As of 2025, the rules for carrying liquids on a plane have evolved due to the introduction of advanced 3D scanners at airports, allowing more flexibility compared to the previous strict 100ml container limit.
Current Liquid Allowance in Hand Luggage
- General Rule: Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100ml each, and all containers must fit comfortably inside a single transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (about 20cm x 20cm). Only one such bag is allowed per passenger
- New Technology Impact: Some UK airports with advanced 3D scanning technology now allow passengers to keep liquids in their bags without removing them at security, but the 100ml container limit still applies
- Upcoming Changes: The ultimate goal with the new 3D scanners is to scrap the 100ml limit entirely and allow passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquids per person in containers of any size in hand luggage. However, this is not yet fully implemented everywhere and varies by airport
What Counts as Liquids?
Liquids include all drinks, liquid or semi-liquid foods (soup, jam, honey), cosmetics and toiletries (creams, lotions, perfumes, toothpaste), sprays, gels, and contact lens solutions
Exemptions to the 100ml Rule
- Duty-Free Liquids: Liquids purchased at the airport or on the plane can exceed 100ml if sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible. They must remain sealed until the final destination
- Medications and Special Dietary Liquids: These can be carried in larger quantities but require proof such as a doctor’s note or prescription and may be subject to additional screening
Summary
Aspect| Current Standard Rule| New/Upcoming Rule (2025)
---|---|---
Container size limit| 100ml per container| Up to 2 litres total, any container
size (where implemented)
Bag requirement| 1 transparent resealable bag, max 1 litre| Same or relaxed
depending on airport
Airports with new 3D scanners| Some UK airports allow liquids in bags without
removal| Expanding to more airports
Exemptions| Duty-free liquids, medications, baby food| Same exemptions apply
In practice, unless you are flying from or through airports with fully implemented 3D scanners, you should still adhere to the 100ml container limit and pack liquids in a 1-litre clear bag to avoid delays
. Therefore, currently, you can generally take liquids in containers up to 100ml each, fitting into a 1-litre bag in your hand luggage, but at some airports, this limit is being relaxed to allow up to 2 litres total in any container size due to new scanning technology
