Last verified: 22 August 2026 against Heathrow Airport and UK government guidance.
Short answer: Heathrow Airport now allows liquids, aerosols and gels in containers up to 2 litres through security at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Leave permitted liquids, laptops and tablets inside your cabin bag. You do not need the old transparent liquids bag. One important exception: reusable metal, insulated or double-walled bottles must be empty.
Heathrow liquid rules at a glance
| Item | Current Heathrow rule |
|---|---|
| Ordinary liquids, gels and aerosols | Containers up to 2 litres |
| Transparent liquids bag | Not required |
| Laptops, tablets and large electronics | Leave them inside your cabin bag |
| Reusable plastic bottle | May contain liquid if the container is no larger than 2 litres |
| Metal, insulated or double-walled bottle | Must be empty before security |
| Terminals | The current rule applies at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
Security officers retain final discretion. Follow the instructions at your lane if an item needs additional screening.
What changed at Heathrow in 2026?
Heathrow announced on 23 January 2026 that its next-generation security-scanner rollout was complete across all four passenger terminals. The old routine of separating a one-litre plastic bag and removing larger electronics is no longer Heathrow’s standard process.
This matters because older search results, forum answers and packing lists may still repeat the 100ml rule or describe different instructions by terminal. Heathrow’s current main hand-baggage page now states that the 2-litre limit applies at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Does Heathrow still have the 100ml liquid rule?
No—not for ordinary liquids passing through Heathrow’s current departure-security checkpoints. The published container limit is now 2 litres. That means a 250ml sunscreen bottle or a 1-litre plastic water bottle can fit Heathrow’s ordinary liquid rule.
The capacity printed on the container still matters. A container larger than 2 litres is outside the published ordinary limit even if it is only partly full. Airline cabin-bag size and weight rules also remain separate from airport security rules.
Can this item pass Heathrow security?
| Example | Plan for Heathrow |
|---|---|
| 150ml shampoo | Fits the ordinary liquid limit; leave it in your cabin bag |
| 500ml plastic drinks bottle | Fits if the container is no larger than 2 litres |
| 2-litre liquid container | At the published maximum; allow for additional screening |
| 2.5-litre container with only 500ml inside | Outside the ordinary limit because the container is too large |
| Full metal or insulated bottle | Empty it before security, then refill after screening |
| Laptop or tablet | Leave it packed unless an officer instructs otherwise |
The easy-to-miss metal bottle rule
The new liquid allowance does not mean every 2-litre vessel can remain full. Heathrow specifically instructs passengers to empty reusable metal, insulated and double-walled bottles before security. You can refill them after the checkpoint.
A transparent plastic bottle and an insulated stainless-steel bottle can therefore receive different treatment even when they hold the same volume. This is one of the most useful checks to make before joining the queue.
Do laptops come out at Heathrow?
No. Heathrow’s current guidance says laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices can remain in your cabin bag. Make sure devices are charged, keep loose items organised and follow any request for a secondary check.
Battery rules are a separate issue from security-tray preparation. Check power banks and spare lithium batteries with the Power Bank Flight Checker before deciding which bag to use.
Medicines, baby milk and duty-free liquids
Liquid medicines
Liquid medicines can travel in your cabin bag. If you need more than 2 litres during the journey, Heathrow advises bringing a prescription or doctor’s letter confirming that the medicine is required. Keep essential medication easy to reach for possible checks.
Baby food, formula and breast milk
Baby food, formula milk, breast milk and sterilised water needed for the journey are permitted. Heathrow says breast milk must be liquid rather than frozen, stored in a clear container or commercially available storage bag, and limited to 2 litres per container. Metal or insulated containers are not permitted for breast milk.
Duty-free liquids
Duty-free liquids bought after security can normally be carried as hand baggage when sealed at purchase with the receipt inside a security tamper-evident bag. Do not open that bag before your final destination, especially if your journey includes another security checkpoint.
The return-flight trap
Heathrow’s 2-litre rule applies to the Heathrow checkpoint—not automatically to your whole trip. Your destination, connecting airport or return airport may still enforce a 100ml limit. A full-size toiletry bottle that passes at Heathrow can be rejected when you fly home.
| Airport | Ordinary liquid limit | Clear bag |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Up to 2 litres per container | Not required |
| Glasgow | 100ml per container | Not required |
| Manchester | Under 100ml per container | Not required |
Pack for the strictest checkpoint on your itinerary. If you are uncertain whether a connection includes another security search, the conservative choice is to keep ordinary liquids in 100ml containers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2-litre rule available at Heathrow Terminal 5?
Yes. Heathrow’s current main guidance says the 2-litre liquid rule applies at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Do I need a clear plastic liquids bag at Heathrow?
No. Permitted liquids can remain inside your cabin bag during screening.
Can I take a full water bottle through Heathrow?
A liquid container up to 2 litres fits Heathrow’s published ordinary limit. However, reusable metal, insulated and double-walled bottles must be empty.
Does Heathrow’s rule apply to my return flight?
Only if the return checkpoint also publishes the same rule. Check the departure airport for every leg, including connections where you pass security again.
Official sources
- Heathrow: Hand baggage and liquids
- Heathrow: Security and baggage FAQs
- Heathrow: Security-scanner rollout completed in 2026
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions — Liquids
- Manchester Airport: Security guidance
PrismGist checks current airport and government guidance, but security officers and airlines make the final decision at travel time. Recheck the linked sources before departure.