just about what the airlines will let you bring onboard – passengers are subject to airport rules too

Brits heading on their holidays will want to take note of hand luggage rules – and not just the ones that help you swerve those pesky extra fees.

While many of us fly with different airlines including TUI, easyJet, Jet2 and British Airways, hand luggage rules aren’t just about what these firms allow; they’re also dependent on your airport, destination and other factors. These restrictions are universal across various airlines when departing from the UK, but it’s important to note that there could be different rules at the airport you’re flying back into the UK from.

If you’re found to be carrying a prohibited item in your hand luggage, it could be confiscated at airport security. On the UK government website, it states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”

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Therefore, it’s vital to check any hand luggage restrictions before arriving at the airport to ensure a safe and seamless journey. It’s also important to check the size limits for your carry-on bag before your flight, as they vary by airline.

List of common items banned in hand luggage

Corkscrew: but it is allowed in hold luggage.

Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) – but it could be allowed in hold luggage depending on the airline.

Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) – but it could be allowed in hold luggage depending on the airline. However, you can carry small scissors, such as sewing or embroidery scissors, in your hand luggage, but the blade must be shorter than 6cm.

Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics (including party poppers and toy caps): these are also not allowed in hold luggage.

Non-safety matches: and they are not allowed in hold luggage either. However, safety matches are allowed in hand luggage, but not in hold luggage.

Liquids: The majority of UK airports require liquids to be under 100ml; however, some airports have scrapped this rule. This includes: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London City, Teesside, Belfast International, Belfast City, and Newquay. As rules have evolved, it’s advisable to check directly with the airport for both your outbound and inbound flights, as countries outside the UK may also impose different restrictions. The government outlines that you cannot take frozen liquids, including frozen breast milk, in your hand luggage, but there are some exceptions to the 100ml rule. Passengers are allowed to take “liquid containers up to 2 litres through security at all UK airports” for medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or baby food or milk. Liquids above 100ml purchased at the airport or from duty-free can be taken on board.

Cigarette lighters : they must be placed in a resealable plastic bag in carry-on luggage and kept on you throughout the flight. The government states that passengers may carry only one lighter on board an aircraft, and it cannot be packed in hold luggage.

Niche items banned in hand luggage

Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats): – although they are allowed in hold luggage.

Golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, catapult, crossbow and martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks): but they are all permitted in hold luggage.

Firearms (including replica firearms): but they could be allowed in hold luggage, so it’s best to check directly with your airline before travel.

Harpoon or spear gun: but they might be allowed in hold luggage, so check directly with your airline before travel.

Work tools: this includes drills, a tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm, Stanley knife, saw, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, wrench or spanner, bolt gun or nail gun, crowbar and blowtorch). However, they can be taken in hold luggage.

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