Surprising items that 'count' as liquids in hand luggage at UK airport security

Products like solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, wet wipes and lip balms are not typically considered liquids

Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter

11:43, 13 May 2025

Young woman showing cosmetics permitted in carry-on baggage.

Knowing what counts as a liquid at UK airports could save you a headache(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Understanding what qualifies as a liquid for plane hand luggage may seem simple, but a few rules could catch you off guard. With summer fast approaching and Brits gearing up for holidays abroad, we've compiled some crucial dos and don'ts for airport security.

First and foremost, it's essential to be aware of the basics. If you decide to take any liquids in hand luggage, most UK airports assert that containers must hold no more than 100ml and must be placed in a single, transparent plastic bag sized at roughly 20cm x 20cm.

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The Government's website also explains that all contents must fit 'comfortably inside the bag', so it may be sealed. Save yourself the headache and don't try sealing it by tying a knot at the top - it won't be accepted.

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Young woman opening her suitcase at the airport security check

Most UK airports require passengers to fit their permitted liquids into a 20cm x 20cm plastic bag(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Things become more muddled regarding what you should and shouldn't put inside the bag. While it's more obvious to assume that perfumes, lotions and contact lens solutions must go in, a few other products fly under the radar.

Take, for example, several viscous food products, including jams, marmalades and syrups. These do count as liquids even if they aren't quite as watery as hairsprays, spray deodorants and, of course, water itself.

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It's worth noting that pastes, such as tomato or toothpaste, also count as liquids and should be placed in a plastic bag. However, frozen liquids are completely disallowed even if they fit within the 20cm x 20cm container.

The UK Government's complete list of what's considered hand luggage liquid is below:

Pastes, including toothpaste
Gels, including hair and shower gel
All drinks, including water
Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
Contact lens solution

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Young girl placed her hand luggage into the compartment on the plane.

Soap bars, wet wipes and deodorant sticks are not usually considered liquids(Image: Getty Images)

Notably, products like solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, wet wipes and lip balms are not typically considered liquids. Therefore, they are not usually required to be placed in the bag.

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Different rules apply to medicines, medical equipment, and products related to dietary requirements. Although passengers may carry 'essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers', they must prove they have been prescribed.

Parents with young babies can also take enough food, milk and sterilised water for the journey. Containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000 ml and will be screened at security.

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"When travelling with a baby you're allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey," the Government states. "There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

"You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you're not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage."

For more information, visit GOV.UK. Before your departure day, it's also important to review the specific guidelines for your airport, as some rules may differ.