If you were celebrating the end of the “tiny toiletry” era at UK airports, you need to pause your packing. In a frustrating U-turn for travelers, the 100ml liquid limit has been reinstated at major UK hubs, including London Heathrow (LHR).

Here is everything you need to know about the current security rules and the best gear to keep you moving through the queue.

Here is everything you need to know about the current security rules and the best gear to keep you moving through the queue.

The “100ml Rule” Returns

Earlier this year, the UK government announced a plan to scrap the 100ml liquid limit in favor of advanced CT scanners that would allow passengers to carry up to 2 liters of liquids in their hand luggage.

However, the Department for Transport (DfT) recently issued a directive requiring airports to reintroduce the 100ml limit temporarily.

What this means for you: Even if you are flying through a terminal equipped with the new “Next Generation” security scanners, you must stick to the old rules.

• Maximum Container Size: 100ml (3.4 oz).
• The Bag: Liquids must fit comfortably in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (maximum 1 liter capacity).
• Electronics: In some lanes with new scanners, you might be allowed to keep laptops in your bag, but you should always be prepared to remove them if asked.

Why the Sudden Change?

The DfT described the move as a temporary measure to enable further improvements to the new checkpoint systems. While the new scanners (which create 3D images of bag contents) are technically capable of detecting larger liquids, the inconsistency across different airports – and even different lanes within the same airport – was causing massive confusion and delays.

To streamline the process and ensure safety, the 100ml limit is the blanket rule again until further notice.

How to Pack: The “Amazon Essentials” for Compliance

With the rules tightening back up, travelers are scrambling to find compliant gear. Since you can no longer bring that full-sized sunscreen or expensive face wash, here are the top-rated personal items (widely available on Amazon) that seasoned travelers use to beat the restriction.

1. Leak-Proof Silicone Travel Bottles

Forget the cheap hard plastic bottles that crack. The current gold standard is squeezable silicone bottles (like the GoToob or generic equivalents).

• Why they work: They are exactly 100ml (or smaller), have wide mouths for easy filling, and feature “no-drip” valves so your shampoo doesn’t explode over your clothes.

2. TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bags

The flimsy Ziploc bags provided at the airport rip easily. Frequent flyers are upgrading to heavy-duty clear PVC bags.

• The Upgrade: Look for the “1-Quart” size bags with a proper zipper and reinforced seams. They are technically slightly larger than a standard sandwich bag but are universally accepted by security staff because they speed up the visual check.

3. Solid Toiletries (The Ultimate Hack)

The best way to get around the liquid limit? Don’t bring liquids.

• Shampoo Bars: Brands like Ethique or Viori make solid shampoo and conditioner bars that last longer than bottles and don’t count toward your limit.
• Solid Cologne/Perfume: Wax-based fragrances are a traveler’s best friend.
• Toothpaste Tabs: These dry tablets crush into paste when you brush, completely eliminating the need for a toothpaste tube.

Expert Advice: Don’t Risk the “Bin of Shame”

Heathrow security is notoriously efficient but strict. If your bag gets flagged for a secondary search because you left a 150ml toner in there, you could be waiting 20–30 minutes for an agent to manually search your bag.

The Golden Rule for 2026: Assume the strictest rules apply. Even if you read online that Terminal 3 has new scanners, pack for the old rules. It is better to breeze through security with 100ml bottles than to watch an agent throw away your expensive products.

Quick Summary: Current Heathrow Rules