Liquids in hand luggage in the UK: is the 100ml rule gone?

The rules on liquids in hand luggage in the UK now depend on which airport you fly from. Some airports allow containers up to 2 litres, others still enforce the 100ml limit, so check your departure and return airports before you pack.

Or pack 100ml bottles and stop worrying about it. Here is the plain version, as of October 2026.

Quick answer

• Some UK airports allow up to 2 litres. Others still say 100ml.
• Check the airport's own website, for the way out and the way home.
• Shower gel, toothpaste and creams all count as liquids.
• 100ml bottles are accepted at every UK airport.

Is the 100ml rule gone at UK airports?

At some, yes. Newer security scanners have let a number of UK airports raise the limit to 2 litres. Others have not made the change yet, so the 100ml limit still applies there.

Rules have been changing through 2026, so the only reliable source is your airport's own security page on the day you pack.

While you are there, check whether you still need to take liquids out of your bag at security. At many UK airports you no longer do, but not all.

Don't forget the flight home

Getting through security on the way out does not mean the return airport has the same rules. Plenty of airports abroad still use the 100ml limit. A 300ml bottle that sailed through on Friday can end up in the bin on Sunday.

If you are connecting through another airport, the same applies there too.

Buying toiletries when you land is the other option, but it means hunting for a shop on your first day and leaving a half-used bottle behind.

Can you take shower gel in hand luggage?

Yes, as long as it meets the limit at every airport on your trip. Shower gel counts as a liquid, along with toothpaste, creams, deodorant sprays and anything else that pours, squeezes or spreads.

The easy way is to decant into 100ml bottles or buy travel sizes. GUYSTUFF Original shower gel comes in a 100ml travel size, the same Dark Honey and Tobacco formula as the 300ml.

Decanting into travel bottles

If you would rather take your usual products, buy a few empty 100ml bottles and fill them before you go. Leave a little space at the top so they are less likely to leak.

Label them. Every clear bottle looks the same in a wash bag, and you do not want toothpaste where the shower gel should be.

Travel toiletries for men: what to pack

• Shower gel, 100ml.
• Toothbrush and travel toothpaste.
• Deodorant, stick or roll-on to avoid spray limits.
• Razor, with blades in your hold bag if you are not sure of the rules.
• Any medication, in its original packaging.

Keep everything in one wash bag so it comes out in one go if security want a look. Tighten every cap before you zip it up.

FAQ

Do you still need a clear plastic bag for liquids?

Some airports still ask for one, others do not. Check your airport's page and carry one just in case. They weigh nothing.

Can I take a 300ml shower gel in hand luggage?

Only if every airport on your trip allows containers that size. If in doubt, put it in your hold luggage or take a 100ml.

Does deodorant count as a liquid?

Sprays and roll-ons do. Solid sticks are usually treated differently, but check your airport.

Is a 100ml bottle allowed everywhere?

Yes, at every UK airport, whatever their current limit. Still check rules abroad and with your airline.

Pack 100ml and you are covered. For the shower gel, have a look at GUYSTUFF Original.