What you can take in hand luggage at UK airports

Most arguments at security are about things people assumed were harmless: nail scissors, a jar of honey, a lighter, a bottle of water. Here are the hand luggage rules at UK airports, drawn from the official requirements, so nothing ends up in the bin before the scanner.

How much liquid can you take in hand luggage?

At most airports, containers must hold no more than 100ml, even if only half full. One important caveat: some airports now allow containers up to 2 litres, but it depends on the airport. Check both your departure airport and any connecting one — the rules may differ.

ADV · A003We build websites for tradespeople and sole traders — £219Customers see your work and prices and message you straight away. Ready in 3 days, £219 instead of £438.Advertise here

How must liquids be packed?

In a single transparent, resealable plastic bag. The requirements are specific: it must hold no more than 1 litre and measure about 20cm by 20cm, and the contents must fit so the bag can be sealed. The bag must not be tied at the top, you are allowed one bag per person, and you must present it separately at security.

What counts as a liquid?

More than you might expect. Drinks, including water. Liquid and semi-liquid foods: soup, jam, honey, syrups. Cosmetics and toiletries: creams, perfumes, mascara. Sprays, including hairspray and deodorant. Pastes, including toothpaste. Gels, including shower gel. Contact lens solution. Frozen liquids are not allowed in hand luggage at all.

Are there exemptions?

Yes, and they apply at every UK airport. Containers up to 2 litres are allowed for essential medical purposes or special dietary requirements, and the same for baby food and baby milk. Duty free purchases go through if sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible inside — do not open it before your final destination, though staff may open it to screen the contents.

Which personal items are allowed?

Small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm, and round-ended or blunt scissors. Fixed-cartridge disposable razors. Nail clippers and a nail file. Tweezers. Knitting and sewing needles. Umbrellas. Walking sticks, canes and walking aids, plus pushchairs and wheelchairs, which are screened first. Spoons. Safety matches, which conversely are not allowed in hold luggage. Contact lens solution up to 100ml.

What is banned from the cabin but allowed in the hold?

Corkscrews. Knives with a sharp or pointed blade, and any knife with a blade longer than 6cm. Large scissors with blades longer than 6cm. For these, check your airline's hold luggage rules in advance — carriers differ.

What is banned from both?

Non-safety matches. Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps. Lighters follow a separate rule: one may not go in either hand or hold luggage, but you may carry a single lighter on your person inside the transparent liquids bag, and it must stay with you for the flight.

What about food, powders and electronics?

Food and powders obstruct X-ray images and often trigger a manual recheck of your bag. If you do not need them in flight, put them in the hold — it saves time at security. Electronics rules depend on the country you are travelling from or to, with separate requirements for devices carried from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The rule that overrides all the others

Security staff can refuse any item they consider dangerous, even one that is normally permitted. Arguing at the checkpoint achieves nothing: the decision is theirs.

Checked against GOV.UK on 27 October 2026. Individual airports and airlines may apply stricter rules — check before you fly.