Roberta Aguirre
The 100ml airport rule refers to the regulation that airport passengers can only carry liquid containers of 100ml or less in their hand luggage. This rule was first introduced in 2006 after British police foiled a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on a plane. While some airports began to relax this rule in 2023 and 2024 due to the introduction of new scanning technology, it was reinstated across many UK and EU airports in June and September 2024, respectively. This reinstatement was due to technical issues with the new scanners, which were not accurately detecting liquids in bags. While the rule is considered temporary, there is currently no end date for the 100ml restriction, and passengers are advised to check the latest guidelines before travelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prevent liquid explosives from being smuggled in hand luggage |
| Container size limit | 100ml |
| Container total limit | 1 litre (in a 20cm x 20cm resealable plastic bag) |
| Exceptions | Essential medicines, special dietary requirements, baby food or milk, liquids bought at duty-free in a security bag |
| Airports with new scanners | London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, Teesside |
| Scanners functionality | Create 3D images of bags' contents, detect security threats |
| Implementation timeline | June 2024 deadline missed by most airports, new deadline June 2025 |
| Previous rules | All liquids and electronics had to be removed from hand luggage and scanned separately |
| New rules with scanners | Liquids and electronics can remain in hand luggage, no need for plastic bags |
| Rule reinstatement reason | Technical issues with new scanners, inaccurate for some liquid containers |
| Future plans | Extend limit to 2 litres per passenger for cabin luggage, scrap 100ml limit |
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What You'll Learn
- The 100ml rule was reinstated in 2024 due to new scanners incorrectly flagging harmless items as threats
- The rule applies to liquids in hand luggage, which must be in 100ml containers or less
- Liquids include gels, pastes, and aerosols but not solids or powder-like substances
- Exemptions include essential medicines, baby food, and liquids bought at duty-free shops
- The rule is expected to be scrapped once new scanners are fully operational
The 100ml rule was reinstated in 2024 due to new scanners incorrectly flagging harmless items as threats
The 100ml rule for liquids in carry-on luggage was reinstated in 2024, eight years after it was first introduced in 2006. The rule was brought back after new scanners were found to be incorrectly flagging harmless items as potential threats. This caused long security delays, as staff had to manually check each flagged item by hand.
The European Commission announced in July 2024 that the maximum size for individual liquid containers would revert to 100ml. This applied to airports in the EU, as well as Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and the UK. The Commission stated that this was due to a temporary technical issue with the new scanners and was not in response to any new threat.
Many airports had already installed the new scanners and eased their liquid restrictions, only to be forced to revert to the old rules. This caused frustration among airport bosses, who criticized the lack of notice and the impact on passengers. The new scanners were meant to improve security and the passenger experience by creating 3D images of bags and detecting potential threats. However, the technical issues meant that the 100ml rule had to be reinstated to ensure security.
The 100ml rule states that liquids, gels, and pastes can only be taken through airport security in containers of 100ml or less. These containers must fit into a clear plastic bag with an airtight seal, typically with a total liquid volume limit of one litre. While this rule caused frustration among passengers and airports, it was deemed necessary to address the technical issues with the new scanners and ensure security. It is unclear how long the 100ml restriction will last, but authorities are working to improve the scanners and lift the restrictions as soon as possible.
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The rule applies to liquids in hand luggage, which must be in 100ml containers or less
The 100ml airport rule applies to liquids in hand luggage, which must be in containers of 100ml or less. This rule was first introduced in 2006 after British police foiled an Islamist terror plot to detonate liquid explosives on board transatlantic flights. While the rule was briefly lifted in 2023 and 2024, it was reinstated in June 2024 in the UK and September 2024 in the EU due to issues with the accuracy of new scanners.
The rule applies to all liquids, including gels and pastes, and must be followed by both inbound and outbound passengers. There are some exceptions to the rule, including essential medicines, liquids for special dietary requirements, and baby food or milk. Liquids purchased at airport duty-free shops can also be brought on board as long as they are sealed within a security bag.
While the rule applies across the UK and EU, there are variations in how it is implemented at different airports. Some airports require liquids to be placed in a clear plastic bag with an airtight seal, while others allow liquids to remain in hand luggage without needing to be separated. It is important for passengers to check the specific rules of their departure and arrival airports before travelling to avoid any problems.
The 100ml restriction is considered a temporary measure while improvements are made to scanning technology. The new CT scanners will provide a 3D image of a bag's contents, allowing for the detection of security threats without the need for manual checks. The eventual goal is to scrap the 100ml limit and extend the liquid limit to two litres per passenger for cabin luggage.
Until further notice, passengers travelling through UK and EU airports must adhere to the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage to ensure compliance with security regulations. Checking the latest guidelines from the relevant airports is highly recommended to stay informed about any updates or changes to the liquid restrictions.
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Liquids include gels, pastes, and aerosols but not solids or powder-like substances
Liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols are subject to the 100ml airport rule. This includes substances that can be squeezed, sprayed, or spread, such as toothpaste, hair spray, shampoo, and mouthwash. These items must be in travel-sized containers of no more than 100ml or 3.4 ounces and must fit into a clear, quart-sized bag for screening. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that exceeds this amount must be packed in checked baggage.
It's important to note that this rule does not apply to solids or powder-like substances. Powders, such as inorganic salts, talcum powder, or sand, are restricted to a total volume of 350ml in carry-on luggage. If the volume exceeds 350ml, it must be placed in checked luggage unless it is for a child or medical reasons. Exemptions are also made for baby powder, therapeutic products, and medicines.
While the 100ml rule applies to most liquids, there are some exceptions. Passengers are allowed to carry larger liquids that are essential medicines, aid special dietary requirements, or are needed for medical research. Baby food and milk are also exempt from the rule. Additionally, liquids purchased at duty-free shops can be carried on board as long as they are sealed within a security bag.
The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights was foiled. While some airports had begun to relax this rule in 2024 due to the implementation of new scanners, technical issues with these scanners led to a temporary reinstatement of the 100ml restriction. As of 2025, certain airports continue to enforce the 100ml liquid rule, while others allow travellers to keep liquids in their bags as long as they do not exceed 100ml. It is recommended that passengers check the specific rules of their departure and arrival airports before travelling.
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Exemptions include essential medicines, baby food, and liquids bought at duty-free shops
While airports typically enforce a 100ml restriction on liquids, there are certain exemptions to this rule. These include essential medicines, baby food and milk, and liquids purchased at duty-free shops.
Essential Medicines
Medicines in liquid form that are essential for a passenger's health are exempt from the 100ml restriction. However, it is important to note that only the amount reasonably needed for the flight should be carried in hand luggage. Any larger amounts of medication should be packed in checked luggage.
Baby Food and Milk
When travelling with a baby, you are allowed to carry enough baby food, baby milk, and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to the amount of baby food and milk you can bring on board, but it is advisable to check with your specific airport before travelling to avoid any issues. Additionally, breast milk can be carried in hand luggage, even if the mother is not travelling with the baby. Individual containers of breast milk must not exceed 2,000ml and may need to be screened at the security point.
Liquids Bought at Duty-Free Shops
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops within airports are exempt from the 100ml restriction. These liquids must remain sealed within a security bag to be allowed on board. However, duty-free shops outside of the airport security area may have different rules, so it is important to check before purchasing.
It is worth noting that these exemptions are specific to the 100ml liquid restriction and may not apply to other airport security regulations. Additionally, while some airports have relaxed the 100ml rule due to the introduction of new scanners, many airports still enforce this restriction. Therefore, it is crucial to check the latest guidelines of your departing airport before travelling.
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The rule is expected to be scrapped once new scanners are fully operational
The 100ml liquid rule was first introduced in 2006 after British police foiled a terror plot to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks in hand luggage on transatlantic flights. The rule was reinstated in June 2024 across UK airports that had installed new scanners, but it wasn't a complete reversal of the 2006 rules. Travellers could leave liquids in their carry-on bags, but they had to be in bottles of 100ml or less.
The new scanners were causing long security delays as they were mistakenly flagging harmless items as potential threats, requiring manual checks by staff. Airports stopped using the scanners so they could be improved, and it is unclear how long the 100ml restriction will last or when the new CT scanners will be fully operational.
The UK government has said that the systems need improving and is working with manufacturers, airports, and international partners to lift the restrictions when possible. The Department for Transport has not given an end date for the 100ml limit, but it is expected that the rule will be scrapped once the new scanners are fully operational and the technical issues are resolved.
Some airports, such as Shannon Airport, have already implemented the new state-of-the-art scanning technology, which is also being rolled out across other airports in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. These new scanners use sophisticated algorithms to detect weapons and explosives, allowing liquids and electronics to remain inside carry-on baggage. Heathrow Airport has been trialing this equipment since 2019, with a full rollout initially set for December 2022.
Therefore, while the 100ml rule is still in place as of 2025, it is expected to be scrapped once the new scanners are fully operational and the technical issues are addressed.
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Frequently asked questions
The 100ml airport rule refers to a regulation that states any liquids brought onto an aeroplane must be in containers with a capacity of 100ml or less.
The rule was introduced in 2006 after British police foiled an Islamist terror plot to detonate liquid explosives on transatlantic flights.
No. Some airports have introduced new 3D scanners that allow liquids of any size to be taken onboard. However, due to technical issues, some airports that had previously scrapped the rule have had to reintroduce it.
Yes, liquids above 100ml can be taken onto a plane if they are essential medicines, to aid a special dietary requirement, or if it is baby food or milk.
