Liquids rules · checked 20 Oct 2026
Liquids rules by airport
Pack for the strictest airport on your trip. Your UK airport may allow 2 litres, but most return airports are still 100ml.
The rules are set by the scanners at the airport you’re flying from, not by your airline. Medicines, special dietary items and baby food or milk are exempt at UK airports (up to 2 litres), but you may be asked to show them. See gov.uk’s liquids guidance.
💧 New scanners 
Karen’s tip
Karen’s tip Can I keep my water bottle?
At airports with the new scanners and a 2-litre limit you can take a full water bottle through security, but lots of people still pour theirs away out of habit. Karen once watched a whole queue do it at an airport where it was allowed.
Remember the flight home: the airport you fly back from may still make you empty it. Most airports outside the UK are still 100 ml.
From our airport data, last checked 20 Oct 2026. Rules can differ by terminal or security lane.
Karen’s tipSave money on sun creamDecant, don’t buy mini
I buy clear 100 ml spray bottles and decant my sun tan lotion into them from the big bottle I already have. It’s far more cost-effective than paying for the smaller travel bottles, and the bottles last trip after trip.
- 100 ml is the bottle size, not how full it is. At airports still using the 100 ml rule, each container must be 100 ml or less and go in your clear liquids bag. A half-empty 200 ml bottle won’t pass.
- Bigger-limit airports? Some UK airports with the new scanners allow containers up to 2 litres, but most airports you’ll fly home from are still 100 ml. Decanted 100 ml bottles work at both.
- Label every bottle with what’s inside and the SPF, so security, and you, know what it is.
- Runny lotions and oils spray best. Thick creams can clog a fine-mist nozzle, so use a spray or lotion that pours easily.
Clear 100 ml spray bottlesAmazon UK: ILLUVA 100ml Clear Fine Mist Spray Bottles (4 pack, funnels and labels) ↗£5.59, price checked 20 Oct 2026Amazon UK: Lamapee Small Spray Bottles 100ml (3 pack) ↗£7.99, price checked 20 Oct 2026Amazon UK: MELLIEX 100ml Fine Mist Spray Bottles (6 pack, funnels, labels and clear bag) ↗Check price
🫙 One little pot for my skincare
Instead of taking three 100 ml bottles, I decant my day cream, night cream and cleanser into one small round soft silicone pot with three sections. It’s a great space saver, and it saves money on buying miniatures of your own creams, which aren’t always available anyway.
The three-in-one pot lasts me about 4 to 5 days at most, so it’s perfect for short trips. I love that it’s soft silicone rather than solid plastic: it flexes, so it squashes into gaps in my bag and makes packing easier. For anything longer, I use separate pots, which hold more.
- It still goes in your liquids bag. Creams, gels and cleansers count as liquids at security, wherever the 100 ml rule applies.
- It frees up room in that bag: one small pot takes far less space than three 100 ml bottles, leaving space for your sun cream and toothpaste.
- Know which section is which. I’d fill them in the same order every time, or label the lids day, night and cleanser, so you don’t mix them up at 7am.
- Try not to overfill, and screw the lids on firmly. Pots are best for creams; keep runny liquids in bottles.
⭐ Karen’s pick: the type I useAmazon UK: YUYTE 3-in-1 Silicone Travel Cream Jar (3 x 12ml inner pots, 2 spoons) ↗£8.22, price checked 20 Oct 2026One round silicone case with three 12 ml sections and two little spoons.
Another three-section potAmazon UK: Didiseaon 3-Compartment Silicone Cream Jars, 2 pack ↗£11.79, price checked 20 Oct 2026
Away more than 4–5 days? Separate pots hold moreAmazon UK: Jdbefuy 4-Pack Silicone Travel Cream Containers, 20ml (pastel) ↗£7.99, price checked 20 Oct 2026
We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Rules: liquids rules by airport and gov.uk’s liquids guidance.
Jump to: UK · Europe · Long-haul. to re-check means we couldn’t confirm it on the airport’s own page this week.
UK airports
| Airport | Max per container | Clear bag? | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (T2, T3, T4, T5)LHR · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L at all four terminals since 23 Jan 2026. Liquids and laptops stay in bag. Empty metal/insulated bottles. Flights to Australia: still 100ml. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| London Gatwick (North & South)LGW · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L in both terminals. Liquids and laptops stay in bag. No metal or double-walled containers unless empty. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| London StanstedSTN · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml (page updated Sept 2026). Liquids stay in bag, no clear bag. CT lanes installed; secondary reports say it's awaiting regulator sign-off, no date. Decanted containers must have their capacity printed on them (no handwritten labels or stickers). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| London LutonLTN · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml/100g. Liquids and electronics stay in bag, no plastic bag needed. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| London CityLCY · UKto re-check | 100 ml | No | 100ml with volume printed on the label. Liquids stay in bag (CT). Was the UK's first 2L airport in 2023, reverted June 2024. The official page blocked my fetch, so this comes from the search snippet of its own page. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Manchester (T1, T2, T3)MAN · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml (page updated Apr 2026). No plastic bag, liquids stay in bag. Own containers must have their capacity PRINTED on them. CT installed; no 2L date announced. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| BirminghamBHX · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L, no limit on the number of containers. Leave liquids loose in the bag (don't use plastic bags). Insulated bottles must be empty. Live since June 2025. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| BristolBRS · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L per container. No clear bag, liquids stay in bag. Metal drinks bottles must be empty. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| EdinburghEDI · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L per container, multiple containers allowed, liquids stay in bag. Metal/double-walled bottles must be empty. First in Scotland (2025). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| GlasgowGLA · UKto re-check | 100 ml | No | 100ml. Liquids and electronics stay in bag, no bag needed. No 2L date from AGS. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| AberdeenABZ · UKto re-check | 100 ml | No | 100ml. Liquids and electronics stay in bag (CT since Apr 2024). No 2L date. Official page partly fetched; corroborated by BBC. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| NewcastleNCL · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml. Liquids stay in bag. Double-skinned/thermal containers with liquid aren't allowed (empty is OK). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Leeds BradfordLBA · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml. Liquids and electronics stay in bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Liverpool John LennonLPL · UKto re-check | 100 ml | No | 100ml, no limit on the number of containers. No clear bag, liquids stay in bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| East MidlandsEMA · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml (page updated Apr 2026). No plastic bag, liquids stay in bag. Capacity must be printed on containers. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Belfast InternationalBFS · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L. Liquids and electronics stay in bag. Plastic bags no longer required. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Belfast City (George Best)BHD · UK | 2 litres | No | 2L or less. No bag. Please don't carry liquids in a flask. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| SouthamptonSOU · UK | 100 ml | No | 100ml, no limit on the number of containers. No clear bag needed (CT since May 2025). No 2L date. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| BournemouthBOH · UK | 2 litres | No | Containers up to 2,000ml. Liquids and laptops stay in bag, no clear bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| London Southend (extra)SEN · UKto re-check | 2 litres | No | 2L, per multiple secondary sources. The official page didn't load for me, so verify. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
Europe airports
| Airport | Max per container | Clear bag? | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris Charles de GaulleCDG · Franceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in one 1L clear bag, shown separately. Euronews (Jan 2026) says Paris airports aim to be fully CT-ready by 2030. Rule source is the French government page (last verified Dec 2023), corroborated by 2026 reports.Coming soon: Paris airports aim to be fully ready by 2030 (Euronews, Jan 2026) | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Paris OrlyORY · Franceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Same as CDG: 100ml in a 1L clear bag. Paris target 2030 (Euronews).Coming soon: Paris airports aim to be fully ready by 2030 (Euronews, Jan 2026) | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Paris BeauvaisBVA · France | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Under 100ml, quantity must be legible on the container, one 1L resealable clear bag per person. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Amsterdam SchipholAMS · Netherlands | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in one 1L bag. Refillable containers must show their max ml. Empty drinks bottles OK. No 2L date announced. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Barcelona El PratBCN · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena (all Spanish airports): 100ml in one 1L bag, placed in the tray outside your bag. Some Aena CT lanes let liquids stay in the bag, but the 100ml limit still applies. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Madrid BarajasMAD · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag. Laptops out (except at CT lanes). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| MalagaAGP · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| AlicanteALC · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Palma de MallorcaPMI · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag (some CT lanes: liquids may stay in bag). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Tenerife SouthTFS · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| LanzaroteACE · Spain | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100ml in a 1L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| FaroFAO · Portugal | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | ANA: 100ml in one 20x20 cm bag, shown separately. ANA says it is 'upgrading our technology and, soon…' but gives no date. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| LisbonLIS · Portugal | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | ANA: 100ml in one 20x20 cm bag, shown separately. Upgrade 'soon', no date. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| PortoOPO · Portugal | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | ANA: 100ml in one 1L bag. Upgrade 'soon', no date. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Rome FiumicinoFCO · Italyto re-check | 2 litres | No | 2L since 26 Jul 2025, EXCEPT flights to the USA and Israel (100ml in a 1L bag). The official ADR page blocked my fetch; this comes from its search snippet plus ENAC. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Rome CiampinoCIA · Italyto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in a 1L clear bag, per the ADR Ciampino FAQ search snippet (page blocked by a bot-check). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Milan MalpensaMXP · Italy | Varies | Varies | TERMINAL-DEPENDENT: T1 = 2L, liquids stay in bag. T2 (easyJet's base) = 100ml in a clear bag, taken out of your bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Milan LinateLIN · Italy | 2 litres | No | 2L, liquids stay in bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Milan Bergamo (extra)BGY · Italyto re-check | 2 litres | No | Reported 2L in the new terminal (Giornale di Brescia). No official page checked. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Venice Marco PoloVCE · Italyto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in a 1L resealable bag, per the official page's search snippet (fetch blocked). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Dublin (T1 & T2)DUB · Ireland | 2 litres | No | 2L per container, no limit on the number. Liquids and electronics stay in bag. Fully C3 since Sept 2025. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Berlin BrandenburgBER · Germany | Varies | Varies | LANE-DEPENDENT: the 24 CT lanes (T1 Areas 1 & 5, T2) allow 2L per person. Central T1 lanes (BER Runway) are 100ml with liquids out; refit starts autumn 2026. Pack to 100ml unless you know your lane.Coming soon: Refit of the remaining central T1 lanes begins autumn 2026 | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| MunichMUC · Germany | 2 litres | No | 100ml rule repealed at ALL checkpoints from 18 Sep 2026. NOTE: 'several containers, up to a TOTAL of two litres', not unlimited. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| PraguePRG · Czechia | Varies | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TERMINAL-DEPENDENT: T2 (Schengen) since 1 Oct 2025 allows ONE extra container up to 2L per person, plus 100ml items in a 1L bag. T1 (non-Schengen, e.g. UK flights) is 100ml only. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| ViennaVIE · Austria | 2 litres | No | 2L, liquids and electronics stay in bag. CT live in all terminals from 3 Jul 2026. Thermos flasks must be empty. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| BudapestBUD · Hungary | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in a 1L bag, removed for screening (free bags at the prep counters). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| KrakowKRK · Poland | 2 litres | No | Up to 2L, no need to remove liquids. Since 3 Sep 2025. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| DubrovnikDBV · Croatiato re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Official notice (1 Aug 2025): 100ml in a 1L bag. A LinkedIn post (2026) says liquids and electronics can now stay in the bag (C3), but there's no official confirmation of a 2L size, so treat it as 100ml. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Reykjavik KeflavikKEF · Iceland | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Max 100ml per container, total 1L. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| CopenhagenCPH · Denmark | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100ml in a 1L bag, shown in the tray. 20 CT lanes opened 19 May 2026; the airport EXPECTS EU approval for bigger liquids BEFORE END OF 2026 (coming soon, no fixed date).Coming soon: Airport expects EU approval for larger liquids before the end of 2026 | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Athens InternationalATH · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100 ml/100 g containers in one transparent resealable bag up to 1 L; one bag per passenger incl. children. Medicines and baby food/sterilised water exempt. 2L scanners expected early 2027 (airport to Euronews, Jan 2026).Coming soon: 2L scanners early 2027, the airport told Euronews (Jan 2026) | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Heraklion (Crete)HER · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100 ml in one 1 L clear bag, removed for screening (EU standard). Source site may not be the operator’s own; HER is state-run (HCAA), not Fraport. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Chania (Crete)CHQ · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Fraport Greece: 100 ml in one transparent resealable 1 L bag per passenger; duty-free liquids only in an intact sealed bag with receipt. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| CorfuCFU · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Fraport Greece: 100 ml in one 1 L clear bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| RhodesRHO · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Fraport Greece: 100 ml in one 1 L clear bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| SantoriniJTR · Greeceto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Fraport Greece: 100 ml in one 1 L clear bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| IbizaIBZ · Spainto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100 ml in a 1 L bag (same rule as all Aena airports). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| MenorcaMAH · Spainto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100 ml in a 1 L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Tenerife NorthTFN · Spainto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | Aena: 100 ml in a 1 L bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
Long-haul airports
| Airport | Max per container | Clear bag? | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York JFKJFK · USA | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TSA 3-1-1: 3.4oz/100ml containers in one quart-size bag. CT lanes may let you leave the bag in, but there's no larger-container change. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| NewarkEWR · USA | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TSA 3-1-1. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| MiamiMIA · USA | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TSA 3-1-1. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| San JuanSJU · Puerto Rico (USA) | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TSA 3-1-1. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Nassau Lynden PindlingNAS · Bahamasto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | US-bound flights clear US preclearance, so TSA 3-1-1 applies. Rules for other flights weren't verified on an official LPIA page; assume 100ml. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Tokyo HanedaHND · Japanto re-check | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | International flights: 100ml in a 1L bag (Japanese domestic flights have different rules). | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Tokyo NaritaNRT · Japan | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | International flights: 100ml in a 1L resealable bag. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Orlando InternationalMCO · USA | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | TSA 3-1-1: 3.4 oz/100 ml containers in one quart-size bag. MCO’s page doesn’t confirm CT lanes or any relaxation. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Dubai InternationalDXB · UAE | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100 ml per item, 1 litre total, one clear resealable bag (max 20 x 20 cm) placed separately in a tray. Medication, baby milk/food and special diets exempt. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
| Sydney (international)SYD · Australia | 100 ml | Yes (1 L clear bag) | 100 mL/100 g containers in one transparent resealable bag whose four sides total 80 cm or less (e.g. 20 x 20 cm); one bag per passenger. Also applies to transits and domestic legs from the international terminal. Inorganic powder limits apply on international flights. | SourceChecked 20 Oct 2026 |
These rules change often, sometimes by terminal or even by security lane. We re-check them weekly, but the airport’s own page on the day you fly is the final word.