United Kingdom airport liquid rules
22 airports · 0 with a recorded check · 0 with source guidance only · 22 unknown
It depends on the airport. Heathrow, Edinburgh and Bristol allow containers up to 2 litres (each has its own empty-bottle rule; Heathrow flights to Australia keep 100ml). Manchester, Luton and Stansted keep 100ml. On a return trip, check the airport you fly home from.
Rule basis: Heathrow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and Luton security pages read October 2026; Stansted from a recorded October 2026 source check. Other UK airports are not re-checked in this update. 0 of 22 airports in United Kingdom have a recorded source check or editor approval; 0 more have source guidance without a recorded check. The rest default to the conservative 100ml baseline.
What to do: Pack to the stricter rule on a return trip — the airport you fly home from sets the limit, not the airline.
Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.
Traveller warning: the airport you depart from sets the rule, not the airline. On a return flight you'll face the rule at the airport you fly home from — which may be stricter than your outbound airport.
Major airports in United Kingdom
- ABZ · Aberdeen
- BHD · Belfast City
- BFS · Belfast International
- BHX · Birmingham
- BRS · Bristol
- CWL · Cardiff
- EMA · East Midlands
- EDI · Edinburgh
- EXT · Exeter
- GLA · Glasgow
- INV · Inverness
- LBA · Leeds Bradford
- LPL · Liverpool John Lennon
- LCY · London City
- LGW · London Gatwick
- LHR · London Heathrow
- LTN · London Luton
- SEN · London Southend
- STN · London Stansted
- MAN · Manchester
- NCL · Newcastle
- SOU · Southampton
Travel rules for items to & from United Kingdom
Border and customs questions travellers ask about this country.
United Kingdom airport liquid rules — FAQs (2026)
Can you take 2 litres of liquid through UK airport security in 2026?
At some airports. Heathrow (Terminals 2–5), Edinburgh and Bristol allow containers up to 2 litres. Exceptions differ by airport: Heathrow — metal or insulated containers empty, and no containers over 100ml on flights to Australia; Edinburgh — metallic or double-walled containers empty; Bristol — metal drinks bottles empty.
Which UK airports still have the 100ml liquid rule?
Manchester, London Luton and London Stansted keep the 100ml container limit, but liquids can stay in your bag without a plastic bag. Manchester also requires your own containers to have their capacity printed on them. Other airports: check their pages.
Do I pack to the outbound or return airport's liquid rule?
Each airport applies its own rule at its own security. If you fly home through a 100ml airport, pack the return leg to 100ml even if you departed from a 2-litre airport.
Does Heathrow's 2-litre rule apply to every flight?
No. Heathrow says liquids in containers over 100ml can't be taken on flights to Australia. Metal or insulated bottles must also be emptied before security.
Packing checklist for United Kingdom
A short checklist for this trip — pack what you need to stay within the rules above.
Skip roaming charges on arrival.