What are carry-on liquid rules when flying from the UK or US to France?

Reader’s question: I'm flying from the UK to France soon and I'm confused about the carry-on liquid rules. I know there's a 100ml limit, but I've heard Ryanair has stricter limits than some airports. What are the rules?

Carry-on liquid rules can be confusing because passengers often see information published by multiple sources (airlines, airports and local authorities from different countries). 

What is important to know though is that these rules are set by government aviation security authorities and implemented by airports, not by airlines. The reason airlines publish them on their website is to remind people, but they do not set them themselves. 

These restrictions on carrying liquids were introduced after the 2006 terrorist plot at London Heathrow Airport, when homemade liquid explosives were planned to be used to attack departing aircraft. 

Following the incident, the EU introduced new restrictions on liquids, aerosols and gels at airport security checkpoints. The aim was to reduce the risk of explosives being brought onto the aircraft in liquid form. However, the restrictions were originally intended as a temporary measure until technology capable of reliably detecting liquid explosives became available. 

Now, although screening technology has improved, the 100ml rule remains the standard at many airports around the world. 

Are the rules different when flying from the UK or the US to France? 

For most travellers, the rules are effectively the same whether departing from the UK or the US.

When flying from the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) applies the following requirements to all airports:

• Liquids, gels, creams and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4oz (approximately 100ml) or less

• All containers must fit into one clear, quart-size resealable bag

• Each passenger is allowed one bag

When flying from the UK, the standard rule at most airports is also:

• Each liquid container must be 100ml or less

• All liquids must fit into a single transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre

• The bag must be removed from hand luggage for separate screening if required

The same applies when flying from France, passengers should expect the EU 100ml per container rule.

However, some UK airports have applied newer screening systems that allow large liquid containers.

For example, Birmingham Airport has updated its security rules and states that passengers can “carry liquids, pastes and gels in containers up to 2 litres” in hand luggage. Additionally, the airport imposes no limit on the number of containers that can be carried under this allowance. 

Other airports include Heathrow, Gatwick, and Edinburgh. 

UK passengers should therefore check the rules for their specific departure airport before travelling, because not all airports have the same screening equipment and rules. Additionally, it is important to remember that when returning to the UK from France, the 100ml rule would apply once more. 

It is also important to note that security staff look at the capacity of the container, not how much liquid is inside. 

A 200ml bottle containing 50ml of shampoo would still not be allowed through security because the container itself is larger than the permitted size. 

Exemptions apply for medicines, baby food and special requirements 

There are exemptions for certain essential liquids when travelling. Passengers may be allowed to carry larger quantities of essential medicines, baby milk, baby food and liquids required for special dietary needs. 

Here is the official list of exemptions for essential liquids from the US, the UK, and France/EU.

Those items may need to be presented separately and passengers may be asked for supporting documentation, such as a prescription, medical letter or evidence of the requirement. 

Finally, liquids bought after passing through security, such as drinks or duty-free purchases are treated differently because they have already been screened. However, duty-free liquids may need to remain sealed in a security bag with proof of purchase visible, especially if you have a connecting flight or need to pass through another security checkpoint. 

You can also read here what new EU air passengers rights have been approved.