UK Airports to Relax Hand Luggage Rules in June 2024
New CT X-Ray Technology to Allow Travelers to Bring More Liquids and Electronics in Carry-On Bags
The UK government has set a deadline of June 2024 for all UK airports to replace their older generation scanners with newer CT X-ray technology. This new technology will allow travellers to bring more liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags.
Currently, passengers are limited to bringing 100ml or less of liquids in their carry-on bags. They must also pack these liquids in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Under the new rules, passengers will be able to bring up to two litters of liquids in their carry-on bags. They will also be able to keep electronics such as laptops and tablets in their bags during security checks.
Some UK airports, such as Teesside International Airport and London City Airport, have already installed the new CT X-ray technology. These airports are already allowing travellers to bring more liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags.
The new rules are expected to make it easier and faster for travellers to get through security. They are also expected to reduce waste, as passengers will no longer need to pack liquids in clear plastic bags.
Here are the current hand luggage rules at some of the major UK airports:- Bristol Airport: Passengers can bring one 100ml container of liquid per person.
- Heathrow Airport: Passengers can bring one 100ml container of liquid per person.
- London City Airport: Passengers can bring up to two litters of liquids in their carry-on bags.
- Liverpool Airport: Passengers can bring one 100ml container of liquid per person.
- Teesside International Airport: Passengers can bring up to two litters of liquids in their carry-on bags.
[/toggle]
[/toggle]
Birmingham Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * You are permitted to take enough baby food required for the journey to your destination. * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Same restrictions as liquids apply to cosmetics and toiletries |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening * Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries cannot exceed 160 Wh * No more than 2 spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only and must be individually protected |
| Food | * Possible to carry food in hand luggage but recommended to store in hold luggage |
| Miscellaneous | * One musical instrument can be carried on in its case |
Bristol Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage. * Breast milk may be carried without an infant present * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks allowed. * Same restrictions as liquids apply to cosmetics and toiletries |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening * Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries cannot exceed 160 Wh * No more than 2 spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only and must be individually protected |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible |
| Miscellaneous | * Baggage that is larger or heavier than normal must be checked in separately from your hold luggage |
Cardiff Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * You are permitted to take enough baby food required for the journey to your destination. * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Same restrictions as liquids apply to cosmetics and toiletries |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening * Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries cannot exceed 160 Wh * No more than 2 spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only and must be individually protected |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible |
| Miscellaneous | * Recommended to check with airline what is permitted |
London City Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * You may leave liquids of up to 2 litres in hand luggage * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage. * Breast milk may be carried without an infant present |
| Baby Milk and Products | * Same restrictions as liquids apply to baby food and products |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Cosmetics of up to 2 litres may be carried in hand luggage * Prohibited fragrances include ‘Spicebomb’ by Viktor and Rolf and ‘Wanted’ by Azzaro. |
| Drinks | * n/a |
| Electrical Items | * Electronic devices may stay in hand luggage during security checks |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage |
| Miscellaneous | * One cigarette lighter per person is allowed * Hoverboards are not permitted |
Edinburgh Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * You are permitted to take enough baby food required for the journey to your destination. * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks, allowed * Same restrictions as liquids apply to cosmetics and toiletries |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible |
| Miscellaneous | * One musical instrument can be carried on in its case |
Gatwick Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Gatwick allows one piece of hand luggage * The maximum size for hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. * The maximum weight for hand luggage is 10kg. |
| Liquids | * All liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm). * You can take out one litre bag of liquid from security check and fill it up with water or any other liquid. * Baby food and products are an exception. |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions. * If child is two or under you are allowed to carry some items in hand baggage that are an exception to usual hand baggage rules including: * Baby milk and sterilised water * Expressed breast milk * Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes and toothbrushes are allowed on boards. * Sealed disposable contact lenses are allowed * Non disposable contact lenses with less than 100ml are allowed in liquid bag. * Only razors with a fully and permanently enclosed blade are allowed. |
| Drinks | * Must be in containers of 100ml or less * Baby food and products are an exception |
| Electrical Items | * May be asked to remove tablets, laptops and portable DVD players for separate screening * Cameras and mobile phones may stay in hand baggage for X Ray * Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries cannot exceed 160 Wh * No more than 2 spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only and must be individually protected |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage * Containers must not exceed 100ml, including preserves * Foods in sauces, with high liquid cannot come through security |
| Miscellaneous | * Books, puzzles, and games may be taken on board * Hat boxes, sports equipment, and wedding dresses count as a hand luggage item but must be within baggage size and weight restriction * Musical instruments may be taken on board as hand luggage * Drones may be taken on board but must fit baggage weight and size allowance * Ashes may be carried in hand or hold luggage. Necessary documentation must be carried and ashes will be screened at security. |
Glasgow Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * You may take more than 1 piece of luggage through security but check with airline first * The maximum size for hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. * The maximum weight for hand luggage is 10kg. |
| Liquids | * All liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm). * You can take out one litre bag of liquid from security check and fill it up with water or any other liquid. * Baby food and products are an exception. |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions. * If child is two or under you are allowed to carry some items in hand baggage that are an exception to usual hand baggage rules including: * Baby milk and sterilised water * Expressed breast milk * Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes and toothbrushes are allowed on boards. * Sealed disposable contact lenses are allowed * Non disposable contact lenses with less than 100ml are allowed in liquid bag. * Only razors with a fully and permanently enclosed blade are allowed. |
| Drinks | * Must be in containers of 100ml or less * Baby food and products are an exception |
| Electrical Items | * No limitations on electrical items |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage * Containers must not exceed 100ml, including preserves * Foods in sauces, with high liquid cannot come through security |
| Miscellaneous | * Musical instruments may be taken on board as hand luggage * Wedding dresses may be taken on board as hand luggage |
Heathrow Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). |
| Liquids | * Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less. * They must be carried separately in a single bag which is: * Transparent and resealable * No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) * Aable to close properly with all the items inside. |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions. * Expressed breast milk is allowed even if traveling without an infant |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks allowed. |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage |
| Miscellaneous | * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible * One musical instrument can be carried on in its case |
Liverpool Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size for an item of hand baggage* as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Must be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hand luggage with infant present. * Expressed breast milk is allowed even if traveling without an infant * Frozen breast milk is not permitted in hand luggage * Cooling gel packs are permitted |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Prohibited fragrances include ‘Spicebomb’ by Viktor and Rolf and ‘Wanted’ by Azzaro * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks, allowed |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Laptops, tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods permitted but recommended to pack in hold luggage if possible. |
| Miscellaneous | * n/a |
Luton Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size for an item of hand baggage* as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. * Advised to check airline policy on number of hand luggage allowed |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Must be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * Nappies and wet wipes are permitted in your hand baggage * Milk for babies allowed without restrictions if travelling with infant * Jars of food and formula milk can be packed in your Hold Baggage. |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks allowed. |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Laptops, tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible |
| Miscellaneous | * One musical instrument can be carried on in its case |
Manchester Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size for an item of hand baggage* as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Must be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage. * Breast milk may be carried without an infant present * Frozen breast milk not permitted |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks allowed. |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Laptops, tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage |
| Miscellaneous | * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible * Baggage that is larger or heavier than normal must be checked in separately from your hold luggage |
Newcastle Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * You may take more than 1 piece of luggage through security but check with airline for details |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Must be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions. * Baby milk, expressed breast milk, baby food and sterilised water are permitted in hand luggage but subject to liquid screening process |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics allowed |
| Drinks | * Empty bottles can be taken through security and refilled in the departure lounge |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage |
| Miscellaneous | * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible * Sharp items and tools are not permitted in hand luggage |
Stansted Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * Maximum size for an item of hand baggage* as 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. |
| Liquids | * Must be in a container that is 100ml or less * Must be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) * One transparent 1 litre bag per passenger |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage. * Breast milk may be carried without an infant present * Frozen breast milk not permitted |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Solid cosmetics such as lipsticks allowed. |
| Drinks | * Empty water bottles permitted through security. Able to refill once past security. |
| Electrical Items | * Ensure electrical devices are charged before travel * Laptops tablets or electronic devices must be placed in separate tray for screening |
| Food | * Solid foods may be carried in hand baggage |
| Miscellaneous | * Airport recommends packing food in hold luggage if possible * Baggage that is larger or heavier than normal must be checked in separately from your hold luggage |
Teesside International Airport
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Hand Luggage | * To determine baggage allowance, please refer to the booking details with the airline |
| Liquids | * You may leave liquids of up to 2 litres in hand luggage |
| Baby Milk and Products | * All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions. * You are permitted to take enough baby food required for the journey to your destination. |
| Cosmetics and Toiletries | * Cosmetics of up to 2 litres may be carried in hand luggage |
| Drinks | * Filled water bottles may be carried in hand luggage |
| Electrical Items | * Electronic devices may stay in hand luggage during security checks |
| Food | * Solid food may be carried in hand luggage but recommended to pack in hold luggage where possible |
| Miscellaneous | * One cigarette lighter per person is permitted * Tennis rackets and fishing rods are permitted |
What are the new hand luggage rules for UK airports?
Under the new rules, passengers will be able to bring up to two liters of liquids in their carry-on bags. They will also be able to keep electronics such as laptops and tablets in their bags during security checks.
What are the size and weight restrictions for hand luggage?
The maximum size for hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets. The maximum weight for hand luggage is 10kg.
What liquids are allowed in hand luggage?
All liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm).
What are the exceptions to the liquid rule?
Baby food and products are an exception. All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in hold luggage with no restrictions.
What happens if I exceed the liquid limit?
If you exceed the liquid limit, you will need to either check your liquids in your hold luggage or dispose of them at the security checkpoint.
What are the benefits of the new hand luggage rules?
The new hand luggage rules will make it easier for passengers to travel with their belongings. They will also reduce the amount of time that passengers spend waiting in security lines.
What are the next steps?
The new hand luggage rules will be implemented gradually at UK airports. All airports are expected to be compliant by the end of 2023.