British holidaymakers have been warned about everyday items that remain banned from most flights, as strict rules are still in place across numerous airports. The Foreign Office has cautioned that travellers can still fall foul of carrying certain items, which will be seized at customs and check-in.
Current Liquid Restrictions
While some UK airports have relaxed restrictions following the introduction of new liquid scanners, many have yet to install them, and throughout the European Union the existing rules continue to apply. Travellers may be caught off guard as the restrictions extend far beyond drinks, encompassing cosmetics and toiletries such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss, sprays including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants, pastes including toothpaste, gels including hair and shower gel, and even contact lens solution.
The Foreign Office stated: "At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to 2 litres of liquid. Check for exemptions if you're taking baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids bought in duty free."
Airline Guidance
Airlines have flagged up the concern. TUI said: "There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage. Liquids include all drinks, liquid or semi-liquid foods, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays, pastes, gels, contact lens solution, and any other solutions of similar consistency."
Jet2 advises: "All liquids, aerosols and gels must be less than 100ml and contained in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag measuring no more than one litre." Ryanair states: "Taking liquids, aerosols, and gels into the airport and on-board an aircraft is strictly subject to current EU Security Requirements. Each item must be in a container of no more than 100ml, all liquids should be carried in a single transparent re-sealable plastic bag of up to 20cm x 20cm with a total capacity of up to 1 litre."
easyJet says: "For most airports, you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100ml or less when you pass through security. They should all fit into one transparent, re-sealable 20cm x 20cm bag. A small number of airports, such as London Gatwick, have introduced new security technology that allows larger volumes of liquids in hand luggage."
UK Airports with Relaxed Rules
A number of UK airports now permit passengers to keep liquids in their bags at security, thanks to cutting-edge 3D CT scanners. Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham Airports have scrapped the 100ml restriction in favour of a new 2-litre per container limit. This means travellers departing from these airports can carry liquids of up to 2 litres in their hand luggage without needing to remove them at security.
The following UK airports use new CT scanners, so you do not need to remove your liquids or electronics at security: Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, Teesside, and Cardiff Airport. At these airports, passengers can now bring liquids in containers of up to 2 litres: Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.
However, if people take items on the way out, they will still have problems on the way back if the EU airport restrictions are in place. For the latest Foreign Office advice on the issue, check their official website.
