How much liquid can I take in hand luggage?

For people flying from UK airports who want to take liquids in their hand luggage.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

It depends on the airport. At most, containers over 100ml aren't allowed through security, but some airports allow up to 2 litres.

Some airports need liquids in a single clear 1-litre resealable bag.
Medicines, special dietary items and baby food or milk up to 2 litres are allowed at all UK airports.
Check the rules for each airport on your trip, including the return.

Key facts

Usually 100ml limit
Some airports allow 2 litres
Check each airport

The basic liquids rules

Rule	What it means
Container size	At most UK airports, no container over 100ml. Some airports allow containers up to 2 litres.
Clear bag	Some airports ask you to put liquids in one clear, resealable plastic bag holding no more than 1 litre (about 20cm x 20cm). Not all airports need this.
Exemptions	Essential medicines, special dietary foods and baby food or milk can be in containers of up to 2 litres at all UK airports.
Duty free	Allowed if sealed in a security bag with the receipt sealed inside and visible.

Rules can be different at each airport. Check the airport you fly from, any airport you change planes at, and the airport you fly home from.

What counts as a liquid

More than you might think. Liquids include:

all drinks, including water
cosmetics and toiletries
sprays, pastes and gels
anything else with a similar consistency

If possible, pack liquids in your hold luggage (the bag you check in).

Medicines

You can take essential medicines over 100ml in your hand luggage, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers.

If a medicine is a liquid and over 100ml, carry proof that you need it. This can be a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription. You do not need proof for tablets, or for liquid medicines in containers of 100ml or less.

Essential medical equipment is allowed too. Contact the airport if you need ice packs, and your airline if you need an oxygen cylinder.

Baby food and milk

Item	Rule
Formula milk, cow's milk, soya milk	Allowed in hand luggage if your baby is travelling with you
Sterilised water and baby food	Allowed if your baby is travelling with you
Breast milk	Allowed even if your baby is not with you, in containers of up to 2,000ml each
Frozen breast milk	Not allowed in hand luggage. It can go in the hold.

There is no legal limit on how much baby food or milk you take, but check with your airport first. Staff may need to open containers to screen them.

Example: a family trip

You are flying with your 1 year old from an airport with the 100ml limit. You can take:

your toiletries in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear bag if that airport asks for one
the baby's formula milk and food in larger containers, because your baby is with you
your child's 150ml liquid medicine, with a copy of the prescription

Before you go

Look up the liquid rules for every airport on your trip.
Keep exempt items and the clear bag easy to reach.
Carry letters or prescriptions for liquid medicines over 100ml.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

See all hand luggage rules

Common questions

What counts as a liquid in hand luggage?

All drinks including water, soups, jams, honey and syrups, plus cosmetics, sprays, pastes, gels and contact lens solution.

How big is the clear bag for liquids?

Where it is needed, it must be a single transparent resealable bag that holds no more than 1 litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm, with one bag per person.

Can I take liquid medicine over 100ml in hand luggage?

Yes, but you need proof it is prescribed to you, such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription.

Can I take breast milk in hand luggage without my baby?

Yes, in containers of up to 2,000ml each, but you cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.

Official sources

1.Hand luggage restrictions: liquidswww.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/liquids
2.Hand luggage restrictions: essential medicines and medical equipmentwww.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/essential-medicines-and-medical-equipment
3.Hand luggage restrictions: baby food and baby milkwww.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/baby-food-and-baby-milk

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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