Checked against official London Stansted, GOV.UK and Ryanair guidance on 24 August 2026. Security staff always make the final decision at the checkpoint.
Short answer: London Stansted still limits ordinary liquids to containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each. The process has changed, though: you no longer need a separate clear liquids bag, and liquids plus large electronics can remain inside your cabin bag during screening.
| Item | Stansted security rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary liquid, gel, paste or aerosol | Maximum 100ml container | Leave it inside your cabin bag |
| Separate clear liquids bag | Not required | Pack compliant liquids normally in your cabin bag |
| Travel bottle without a printed capacity | Not accepted | Use a bottle with the size printed or moulded on it |
| Laptop, tablet or other large electronic | Can stay in the bag | Leave it packed unless an officer asks otherwise |
| Essential liquid medicine over 100ml | Exception may apply | Carry prescription evidence and allow extra screening time |
What changed at Stansted—and what did not?
Stansted now uses next-generation scanners in all security lanes. The airport says passengers no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from their bags. That makes the tray process quicker, but it did not raise Stansted’s liquid-container limit to 2 litres.
This is the detail most likely to cause confusion. Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and some other UK airports now permit larger containers, while Stansted still applies the 100ml limit. New scanners do not automatically mean the same liquid allowance at every airport.
The 100ml rule applies to the container
Each ordinary liquid, gel, paste or aerosol must be in a container whose stated maximum capacity is 100ml or less. A 150ml bottle containing only 20ml is still too large because security assesses the container, not the amount left inside it.
“Liquid” includes more than water and drinks. Stansted lists soup, jam, honey, toothpaste, moisturiser, perfume, mascara, lip gloss, sun cream, shaving foam, deodorant, hair gel and similar mixtures. If it can be poured, spread, sprayed or squeezed, plan for it to be treated as a liquid.
You do not need a separate clear liquids bag
Compliant liquids can stay inside your cabin bag during the Stansted security search. You do not need to place them in the traditional one-litre transparent bag or take them out for the tray. Pack them securely so they cannot leak, and keep medicine accessible in case officers request a separate check.
This does not turn the rule into an unlimited allowance. Your liquids must still fit within your airline’s cabin-bag allowance, and security can inspect or reject an item it considers unsafe. Duty-free liquids also follow their own sealed security-bag process when you are carrying them through another checkpoint.
Travel bottles need a printed capacity
Stansted specifically says refillable travel containers must show how much they can hold. The capacity should be printed, embossed or moulded onto the bottle. A handwritten “100ml” mark or a sticker added by the traveller is not accepted.
That means an unlabelled mini bottle can be refused even when it obviously looks small. Before packing, check the base and side of every refillable container. Replace any bottle whose capacity cannot be verified at the checkpoint.
Do laptops stay in the bag at Stansted?
Yes, under the normal current process. Stansted says all lanes now use scanners that allow passengers to leave electronics and liquids inside hand luggage. Keep your laptop, tablet and other large electronics packed unless checkpoint signage or an officer asks you to remove something for additional screening.
The tray process is separate from battery-safety rules. Power banks and spare lithium batteries normally belong in the cabin rather than checked baggage, and airline approval may be required at higher capacities. Use the Power Bank Flight Checker before you pack.
Stansted security is not your airline’s bag allowance
Stansted decides what may pass through airport security. Your airline decides how many cabin bags you may take onboard and their size and weight. Passing the security checkpoint does not guarantee that an oversized bag will be accepted at the gate.
For example, Ryanair currently includes one small personal bag of up to 40 × 30 × 20cm with every fare. Priority & 2 Cabin Bags also includes a 10kg cabin bag of up to 55 × 40 × 20cm. Check the allowance attached to your own booking because airline products can change.
Your return or connection may use a different rule
The Stansted procedure applies when you pass through security at Stansted. GOV.UK tells passengers to check every departure, transfer and return airport because liquid limits and unpacking instructions can differ.
A bottle accepted at a 2-litre airport on your outbound journey may be refused when you return through Stansted if its capacity exceeds 100ml. The reverse can also happen: Stansted’s no-clear-bag process does not mean your destination airport will let you keep liquids packed. Compare the checkpoints with the Airport Security Rules Checker.
Medicines, baby liquids and duty-free purchases
- Essential liquid medicine: containers over 100ml may pass when medically necessary. Carry a prescription, doctor’s letter or prescription label and take only the quantity needed for the journey.
- Baby food and milk: larger containers may be permitted when needed for the trip. Security may open or test them.
- Special dietary liquids: an exemption may apply when the liquid is required for the journey. Bring supporting evidence where relevant.
- Duty-free liquids: keep the item and receipt sealed in the tamper-evident security bag. Do not open it before your final destination.
Two-minute Stansted packing checklist
- Check that every ordinary liquid container is 100ml or smaller.
- Replace unlabelled travel bottles with containers that show their capacity.
- Pack compliant liquids securely inside your cabin bag; no separate clear bag is required.
- Leave your laptop and tablet packed unless security staff instruct otherwise.
- Keep prescription evidence and essential medicine easy to reach.
- Check your airline’s cabin-bag allowance separately.
- Check the rules at every connection and return airport.
Stansted liquid rules FAQ
Can I take a 500ml bottle with only 100ml left in it?
No. Stansted applies the limit to the container’s maximum capacity. An ordinary 500ml bottle is too large even when nearly empty. Take it through empty only if security permits the empty container, or use a labelled container of 100ml or less for the liquid.
Can I use an unmarked 100ml travel bottle?
No. Stansted says the measurement must be printed on the container. Handwritten measurements and stickers are not accepted.
Do I need to remove liquids or my laptop?
Normally no. Stansted’s current scanners allow liquids and large electronics to remain in hand luggage. Follow any different instruction given by security staff.
Does FastTrack allow larger liquid containers?
No. FastTrack changes the queue, not the security rule. Ordinary liquid containers still need a maximum capacity of 100ml.
Compare other UK airport rules
Do not assume every UK airport follows Stansted’s combination of a 100ml limit and keep-it-packed screening. Compare it with our current guides to Gatwick liquid rules, Heathrow liquid rules, Manchester liquid rules and Glasgow liquid rules. For specific objects such as vapes, razors and aerosols, use the Can I Bring It? Flight Item Checker.
Official sources
- London Stansted Airport: Security guidance
- London Stansted Airport: All lanes now use new scanners
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage liquid restrictions
- GOV.UK: Medicines and medical equipment
- Ryanair: Current bag policy
PrismGist independently summarizes official travel rules to help you prepare. Rules and screening instructions can change; always follow Stansted, your airline and security staff.