BA · United Kingdom · updated 2026-06-01

British Airways 100ml liquid rule

British Airways does not set its own liquid limit — the airport you depart from does. At most airports that means containers of 100 ml or less in one clear resealable bag. At airports with next-generation CT scanners you may be allowed up to 2 litres per container and can leave liquids inside your bag. Because British Airways flies from both kinds of airport, always pack to the 100 ml rule unless your departure airport is confirmed CT-equipped.

Send these rules to whoever you're travelling with.

What to know before you pack

Liquids go in one transparent resealable bag, roughly 20 × 20 cm, one bag per passenger, taken out at the X-ray unless the airport has CT scanners.
The limit is the printed container size, not how much liquid is left inside it — a half-empty 200 ml bottle is still refused.
BA defers to the departure airport's screening rules.
At Heathrow T2, T3 and T5 (2026) the CT scanner rollout means most passengers can leave liquids in bags and carry up to 2 L per container.
Alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV is capped at 5 L per passenger in checked baggage. Above 70% ABV is banned outright.

British Airways cabin bag at a glance

Personal item: 40 × 30 × 15 cm · 23 kg

Overhead bag: 56 × 45 × 25 cm · 23 kg

Full British Airways hand luggage rules

Frequently asked

Can I take 100ml liquids on British Airways?

Yes. Containers of 100 ml or less inside one clear resealable bag are accepted on every British Airways flight. Larger containers are only allowed where the departure airport has CT scanners and has publicly lifted the limit.

Does British Airways count the liquid bag as part of my cabin allowance?

The clear liquid bag travels inside your cabin bag, so it counts toward your British Airways hand luggage allowance (40 × 30 × 15 cm and up).

What happens if my liquid is over 100ml at British Airways security?

Security, not the airline, makes the call. Over-size containers are surrendered at the checkpoint — there is no fee, but the item is not returned.

Sources

BA hand baggage allowance — checked 2026-06-01