What Are the UK Hand Luggage Liquid Rules?

Usually 100 ml containers in one clear resealable bag, but some UK airports now allow more.

Published October 31, 2026 · 3 min read · Topic: Travel & Airline Rules · Travel rules

Typical situation

You are flying from a UK airport with only hand luggage and want to know how to pack liquids, and whether the bag you are using needs a separate clear pouch.

Main answer · berabags Editorial Team · Rules view

At most UK airports, liquids, gels and aerosols in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml. Some airports, including Heathrow, now allow larger containers, so check your airport. GOV.UK sets out the standard rule and points you to your airport for its current limits.

The standard rule

Each container holds no more than 100 ml. The container size counts, even if it is only part full.
If the airport asks for it, put the containers in one transparent, resealable plastic bag, about 20 cm by 20 cm, which holds up to 1 litre.
The bag must close fully and not be tied or knotted.
Show the bag at the security point, separately from the rest of your hand luggage.

Where airports differ

Heathrow’s page says it now accepts liquids in containers up to 2 litres and may not need the clear bag. Many other UK airports apply the standard 100 ml limit. Rules can differ at your connecting airports and at your destination, so check each one.

How to pack

Check the website of your departure airport for its current limit.
If the 100 ml rule applies, decant what you need into small containers.
Use a clear, resealable bag that closes without strain.
Keep it in an outer pocket so you can take it out quickly.

Where this answer stops

This covers UK airport security rules as set out by GOV.UK and Heathrow at the time of writing. Rules change as airports update their equipment. Your airline may also set its own limits on cabin baggage size and weight. Check both before you travel.

Sources and further reading

Three more perspectives

berabags Editorial Team · Selection view

A hand-luggage bag with a quick-access outer pocket lets you take out the clear bag without unpacking. If you travel from airports with different rules, a pocket that holds a spare resealable bag helps you adapt.

berabags Editorial Team · Maintenance view

Liquids leak when cabin pressure changes. Fasten caps tightly, squeeze extra air out of soft tubes and stand each bottle upright in the clear bag. Keep the clear bag in its own pocket so a leak does not reach a fabric lining.

berabags Editorial Team · Use view

Check the rules of the departure airport and of any airport you transit through, because they can differ. Allow time at the checkpoint, since not all lanes use the same equipment, and follow the staff’s instructions on the day.

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