How much liquid can you take on a plane?

You’ve accounted for your holiday outfits and downtime essentials for your trip abroad. But what about the toiletries that cannot be left behind? While multiple rounds of repacking can end with a case that’s below the airline allowance policy, sometimes your hand luggage has to take the brunt of the limited space. Which then leads you to the question: what toiletries count as liquids? And how much liquid can you take on a plane?

Airport liquid rules can be confusing. Not only are they subject to change, but they can also vary from airport to airport, opening a floodgate of questions and pre-holiday packing panic. Does it exceed 100ml? Does it need to be in a clear bag? Which airports even limit you to 100ml anymore? Fortunately, our guide is here to break down the confusion and minimise the packing mess.

What is considered a ‘liquid’?

In UK and Irish airports, the general rule of thumb is that anything that pours, spreads, squeezes, or foams is likely to be considered a liquid. This includes: 

• All drinks

• Semi-liquid food (soups, jams, spreads, sauces)

• Cosmetics (mascara, foundation, lip products)

• Toiletries (toothpaste, suntan lotion, contact lens solution, creams, gels)

• Sprays (shaving foam, hairsprays, spray deodorants)

• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency

Typical toiletries that always count as a liquid

Creams, hair gels, hair spray, lip gloss, lotions, suncreams, mascara, oils, perfumes, shaving foam, shower gel, spray deodorant, and toothpaste.

What is the 100ml rule for liquids?

The standard 100ml rule means you can only carry liquids of 100ml or less in your hand luggage. In some UK airports, you are also required to pack these liquids into a clear bag, which may or may not need to be removed from your hand luggage when checked at airport security scanners.

Some UK airports have scrapped this rule completely, whilst others are still enforcing the 100ml allowance. We’d recommend checking your airport’s guidance before flying to avoid any delays or confiscation ahead of your trip.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only to assist customers in selecting suitable cosmetic products for their hand luggage. Primark is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with UK airports in any way. All airport liquid policies, including size and weight restrictions, are subject to change. Customers should always check directly with the airport for the most up-to-date liquid rules requirements before travelling.

Airports still using the 100ml rule

• Aberdeen

• Bournemouth

• Cardiff

• East Midlands

• Inverness

• Isle of Man

• Leeds-Bradford

• Liverpool

• Luton

• Manchester

• Newcastle

• Newquay

• Norwich

• Southampton

• Southend

• Stansted

• Teesside

Airports that are not using the 100ml rule

• Belfast

• Birmingham

• Bristol

• Edinburgh

• London City

• London Gatwick

• London Heathrow

UK airports where you don’t need to remove your liquids at security

• Bristol

• Cardiff

• London Gatwick

• Leeds Bradford

• Luton

• Newcastle

• Southend

• Teesside

The toiletries that count as ‘liquids’ at major UK airports

Liquid rules are not standardised across UK airports, so it is always best to check before you fly. What is classified as a ‘liquid’ is generally consistent, but toiletries such as solid deodorants, matte lipsticks and body care products may vary across airports and may therefore be subject to a liquid limit. We advise you to check online to avoid any delays at airport security.

If an airport does not specify what it considers a liquid, opt for travel-friendly products (100ml) or pack them in your hold luggage to avoid confiscation. Also consider your destination's liquid limit, as it may differ from the UK.

To help you with this, we have broken down the liquid limit rules across 10 of the major UK airports.

Heathrow Airport liquid & toiletries rule

London Heathrow has officially scrapped the 100ml rule and now allows liquids in containers of up to two litres. This can remain inside your cabin bag and does not need to go inside a clear bag at airport security scanners.

• Liquid rule: 2 litres

• Security rule: Keep liquids inside your bag

• Some items classified as liquids: Formula milk, shaving foam, toothpaste, roll-on deodorants, sprays, creams, and gels. This also includes liquid cosmetics such as foundation, primers, mascara and lip gloss

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Solid lipsticks and stick deodorants are not considered liquids and therefore are not limited to size restrictions.

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Heathrow Airport

• 8-Wheel cabin soft shell suitcase: 55 x 38 x 20cm dimensions. Fits within the hand luggage baggage allowances of over 50 airlines operating from Heathrow. This soft shell suitcase is small, lightweight, with eight smooth-spinning wheels and a retractable handle, plus multiple compartments to store all your hand luggage essentials.

• PS…Sunscreen fluid SPF 25: Offering medium to high protection, this 200ml lotion is water-resistant and non-greasy, perfect for sunny getaways where your skin needs added protection.

• Matte lipstick: For a long-lasting pout, perfect for topping up on the go to add a little something to your airport look.

• Hyaluronic acid serum: To give your skin a deep hydrating boost and replenish moisture lost during the flight, or as part of your morning and nighttime skincare routine.

• Cooling under-eye patches: Perfect for popping on mid-flight and soothing tired under eyes.

• Clear zip-up wash bag: 29cm x 12cm x 20cm dimensions. Designed to store all your beauty and skincare products during city breaks, overnight stays or long haul getaways

Gatwick Airport liquid & toiletries rules

Gatwick is another major UK airport that no longer upholds the 100ml liquid rule. You can now carry liquids of up to two litres, and these containers generally don’t need to be removed from your bag. This applies to creams, gels, pastes, aerosols, cosmetics, foods and frozen liquids.

• Liquid rule: 2 litres

• Security rule: Keep liquids inside your bag

• Some Items classified as liquids: Creams, gels, pastes, aerosols, cosmetics, foods, and frozen liquids

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Solid toiletries, such as soap and shampoo bars, and solid deodorants, are not considered liquids at Gatwick. This also applies to non-liquid cosmetics such as lipsticks and blushers

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Gatwick airport

• Multiple-compartment weekend bag: 45 x 40 x 25cm. A spacious hand luggage option with multiple compartments, zipped pockets, and an over-the-shoulder strap.

• PS…Probiotic cream SPF 50: Enriched with Vitamin E and soothing probiotics, this suncream is essential for protecting skin from harmful UV rays.

• Watermelon lip exfoliator (4g): A flavoured lip mask that nourishes and smooths the lips – perfect for injecting moisture mid-flight to minimise dry and cracking lips.

• Hyaluronic acid sheet mask: Formulated with hyaluronic acid and pro-vitamin B for a boost of hydration.

• Nectar scented face and body balm: Infused with Vitamin E and ceramide complex to nourish skin for a glowing complexion. Pop on during your flight or evenings abroad.

Edinburgh Airport liquid & toiletries rule

At Edinburgh airport, you can now bring up to two litres of liquids through security without having to place them in a clear bag or remove them from your hand luggage. They also stipulate that you can bring multiple containers if they are 2 litres or less.

• Liquid rule: 2 litres

• Security rule: Keep liquids inside your bag

• Liquid limit: No limit on the number of 2-litre containers

• Items classified as liquids: Gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures (including food), pressurised containers, drinks, soups, jams, toiletries and cosmetics, sprays and contact lens solution

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Powder-based and solid cosmetics, such as powdered foundation, eyeshadow, blush, pressed powders and solid lipsticks, are not classified as liquids. Wet wipes are also fine to bring through security

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Edinburgh airport

• Hard shell quilted vanity case: 28.5 x 36 x 17cm dimensions. Features a carry handle, zipped compartments, and a hard-shell exterior for added protection.

• Mini tropical body care set: Travel-sized mini lip balm (15ml), body lotion (30ml), and hair and body mists (35ml), perfect for slotting in your hand luggage.

• K-Beauty facial serum (28ml): Offering hydration and skin-balancing properties, replenish and revitalise your skin with blends of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

• K-Beauty gel face moisturiser (50g): Use before applying your SPF to infuse your skin with soothing probiotic and ceramide complex.

• Collagen sheet mask (28g): A short and long-haul flight essential, keep your skin plumped and hydrated with a collagen face mask.

Birmingham Airport liquid & toiletries rule

At Birmingham Airport, liquids, pastes and gels can be up to two litres, and there are no limits on the number of 2-litre containers you can bring through security. Liquids do not need to be placed in a clear bag and can be kept loose inside your hand luggage.

• Liquid rule: 2 litres

• Security rule: Keep liquids inside your bag

• Liquid limit: No limit on the number of 2-litre containers

• Toiletries classified as liquids: Creams, lotions and oils, including lipsticks, are liquids. Perfumes, sprays, gels (including hair and shower gel), as well as shaving foam and other foams. Cosmetics such as mascaras, foundations, liquid-solid mixtures and other items of similar consistency also count as liquids

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Birmingham Airport

• Body moisturiser (250 ml): To give your body some TLC, it soothes the skin for a glowing complexion.

• Skin hyaluronic acid face serum (30ml): A travel-friendly facial serum, formulated with hyaluronic acid.

• Skin hyaluronic acid face moisturiser (50ml): Perfect for skin prep pre- and post-flight thanks to its hydrating gel formula.

• Tinted lip oil (15ml): The perfect travel-friendly staple to add to your lip-protecting arsenal. Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to protect and promote softer, smoother, and plumper lips.

• Body moisturiser & shower gel (250ml each): Make use of the 2-litre limit by packing your carry-on with our dragon-fruit scented body moisturiser and shower foam.

• XL clear makeup vanity case bag: Made to minimise the rummaging, thanks to their transparent design, these vanity case bags are a smart hand-luggage essential. Spacious and compact to fit all your cosmetics, just make sure they’re below 2 litres.

Bristol Airport liquid & toiletries rule

You can keep any liquids in your hand luggage, up to 2 litres each. At Bristol Airport, you no longer need a clear plastic bag to store these products.  

• Liquid rule: 2 litres

• Security rule: Keep liquids inside your bag

• Liquid limit: No limit on the number of 2-litre containers

• Items classified as liquids: All gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures (including food) and pressurised containers also count as liquids.

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Bristol Airport 

• Quilted travel backpack: 40 x 25 x 20cm dimensions. A cabin-friendly option that should fit most airline baggage allowance sizes, flying from Bristol Airport. Compact, spacious, with adjustable straps that are easy to wear and functional to store spare clothes and toiletries.

• Dry shampoo powder (15g): A fuss-free, waterless fix for oily roots brought on by travel days and cabin air, this clever formula refreshes hair in seconds. Featuring a handy pouffe applicator that easily distributes the product onto your scalp and absorbs any oil whilst hydrating your locks.

• SPF 50 sun stick (13g): A small, practical SPF stick that every hand luggage needs. This Vitamin E and shea butter face and body sun stick offers a convenient and nourishing way to protect your face and body from UV rays.

• K-Beauty gel face moisturiser (50ml): A rich, hydrating, travel-sized moisturiser packed with ceramide to combat dry, cabin air. Apply before your flight for maximum hydration and plumping.

• Vitamin C eye cream (15ml): A skincare superhero for combatting flight fatigue and dry cabin air thanks to its instant brightening and nourishing properties.

• Hair & body mist (150ml): A hero product for high-altitude hair and body, it provides a light, refreshing fragrance that nourishes your hair and skin.

• Hydrating facial mist (100ml): A face mist is a carry-on staple for long flights, offering a quick burst of cooling hydration without disrupting your routine. Enriched with vitamin E, this formula helps revive tired skin while leaving it feeling fresh and lightly cleansed.

• Lip gloss balm (2.8g): A high-shine lip balm for smooth, glossy lips on the go.

Manchester Airport liquid & toiletries rule

Manchester still imposes the 100ml rule and requires all liquids to be placed inside a plastic bag, which can now be left inside your hand luggage. Any liquids, gels or aerosols must not exceed 100ml; any that exceed this limit will be confiscated.

• Liquid rule: 100ml

• Security rule: Keep it in a plastic bag inside your hand luggage

• Liquid limit: Not specified

• Items classified as liquids: All liquid or semi-liquid food, pastes (including toothpaste), creams, lotions, oils, moisturisers, perfumes and aftershaves, make-up (including mascaras and lip-gloss), sprays, suntan lotion, gels and shaving foams

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Lipsticks, lip balms and stick deodorants are not classified as liquids, so can be over 100ml in size

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Manchester Airport

• Scented lip balm (13ml): Travel-friendly and designed to combat the cabin’s low humidity, and packed with sweet almond oil to hydrate and replenish your lips.

• K-beauty overnight peel-off face mask (75ml): Designed to plump, brighten and hydrate your skin from take-off to landing, this is a must for any avid fliers seeking that sought-after glass skin effect.

• K-beauty gel face toner pads: In-flight skincare, sorted! 20 pads pre-soaked in a hyaluronic acid complex to hydrate, soothe and prep skin for deep hydration. Apply on board and have plenty of spare for your trip.

• Micellar facial cleanser (100ml): A face wash without the need for water? Yes please. Adhering to the 100ml liquid rule, this cleanser is infused with raspberry seed oil to lock in moisture and protect your skin, ideal for spritzing on the go.

• Tropical body mist (100ml): A cabin-friendly vanilla-scented body and hair mist is all you need to feel fresh post-flight. Fruity, lightweight, and a hand-luggage saver abroad or for everyday.

• Scrunchies: Help protect your strands from breakage.

• Perfume pod atomiser: To help take your favourite fragrances through airport security with ease.

• Contoured eye mask: To help you get your beauty sleep on board. Featuring moulded eye areas to give your lids and eyelashes space to move, without the worry of ruining your new holiday lashes.

Glasgow Airport liquid & toiletries rule

Glasgow Airport still restricts liquids in hand luggage to 100ml or smaller. There’s no limit on how many 100ml containers you can bring through security, and all liquid products can remain inside your hand luggage without the need to be placed inside a clear plastic bag.

• Liquid rule: 100ml

• Security rule: Keep inside your hand luggage without using a liquid bag

• Liquid limit: No limit on the number of 100ml containers

• Items classified as liquids: All liquid or semi-liquid food, pastes (including toothpaste), creams, lotions, oils, moisturisers, perfumes and aftershaves, make-up (including mascaras and lip-gloss), sprays, suntan lotion, gels, shaving foams and contact lens solutions.

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Lipsticks or solid deodorants. 

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Glasgow Airport

• Folding travel hairbrush: Save space in your carry-on with a travel-brush that folds away and flips up when your locks need some love. It features a built-in mirror for quick hair fixes when on the move.

• Hand cream (30ml): Keep your hands moisturised with our bubble-gum scented hand cream. Travel-friendly and lightweight thanks to the 30ml tube.

• Mini micellar cleaning water (100ml): Remove makeup seamlessly with a mini micellar solution that is vegan and sensitive-skin-friendly.

• Sun SPF 50 lip balm: A nourishing peppermint lip balm with high protection and a light, non-greasy formula that helps protect against dryness and chapping mid-flight or post-sun.

• Girly Scents eau de parfum (50ml): Because who doesn’t want to smell fresh and fruity on the go? Perfect for layering with body butter and mists.

• 3-piece packing cube set: With transparent designs and secure zip fastenings, these compact packing cubes nestle together to save space in your hand luggage.

East Midlands Airport liquid & toiletries rule

East Midlands Airport has a 100ml liquid limit; any items exceeding this amount are not permitted through security. You can pack liquids, gels and aerosols of up to 100ml in your hand luggage without needing to place them in a plastic bag. However, liquids in containers larger than 100ml, even if it does not exceed 100ml, will be confiscated at security.

• Liquid rule: 100ml

• Security rule: Keep inside your hand luggage without using a liquid bag

• Liquid limit: Not specified

• Items classified as liquids: All liquid or semi-liquid food, pastes (including toothpaste), creams, lotions, oils, moisturisers, perfumes and aftershaves, make-up (including mascaras and lip-gloss), sprays, suntan lotion, gels, shaving foams and contact lens solutions

• Toiletries not classified as liquids: Lipsticks or solid deodorants. Roll-on deodorants are classified as liquids

Travel-friendly cosmetics for East Midlands Airport

• Niacinamide sheet mask (23g): Designed to smooth and clarify your complexion whilst retaining moisture, ideal for travel days or post-sun skin hydration.

• Rose glow face mist (70ml): Infused with vitamin B5 and organic rose water that offers intense hydration and anti-inflammatory effects. If you’re looking for a nourishing product to fit in your hand luggage, it’s this.

• Clarifying face wash (100ml): A travel-friendly clarifying PHA facial wash that gently cleanses and exfoliates your skin. Compact, dermatologically tested, and liquid-limit approved.

• Silicone travel jars: Perfect for sticking to the 100ml liquid limit, these travel jars are made for storing all your skincare and cosmetic essentials.

• Hair wax stick (30g): No bad hair days allowed. Infused with Jojoba oil, this is perfect for gently taming flyaways while helping hydrate hair strands and during humid weather.

• Satin lipstick: Enriched with vitamin E, this lipstick is a hand-luggage hero that keeps your lips nourished and pigmented in a swipe.

• Lip oil (2.5ml): Layer over your lipstick to lock in moisture. Offering a lightweight, high-shine, non-sticky finish.

• Pro hydrogel eye patches: Early flight? These hydrogel patches are great for counteracting the dry cabin air, helping brighten your under-eye area and reducing puffiness.

Leeds-Bradford Airport liquid & toiletries rule

Leeds-Bradford Airport still imposes a 100ml restriction on all liquids carried inside your hand luggage. There’s no longer a need to remove these liquids from your carry-on and place them in a clear plastic bag. Each person can carry an unlimited number of bottles, but they must not exceed 100ml in size.

• Liquid rule: 100ml

• Security rule: Keep inside your hand luggage without using a liquid bag

• Liquid limit: Unlimited

• Items classified as liquids: All liquid or semi-liquid food, toiletries and cosmetics (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, lipstick), sprays and aerosols (deodorants, shaving foam, hairspray), pastes (toothpaste), gels (hair gel and shower gel), contact lens solution and other items of similar consistency.

Travel-friendly cosmetics for Leeds-Bradford Airport

• Quilted under-seat cabin bag: 40cm x 25cm x 20cm. This under-seat bag fits within the airport’s airline providers’ hand luggage allowance policy (Ryanair, Aer Lingus, easyJet, KLM, SunExpress, TUI and Wizz Air)

• 3-piece packing cube set: Travel-friendly packing cubes with secure zip fastenings and transparent designs, keeping all your cosmetics easily accessible and stored in one place.

• Refreshing face mist (45ml): Ideal for travel days, infused with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol.

• Travel bottle set: Our travel bottle sets are perfect for decanting your favourite cosmetic products before your flight, so you can stick to the 100ml limit.

• Tropical body mist (100ml): A sweet, refreshing hair and body mist with pear and amber notes.

• PS…Probiotic cream SPF 50: Infused with vitamin E and probiotics to keep on hand and apply at your sunny destination.

Luton Airport liquid & toiletries rule

When flying from Luton airport, all liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml/100g each. There’s no longer a need to remove these liquids and place them inside a plastic bag. Luton Airport guidelines state that all cosmetic products are classified as liquids, including lipsticks and deodorants, so it’s best to travel with mini sizes or pack them in your hold luggage. 

• Liquid rule: 100ml

• Security rule: No plastic bag is required. Keep it inside your hand luggage

• Liquid limit: Unlimited, permitting all liquids have a volume of less than 100ml

• Items classified as liquids: All drinks, all cosmetics and toiletry products (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascaras and lipsticks), all sprays and aerosols (deodorants, shaving foams, hairspray), pastes, all gels (hair gel and shower gel) and contact lens solution

FAQs

Do airport liquid rules depend on the airline?

• No, liquid restrictions are set by the airport security authority, not the airline.

Is toothpaste a liquid when flying?

• Yes, toothpaste counts as a liquid (or gel), so it must be 100ml or 2 litres in size for UK airports. Depending on your airport, it may need to be placed inside a clear liquids bag for security screening.

Is mascara a liquid on a plane?

• Yes, mascara is considered a liquid because of its gel-like formula, so it must also follow the 100ml or 2 litre rules for UK airports. This may or may not need to go in your clear liquids bag, depending on the airport you fly from.