UK Issues Urgent Travel Reminder on Strict 100ml Liquid Rules

Key Takeaways

• UK enforces 100ml liquid rule at all airports as of June 28, 2025, despite new scanners.
• Passengers must pack liquids in one clear, resealable 1L bag with containers max 100ml.
• Rule stays due to security concerns and incomplete scanner rollout delaying relaxation plans.

Travelers flying from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 this summer are facing renewed scrutiny at airport security, as the government has urgently reminded all passengers that the 100ml liquid rule remains in full effect. On June 28, 2025, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that, despite earlier plans to relax these restrictions, all UK airports must continue to enforce the rule that limits liquids in hand luggage to containers of 100ml or less. This decision follows a recent crackdown on non-compliant bags and comes after operational and security challenges delayed the nationwide rollout of new 3D CT scanners designed to make security checks faster and more flexible.

Who is affected? Every passenger departing from a UK airport, whether traveling domestically or internationally, must follow the 100ml liquid rule at airport security. What’s changed? The government has reversed earlier plans to relax the rule, so even airports with new scanners must enforce the old limits. When? The rule is in effect as of late June 2025 and will remain so until further notice. Where? All UK airports, including major hubs like Heathrow, Manchester, Stansted, Birmingham, Gatwick, and Newcastle. Why? The DfT cites security concerns and incomplete scanner deployment as reasons for the continued restrictions. How? Passengers must pack all liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, why the rule is still in place, and what you need to do to avoid delays or having your items confiscated.

The 100ml Liquid Rule: What You Need to Know

The 100ml liquid rule is simple but strict. When passing through airport security in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, you can only carry liquids in containers of 100ml or less. All these containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (about 20cm x 20cm). Each passenger is allowed only one bag.

Key points to remember:
– Each liquid container: Must be 100ml or less.
– Bag size: One clear, resealable bag per passenger, max 1 litre.
– Bag dimensions: About 20cm x 20cm.
– Bag presentation: Remove the bag from your hand luggage and place it in the security tray, unless your airport specifically says otherwise.

If you don’t follow these rules, security staff will confiscate any liquids over the limit, and you may face delays at the checkpoint.

Why Is the 100ml Rule Still in Place?

Many travelers expected the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to relax the 100ml liquid rule in 2024, thanks to new 3D CT scanners that can scan liquids and electronics inside bags. The government had set a deadline of June 1, 2024, for all major airports to install these scanners and allow larger liquid containers. However, in June 2024, the DfT ordered all airports to reinstate the 100ml rule due to several problems:

• Security concerns: Experts warned that not all scanners were fully tested or certified, raising fears about potential security gaps.
• Operational challenges: Some airports faced long queues and confusion as staff and passengers adjusted to the new technology.
• Incomplete rollout: By June 2025, only a few airports had fully operational scanners, making it impossible to have consistent rules across the country.

As a result, the government decided that all airports must stick to the old 100ml rule until every airport is ready and the DfT gives the green light for change.

Which Airports Are Affected?

All airports in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 are enforcing the 100ml liquid rule, including:

• Heathrow
• Manchester
• Stansted
• Birmingham
• Gatwick
• Newcastle

Some airports, like Birmingham, Gatwick, and Newcastle, have installed new scanners. At these locations, you may be allowed to leave liquids inside your bag during scanning, but the 100ml limit still applies. Always check your departure airport’s official website for the latest rules, as procedures can change quickly.

What About International Travel?

If you’re flying from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to another country, remember that liquid rules may differ at your destination. Many airports in Europe and the United States 🇺🇸 still require you to remove liquids from your bag and place them in a clear plastic bag at security. Always check the rules for both your departure and arrival airports to avoid surprises.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pack Liquids for UK Airport Security

To help you avoid problems at the airport, here’s a simple checklist:

1. Before You Travel

• Check your airport’s website for the latest security rules.
• Review your airline’s baggage policy for any extra restrictions.

2. Packing Your Liquids

• Use containers of 100ml or less for all liquids, gels, creams, and pastes.
• Place all containers in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag (max 1 litre, about 20cm x 20cm).
• Only one bag per passenger is allowed.
• Seal the bag and keep it handy for security checks.

3. At the Security Checkpoint

• Remove your liquid bag from your hand luggage and place it in the tray (unless your airport says you can leave it inside).
• Be ready for extra checks if you have items that need special screening.

4. Exemptions and Special Items

Some items are allowed in larger quantities if you have the right documents:
– Essential medicines: You can bring more than 100ml if you have a prescription or doctor’s note.
– Baby food and milk: Allowed if you’re traveling with a baby.
– Special dietary liquids: Allowed with proof of need.
– Duty-free liquids: Allowed if bought at the airport or on the plane, sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible.

For more details, visit the UK government’s official hand luggage restrictions page.

What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

If you try to bring liquids over 100ml or don’t pack them correctly, security staff will confiscate the items. You may also face longer waits at security, which can cause you to miss your flight. Airport operators strongly urge all passengers to check the rules before traveling and to pack carefully to avoid problems.

Why Is the 100ml Rule Important?

The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives was stopped. Since then, airports around the world have used this rule to help keep passengers safe. Even though new technology is making security checks faster and more accurate, the government says it’s not ready to lift the rule until every airport has the right equipment and staff are fully trained.

Aviation security experts say the rule is still needed because:
– Threats are ongoing: There are still risks from people trying to bring dangerous liquids onto planes.
– Uniformity is key: Having the same rule at every airport makes things clearer for travelers and staff.
– Technology transition: Until all scanners are installed and certified, it’s safer to keep the old rule.

The Delayed Rollout of New Scanners

The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has invested in new 3D CT scanners that can scan liquids and electronics inside bags, making security checks faster and less stressful. The original plan was to have these scanners in place at all major airports by June 1, 2024, and then relax the liquid rules. However, several problems slowed down the rollout:

• Technical issues: Some scanners needed more testing and adjustments.
• Staff training: Security staff had to learn how to use the new machines.
• Airport upgrades: Not all airports could install the scanners quickly due to space and cost issues.

As of June 2025, only a few airports have fully operational scanners, and the government says the 100ml rule will stay until every airport is ready.

What Are the Impacts on Travelers?

The continued enforcement of the 100ml liquid rule has several effects on travelers:

• Confusion: Many people are unsure whether the rule still applies, especially at airports with new scanners.
• Frustration: Some passengers are annoyed by the delays and the need to repack their bags.
• Missed flights: Delays at security can cause people to miss their flights, especially during busy travel periods.
• Lost items: Liquids over 100ml are confiscated, which can be costly and inconvenient.

Travel industry groups and travel analysts have called for clearer communication from the government and airports to help travelers understand what to expect.

What Should You Do Before Your Next Flight?

To avoid problems, follow these steps:

• Check your airport’s website for the latest rules before you pack.
• Pack your liquids correctly in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, resealable bag.
• Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks.
• Be prepared for changes: Rules may change quickly as new scanners are installed.

Former Transport Secretary Mark Harper has advised all travelers to verify the rules at their departure airport, as some airports may have slightly different procedures.

What’s Next? Future Changes to the Liquid Rule

The Department for Transport has said that the 100ml liquid rule may be lifted at airports with fully operational and certified new scanners, possibly before the end of summer 2025. However, no firm date has been set. The government is working with airports to finish installing and testing the new machines, with the goal of eventually allowing passengers to carry liquids up to 2 litres and to keep them inside their bags during security checks.

Until then, travelers must continue to follow the current rules. Authorities and airports will issue updates as the situation changes, so it’s important to check official sources before every trip.

Summary Table: UK Airport Liquid Rules (June 2025)

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most up-to-date information, always check these sources:
– UK Government Hand Luggage Restrictions
– Your departure airport’s official website
– Department for Transport (DfT) announcements

If you have questions about specific items or need help with exemptions, contact your airline or the airport before you travel.

Expert and Industry Perspectives

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing enforcement of the 100ml liquid rule in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 reflects a careful balance between passenger convenience and national security. While many travelers are eager for the rules to change, aviation security experts stress that safety must come first, especially during the transition to new technology. Travel industry leaders continue to push for clearer communication and faster upgrades, but until every airport is ready, the 100ml rule is here to stay.

Final Takeaways for Travelers

• Always follow the 100ml liquid rule at UK airports, regardless of new scanner installations.
• Pack smart: Use containers of 100ml or less, in a single, clear, resealable bag.
• Check official sources before every trip, as rules may change quickly.
• Arrive early to allow time for security checks, especially during busy periods.
• Be prepared for exemptions: Bring documents for medicines, baby food, or special dietary liquids if needed.

By staying informed and following these steps, you can help make your journey through airport security as smooth as possible, even as the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 works to upgrade its systems and improve the travel experience for everyone.

Learn Today

100ml liquid rule → A UK airport security regulation limiting liquids in carry-ons to containers of 100ml or less.
3D CT scanners → Advanced machines using 3D computed tomography to scan bags without removing liquids or electronics.
Department for Transport (DfT) → UK government department overseeing transport policies, including airport security rules.
Resealable plastic bag → A clear, sealable plastic bag used to hold liquids under 100ml during security screening.
Duty-free liquids → Liquids purchased at airports or on planes, sealed with receipts, allowed beyond normal limits.

This Article in a Nutshell

Travelers flying from the UK face ongoing 100ml liquid restrictions despite new scanners. All airports enforce this rule for safety until full scanner deployment and certification occur. Passengers must pack liquids carefully to avoid confiscation and delays, with exemptions only for medicines or baby items supported by documentation.
— By VisaVerge.com