Are you travelling abroad via Manchester Airport soon? If you’ve heard about the new security technology that UK airports are starting to use, you might be wondering about the liquid rules currently in place.

The government originally asked all UK airports to have the new scanning technology in place from June 1, 2024 however, it announced that it has granted extensions to several large UK airports unable to meet the deadline to install the technology fully.

The new scanners produce more detailed images, meaning passengers can be allowed to pass through airport security with containers holding up to two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.

They will also mean that laptops and tablets won’t need to be removed from hand luggage.

Current liquid rules at Manchester Airport

If you’re travelling via Manchester Airport, it’s worth knowing the liquid rules that are currently in place.

All liquids, gels and pastes must currently be put in a transparent and re-sealable bag if they’re under 100ml and they’ll need to separate to hand luggage, Manchester Airport website explains.

The bag can’t be any bigger than 20cm x 20cm and it can’t exceed one litre. If you’re not able to provide your own, there will be some available at the airport but you’ll only be allowed to take one per passenger.

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According to the airport, liquids include the following, however, lipsticks, lip balms and stick deodorants are not liquids:

  • Water and other drinks, soups, syrups
  • Pastes, including toothpaste
  • Creams, lotions and oils, including moisturiser
  • Perfumes
  • Make-up, including mascara
  • Sprays, including sun-tan lotion
  • Inhalers
  • Gels, including hair and shower gels
  • Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
  • Liquid-solid mixtures
  • Any other item of a similar consistency

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Manchester Airport says: “Always check in any liquid over 100ml and if you're unsure whether an item will be allowed through, please always check it in with your hold luggage.

“Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.

“Please note - if you wish to bring your own containers to hold 100ml or less, the container must have printed on it the measurement that the container can hold.

“Travel sets of containers that do not have measurements on them will not be allowed through security. Handwritten measurements or stickers are also not acceptable.”