London Gatwick Airport liquid rules: Up to 2 litres
Flying from London Gatwick? The verdict, the airport's own wording and its source link are below. Checked 15 October 2026 against the airport's own website. Same rules for hand luggage and carry-on.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. Re-verified against the airport's own page on 27 October 2026.
What changed: Gatwick says that due to new security scanners, liquids no longer need to be under 100 ml when travelling through security. The page gives no change date, so none is shown here.
Gatwick's new scanners mean liquids no longer have to be under 100ml - individual containers up to 2 litres are allowed and stay inside your hand luggage. Laptops and other large electricals also stay in the bag.
| Liquid container limit | Up to 2 litres |
| Clear plastic bag needed | No |
| Liquids can stay in your bag | Yes |
| Laptops can stay in your bag | Yes |
What this means at London Gatwick Airport
- Airport states: 'Due to new security scanners at London Gatwick, liquids no longer need to be under 100ml when travelling through security.'
- Airport states liquids are allowed 'as long as they are in individual containers under two litres'.
- Airport states: 'All other liquids can stay inside your hand luggage when passing through security.'
- Airport states: 'Your laptop, iPad, Kindle and any other large electrical items can also be left inside your hand luggage, there is no need to remove these items from your bag to be screened.'
- No clear plastic bag requirement is mentioned on the security page.
- Medicines over the two-litre limit are allowed when supported by a doctor's note or prescription.
- Baby food and baby liquid can be carried in hand luggage but are subject to some restrictions.
- Duty free is not covered on the security page.
- Airport states: reusable metal or double-walled (insulated) bottles must be empty when you go through security.
Source: Security Screening | London Gatwick Airport. Checked 15 October 2026.
Security rules are set by the airport, but your bag size is set by your airline. Check your bag against every airline here.
Flying home? Liquids rules belong to the airport you leave from, not the one you started at. GOV.UK tells passengers to check the rules at the airport they are flying from and at any other airports they will travel through, including the return journey. Your return airport may still apply the 100 ml limit. See the UK airport comparison, and check the return airport's own page. Source: GOV.UK: Liquids in hand luggage, checked 27 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take liquids over 100 ml through London Gatwick Airport?
Yes, up to 2 litres per container.
Do I need a clear plastic bag at London Gatwick Airport?
No, the airport no longer requires one.
What are the liquid rules at London Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick's new scanners mean liquids no longer have to be under 100ml - individual containers up to 2 litres are allowed and stay inside your hand luggage. Laptops and other large electricals also stay in the bag.
Has London Gatwick Airport scrapped the 100ml liquid rule?
Yes. Gatwick's new scanners mean liquids no longer have to be under 100ml - individual containers up to 2 litres are allowed and stay inside your hand luggage. Laptops and other large electricals also stay in the bag.
Do I need to take liquids out of my bag at London Gatwick Airport?
No. Liquids can stay in your hand luggage at screening.
Do I need to take my laptop out at London Gatwick Airport?
No. Laptops and tablets can stay in your bag.
Can I take liquid medicine or baby milk through London Gatwick Airport?
Medicines over the two-litre limit are allowed when supported by a doctor's note or prescription. Baby food and baby liquid can be carried in hand luggage but are subject to some restrictions.
Are liquid rules the same at my destination airport?
Not always. Rules vary by airport, so check your destination and any connecting airports, including your return journey (GOV.UK).
Can I take a 2 litre bottle through Gatwick Airport?
The airport says liquids are allowed as long as they are in individual containers under two litres, and that they can stay inside your hand luggage.
Do the Gatwick rules apply on my return flight?
The airport says these rules apply only to passengers departing from Gatwick, and recommends checking any other airports you are flying from. Your return airport may still apply 100 ml.
Can I take a metal water bottle through Gatwick?
The airport says reusable metal or double-walled (insulated) bottles must be empty when you go through security.