For almost twenty years the rule was simple: liquids in containers of 100ml or less, in one small clear bag, taken out of your case at security. New CT scanners have changed that at some UK airports but not others, so the rules now depend on which London airport you fly from.
Heathrow: Up to 2 Litres, All Terminals
Heathrow completed its scanner upgrade in January 2026 and now allows liquid containers of up to 2 litres each in hand luggage at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. You do not need the clear plastic bag, and you can leave liquids and laptops in your bag at security.
Gatwick: Up to 2 Litres
Gatwick also allows containers of up to 2 litres in both the North and South Terminals, with no clear bag needed. Our Gatwick terminal guide covers which airlines use which terminal.
Stansted and Luton: 100ml Still Applies
At Stansted and Luton each container must still hold no more than 100ml. Both airports now screen liquids inside your bag, so the clear plastic bag is no longer required for your own toiletries. Pack travel-size bottles; anything larger will be taken away at security.
London City Airport: 100ml, No Bag
London City also keeps the 100ml limit per container, with no plastic bag needed and liquids and laptops left in your bag.
The Return-Flight Catch
The rules apply to the airport you are departing from. If you fly out of Heathrow with a full-size bottle of sun cream, the airport you fly home from may still enforce 100ml, and you could lose it at security. Many airports in Europe and elsewhere still use the old rule. Pack for the strictest airport on your itinerary, or put larger liquids in your checked luggage.
Exemptions: Medicines and Baby Food
- Essential medicines in larger containers are allowed, but carry supporting evidence such as a prescription or doctor’s letter, and expect them to be checked.
- Baby food, milk and sterilised water are allowed in reasonable quantities for the journey when travelling with a baby.
- Special dietary requirements may also be allowed with evidence.
Present these separately to security staff if asked.
Duty-Free Liquids
Liquids bought after security, such as perfume or spirits, can be carried on board. If you are connecting to another flight, keep them sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside, because transfer security at your connecting airport may otherwise confiscate them.
Other Hand Luggage Points
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in hand luggage, not checked bags.
- Airlines set their own cabin bag size and weight limits, which are separate from security rules.
- Even where the 2-litre rule applies, staff may still ask you to open your bag if something needs checking.
Leave Enough Time
New scanners usually make security faster, but queues still vary by time of day and terminal. Our guides to when to leave for Heathrow and when to leave for Gatwick help you plan, and a fixed-price airport transfer takes care of the journey with your luggage.
Rules checked 14 November 2026. Airport security rules can change at short notice; check the official page for your departure airport before you travel.