As Brits begin planning their summer getaways, now is the perfect time to review the updated UK airport security regulations being rolled out at airports nationwide. Passengers flying from select UK airports are now enjoying streamlined security procedures, with advanced scanners allowing liquids and laptops to remain inside carry-on bags.
A number of airports have also scrapped the long-standing 100ml liquid limit, permitting travellers to carry containers of up to two litres. Several UK airports equipped with advanced CT scanners – such as London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, Teesside, Aberdeen, and Southampton – now allow passengers to keep laptops and liquids inside their hand luggage during security checks.
Cabin Baggage rules:
Over the years, the inventory of items prohibited in carry-on luggage at airport security checkpoints has grown steadily, largely in response to both actual and thwarted terrorist incidents.
Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, and explosives, remain strictly forbidden. But beyond that, passengers face tight regulations on liquid volumes, aerosols, gels, and various creams and pastes. These restrictions even cover certain foods and toiletries, such as yoghurt, soft cheeses, and popular treats like Creme Eggs.
The UK government says: “If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports:
- Containers must hold no more than 100ml
- Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- he bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
- You’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
- You must show the bag at the airport security point.”
It adds that frozen liquids are banned, warning: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”
Changes in summer 2025:
Airports that meet the inspection standards set by the Department for Transport (DfT) are permitted to ease the 100ml liquid restriction, enabling passengers to carry containers of up to two litres in their hand luggage.
A spokesperson for the DfT said: “Some airports are rolling out new technology that will allow liquid containers up to two litres to be taken through security in hand luggage.
“As this will be happening at different times at UK airports, passengers should continue to check security requirements with airports before they travel and come prepared with liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml in hand baggage unless advised otherwise.”
