At most UK airports and at EU airports, each liquid container in hand luggage can hold 100 ml or less. Some UK airports allow containers up to 2 litres, so check every airport on your trip.
Flying from
What is it?
Hand luggage rule
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UK and EU side by side
Hand luggage liquids, as of October 2026
UK airports
EU airports
Each container
100 ml at most airports, up to 2 litres at some
100 ml
Liquids bag
Where asked: one clear resealable bag, up to 1 litre, about 20 x 20 cm
One clear resealable bag, up to 1 litre
Medicine
Over 100 ml, containers up to 2 litres, proof for liquids
Over 100 ml, for use during the trip
Baby milk and food
Containers up to 2 litres; formula and food with the baby
Over 100 ml, for use during the trip
Duty free
Sealed in its security bag, receipt visible
Sealed in its security bag with the receipt
Rules differ by airport
The UK government’s guide says the rules for liquids in hand luggage depend on the airport and have changed at some UK airports. Check the airport you leave from, any you change planes at, and the one you fly home from.
Outside the UK, other countries may have their own rules for transfer passengers, so check with the airline and the airports too.
For EU airports, the European Commission’s rule is 100 ml containers in one bag of up to one liter, and Your Europe says to check your airport’s website for its full list of what’s not allowed.
Frozen liquids
UK airports don’t allow frozen liquids in hand luggage. Ice packs for baby milk are allowed. For ice packs that cool medicine, the guide says to contact the airport.
Common questions
Can I take a 2 litre bottle through UK security?
Only at a UK airport that allows containers up to 2 litres, or for medicine, special diets, baby food or baby milk, which can be up to 2 litres at every UK airport.
Do I need a liquids bag at every UK airport?
No, the UK government says you may have to use one, but not at all airports.
Is the UK rule the same as TSA's?
No, TSA allows 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers in one quart-size bag, and UK and EU airports use 100 ml containers and a bag of up to 1 litre.
UK rules come from the UK government’s hand luggage guide, and EU rules from the European Union’s Your Europe and the European Commission. Checked against published data from GOV.UK, European Union and European Commission.
See all 6 sources
GOV.UK, Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: overview
GOV.UK, Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: liquids
GOV.UK, Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: baby food and baby milk
GOV.UK, Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
European Union, Your Europe: luggage restrictions (last checked by the EU June 16, 2026)
European Commission, Mobility and Transport: information for air travellers
General guidance from airline, TSA and FAA rules, checked on the date shown. Rules change, and the airline and security officers decide on the day: check your airline before you fly.