Whether you're dreaming of the sunny warmth of a beach, the icy thrill of ski slopes, or something in between, somehow, someway, you’ve got to get there. You may drive, you may take a boat, but the likelihood is that you’ll board a plane to make it to your getaway if you’re travelling far. With airports come a range of potential issues to put a downer on your holiday. We’re here to guide you through one of the more stressful sections: security.
Hate to wait?
Getting held up in long queues is probably the most common frustration for anyone travelling through an airport (that, and the debate over what should, versus absolutely shouldn’t count as carry-on luggage). While check-in and bag-drop can have their challenges, security is usually the biggest source of stress. Getting the rules wrong can lead to confiscation of your much-loved products, putting a strain on your holiday and bank account as you scramble to find replacements.
To give credit where it’s due, airports are making efforts to improve the efficiency of security. Nearly all airports have websites with detailed information you can check before your flight. Many are also investing in new technology to streamline security. Gatwick, for example, has reportedly spent millions installing computed tomography (CT) scanners. This technology allows passengers to leave liquids and electronics in their bags, helping them get through security faster.
Other UK airports using this technology include:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Bradford
- Edinburgh
- Leeds
- Luton
- Newcastle
- Southend
- Teesside
While this new equipment suggests improved convenience, not all airports have fully transitioned yet. Heathrow and Manchester, two of the UK’s busiest airports, may still require passengers to separate liquids and electronics. Additionally, security procedures vary worldwide; most airports outside the UK still require liquids to be removed from hand luggage, so it’s best to be prepared for this.
A lesson in liquids
For those of you who can remember basic science classes, you’ll understand the states of matter and their properties. But, be warned, security in airports have a wider view on their classification of the state ‘liquid’. Contrary to the teachings of secondary schools, ice is a liquid – at least as far as security is concerned.
Here’s a list of other things considered liquids:
The obvious:
- Drinks (including water)
- Liquid foods (ex: soup, yoghurt etc.,)
- Cosmetics (ex: lip gloss, perfumes, nail varnish etc.,)
- Toiletries (ex: lotion, shampoo, conditioner etc.,)
- Sprays and aerosols (ex: hairspray, spray-deodorants etc.,)
- Sun cream
- Gels
The not-so-obvious:
- Semi-liquid foods (ex: spreads, syrups etc.,)
- Roll-on deodorants
- Mascara
- Shaving foam
- Toothpaste
- Ice (+ other solids that can melt)
- Contact lens solution
- Duty free liquids (bought in the airport or on the plane, unopened)
Note: for security purposes, 1 ml is treated as equal to 1 g, so any item measured in grams must still adhere to the 100 ml rule.
Poor planning? No, pour planning
The secret to a stress-free holiday starts with packing smart. Planning ahead ensures you're ready to face your destination’s climate as well as airport security procedures. As mentioned, some airports allow liquids to be left in luggage during screening however, it’s safer to assume you’ll still have to separate them if taken as carry-on.
Security rules typically permit each traveller a single transparent bag (approximately 20 cm x 20 cm) with a total capacity of no more than one litre. Individual containers must be 100 ml or smaller, and bottles labelled over 100 ml can be flagged, even if they're nearly empty. Given that travel toiletries are so expensive, decanting is a must. Keep hold of any small bottles you find so you can pour in some of your go-to brands for a sense of familiarity when you’re far from home.
If you travel frequently, or care about the planet, we advise you to invest in a good-quality reusable bag for your liquids. You can choose a transparent bag with colourful piping and zips if you want something both functional and fun to match the rest of your wash kit.
'Emma' 3 in 1 Hanging Wash Bag in Leopard Print | Victoria Green
There you have it – your July 2025 security rundown
Knowing the rules and owning the tools, like a regulation-ready bag, is all you need to sail through security and get your holiday off to a smooth start.