Heathrow, Gatwick & Stansted's liquid rules for what you can take on plane (2024)

With the start of any year always feeling like a good time for a holiday as the struggle of heading back to work after Christmas sets in, it's always good to know about any changes to airport rules.

Much has been made of an upcoming overhaul to the rules around liquids on planes, with changes expected to come into force in 2024. The move will see passengers able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what will be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades.

But what are the current rules around bringing drinks and other liquids onto your flight? We've broken down the regulations at each London airport so you know exactly what you can and can't bring with you when jetting off in 2023.

READ MORE: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton: The 5 cheapest countries you can fly to from just £8 this month

Heathrow

According to the Heathrow Airport website the following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control before you board your flight:

• 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)
  • Able to close properly with all the items inside.
• At security control, place the bag in the tray with your other items.
• Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – pack them in your hold baggage instead.

Stansted

Stansted airport makes clear that if under 100ml and in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag, passengers are permitted to take liquids, gels and pastes through security separately from their hand baggage.

It tells travellers: "It is best to prepare your liquid bag - no larger than 20cm x 20cm and not exceeding one litre - before arrival at London Stansted Airport.

"They are however available if you forget to bring your own, though there is a limit of one liquid bag per passenger. The bag must be one litre, which is around half the size of a standard A4 piece of paper, and it must be sealable.

"Always check in any liquid over 100ml and if you're unsure whether an item will be allowed through, please always check it in with your hold luggage."

The items considered liquids include:

• Water and other drinks, soups, syrups

• Pastes, including toothpaste

• Creams, lotions and oils, including moisturiser

• Perfumes

• Make-up, including mascara

• Sprays, including sun-tan lotion

• Inhalers

• Gels, including hair and shower gels

  See Also

  Quart Size Bag vs Sandwich Bag (2023): Which is Better for Storing Liq

• Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants

• Liquid-solid mixtures

• Any other item of a similar consistency

Gatwick

Gatwick Airport states on its website that "You may only carry small amounts of liquids, gels, creams and pastes. These must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) which will be screened separately at security."

They add that you must remember to use a marked container of no more than 100ml. If your container is over 100ml it will be discarded by security regardless of how much liquid is inside the container.

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