When it comes to packing hand luggage for a holiday abroad it has become standard practice to put whatever liquids you need into small containers which then need to be taken out again as you go through security. This rule came into effect in the UK in 2006 after a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives was uncovered.

As a result travellers have to make sure that each liquid they carry fits into containers of no more than 100ml and are kept in a clear plastic bag to go through scanners. 

These hand luggage rules for flights departing from UK airports are set by the Department for Transport (DfT). 

They state that liquids, other than those used for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements or containing baby food or baby milk, must be in containers of no more than 100ml. 

This may seem simple but some airports no longer require the need for clear plastic bags or to even put it through security separately any more. According to Money Saving Expert, the rules will vary from airport to airport.

So at which airports do you no longer need to take your liquids out?

Money Saving Expert explains that Birmingham, Bristol and London Luton airports no longer require people to take liquids out of their luggage or put them in a clear plastic bag.

It says: “These airports have removed the requirement for liquids to be in a clear plastic bag – meaning you can take as many as you want, and you don’t have to take them out of your case at security. This is thanks to new scanner technology.”

But these liquids must still be in containers of up to 100ml each – so you can’t take a standard sized bottle of shampoo, for example. 

“In future, it’s expected that all airports will adopt the upgraded technology, which could allow the 100ml rule to be scrapped altogether,” Money Saving Expert adds. 

“The Government had initially set a deadline of 1 June 2024 for this to happen, but this was later postponed – and a new date is yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the 100ml rule continues to apply.”

And the old rules of 100ml liquids in a clear plastic bag will apply to every EU airport as of September 1 to avoid any confusion for travellers. This is expected to change as scanner technology advances.

Some items are obviously liquids, such as shampoos and conditioners. However, others may seem more ambiguous.

As of August this year the following items are classed as liquids by all UK airports:

• Creams
• Hair gel
• Hairspray
• Lip gloss
• Lotions (including sun screen)
• Mascara
• Oils
• Perfumes
• Shaving foam
• Shower gel
• Spray deodorant
• Toothpaste.

Certain other items vary depending on where you are travelling from so it is best you check online ahead of time or with security when you arrive. For example, lipstick is considered a liquid by Birmingham, Edinburgh and Luton but not by Bristol, Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Stansted airports.