Airport liquid rules are changing across Europe — which ones are scrapping the 100ml limit?

We all know not to bring sharp items on planes, and that you’re always going to be told to take boots and belts off at the security scanner.

However, when it comes to liquids in your hand luggage, it’s hard to keep track of what you can and can’t pack.

While some UK airports briefly scrapped liquid rules last year, restrictions were brought back temporarily due to technical issues — but now, a few major hubs are done with them for good.

Several EU airports have also relaxed their rules. Meanwhile, some other UK airports no longer require liquids to be presented in clear plastic bags – but not all.

It’s confusing. So, which liquids, and of what size, can you take on a plane today?

What size liquids can you take on a plane?

If possible, it’s always best to pack liquids into your checked luggage. But if you’re taking them in hand luggage, they must be in a container that holds no more than 100ml.

Restrictions on liquid sizes for carry-on bags apply worldwide, so you should prep what you’re taking ahead of time to avoid delays at security.

And don’t bother packing liquids in larger containers, even if there’s less than 100ml left in the bottle or tub, as they won’t be permitted.

Those flying with only a carry-on bag can buy travel-size containers—or reuse small sample bottles—to decant liquids into.

Remember to check the rules for each airport before you travel to ensure compliance.

What liquids can you take on a plane?

Any liquids that aren’t compliant with airport security rules won’t be allowed through the checkpoint, and you’ll be asked to throw them away.

Here’s the breakdown:

When will the 100ml rule be changing?

Airports across the European Union are finally set to scrap the much-maligned 100ml rule, but there’s a catch. And it’s sure to confuse travellers.

The limit was due to be scrapped in summer 2024, but a European Commission ruling kept it in place temporarily.

Now, the change applies only to aviation hubs equipped with advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners. Those that have them will allow liquids in containers of up to two litres.

We’re talking wine, perfume, olive oil, body oil… you name it, you can bring it.

Airports equipped with the technology include major transit hubs such as Milan, Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam. But big players like London Heathrow don’t. It would cost the airport an estimated £1 billion to install it.

In the UK, only Birmingham and Edinburgh Airports have scrapped the 100ml rule so far.

Edinburgh and Birmingham airports are respectively sixth and seventh busiest in the UK, and are expected to handle more than 27 million passengers this year between them.

Travellers have been advised to check the current rules from both their departing and return airports before travelling.

There is no set date for when the rules around carry-on liquids will change.

However the European Commission has confirmed that the change, first reported by the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, is in the pipeline.

Why are there rules on flying with liquids?

Those who flew before 9/11 will remember how different air travel was back then.

There were very few limits on what you could bring onto the plane, and even knives (up to four inches in length) were permitted.

All that changed following the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot, where suspects had planned to smuggle explosives through airport security in soft drink bottles.

Authorities in the UK and US immediately banned all liquids, except for baby milk, in hand luggage.

The ban was then relaxed in November of that year, to allow for liquids in quantities of 100ml or less to be carried on board, as long as they were packed in a clear plastic bag and removed from luggage before screening.

Since then, most other countries have also adopted the same restrictions.

Can I bring duty-free liquids onto the plane?

Once you’ve gone through security, you’ll be greeted by an array of spirits and perfumes in quantities way above the 100ml marker at duty-free.

Because these items are purchased in the secure departures area of the airport, duty-free liquids aren’t subject to the same restrictions as those you bring yourself.

The quantity you can purchase depends on the country you’re in, so check the local rules before you go if you’re planning on stocking up.

There are also stipulations on boarding with duty-free items.

Items must be sealed inside a security bag when you buy them, with the accompanying receipt sealed and visible inside.

It’s worth checking ahead of time whether you can go between connecting flights with duty-free liquids.

You may need to go through security again at your connecting location, so find out whether the airport has any specific transfer checks in place.

Are there exemptions for taking liquid on planes?

Certain liquids aren’t subject to the same 100ml hand luggage limit. These include:

• Liquids for essential medical purposes
• Liquids for special dietary requirements
• Baby food or baby milk

Those who are medically exempt must show supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional (such as a doctor’s letter or a copy of a prescription).

Baby food is allowed in hand luggage as long as a baby is present, but breast milk must be in containers of no more than two litres. Frozen breast milk is not permitted to be taken in hand luggage.

In general, it’s always best to look at the website of the airports you’re travelling from. That way, you can ensure you’re adhering to any guidelines and won’t be stopped by security as you head off on holiday.

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