Liquids in Your Carry-On: Navigating the New Rules at UK Airports
June 27, 2024
Packing for a trip can be stressful, but figuring out what liquids you can bring in your hand luggage can feel especially confusing. The good news is, things are changing at UK airports! Here's what you need to know about the latest rules for liquids in your carry-on.
The Old Way (Mostly Gone):
Traditionally, travellers faced the infamous 100ml rule. This meant all liquids, gels, and pastes had to be in containers of 100ml or less, stored in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm.
The New Way (Arriving Gradually):
The UK government is phasing out the 100ml rule at airports. This means, for some airports, you might not need to separate liquids in your carry-on anymore! However, it's important to note that not all UK airports have adopted the new rules yet.
Here's what you should do before you fly:
Check with your airport:
The best way to ensure a smooth security check is to visit your departure airport's website and see if they've implemented the new rules. GOV.UK
also has a list of airports with the latest information.
Be prepared for both scenarios:
If you're unsure, it's always safer to pack following the old 100ml rule. That way, you won't be caught off guard if the new system isn't yet in place at your airport.
General Tips for Liquids in Carry-On:
Pack smart:
If you're unsure about a specific item, pack it in your checked luggage.
Consider decanting:
If you can't bear to part with your favourite toiletries, decant them into travel-sized containers that meet the 100ml limit.
Medications and baby food are exempt:
Always check with your airline for specific guidelines, but generally, medications and baby food are exempt from the liquid restrictions. However, you may need to declare them at security.
Remember: Even with the new rules coming into effect, security checks are still in place. Airport security staff have the final say on what can be brought onboard, so it's always best to pack cautiously and follow their instructions.
By staying informed and packing smartly, you can breeze through security and get on with enjoying your travels!
The school calendar waits for no one. One minute you're thinking "I must sort something for half term" and the next, it's a week away and you're frantically Googling "last minute holidays May half term" at 11pm while the kids are asleep. We've all been there. The good news? Last-minute family holidays are absolutely still possible — and with a personal travel agent on your side, they're a lot less stressful than you might think. Here's everything you need to know about booking a brilliant half term break, even when time is short.
It's Mental Health Awareness Week, and we're talking about something that affects almost every one of us at some point: the overwhelming, exhausting, joy-sapping experience of trying to book a holiday online. You start with excitement. A blank search bar and a world of possibilities. But within twenty minutes you're drowning in comparison sites, contradictory reviews, hidden fees, and the creeping anxiety that whatever you choose, you've probably missed a better deal somewhere else. Sound familiar? You're not alone and it doesn't have to be this way.
If you love the idea of unpacking just once but waking up in a new destination every day — a river cruise could be your dream holiday. Think gliding past vineyard-clad hillsides, docking in the heart of historic towns, and sipping wine on the top deck as medieval castles drift by. River cruising offers a more intimate, immersive, and peaceful alternative to ocean cruises — with all the luxury, but none of the crowds.
If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing lions roar at sunset, watching elephants cross the savannah, or waking up to birdsong in the African bush — a safari holiday should be at the top of your bucket list. Safari holidays are more than just a holiday. They’re an unforgettable journey into some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, where the wildlife is wild, the skies are vast, and every day feels like a scene from a nature documentary.
If you love the idea of ticking off multiple sights, soaking up local culture, and having everything organised for you — all while someone else does the driving — a touring holiday might just be your perfect match. Whether it's a scenic coach trip through the Italian lakes, a cultural deep-dive through Japan, or a road trip across the USA, touring holidays offer a stress-free, immersive way to explore the world.
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves a bit more adrenaline than a sun lounger and a cocktail, adventure travel might just be your next obsession. From volcano hiking in Costa Rica to kayaking through Norwegian fjords, today’s travellers are swapping spa robes for walking boots and chasing experiences that challenge, inspire, and change the way we see the world.