Birmingham Airport (BHX) has officially scrapped the longstanding 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage, now permitting passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids, pastes, and gels through security. This change, effective for the summer 2026 holiday season, is part of a broader update to airport regulations aimed at streamlining the passenger experience during what is expected to be a record-breaking period.
New Liquid Limits and Security Procedures
Passengers can now bring multiple containers of liquids, pastes, and gels in their hand luggage, with no limit on the number of 2L containers. However, these items must be left loose inside the bag rather than placed in plastic bags. The airport advises travellers to empty reusable bottles before security, as refill stations are available airside. All electrical items, including laptops and tablets, can remain in hand luggage during screening, and watches may be worn. Travellers should ensure pockets are emptied before passing through the scanner.
It is crucial for passengers to check restrictions at their destination airports, as many still enforce the 100ml rule. Birmingham Airport's change applies only to outbound flights from BHX.
Banned Items in Hold Luggage: Vapes and Lithium Batteries
The airport has issued a clear warning: vapes, e-cigarettes, and devices containing lithium-ion batteries—such as power banks and DSLR cameras—must never be packed in hold luggage. These items are only permitted in hand luggage, subject to airline-specific restrictions. Some carriers may prohibit vapes or e-cigarettes entirely, so passengers should verify their airline's policy before travelling.
Expanded eGate Access for Children
Upon return to the UK, children aged eight and over who are at least 120cm tall can now use the UK eGates. This applies to travellers with biometric passports from the UK, EU, EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, or the USA. The change allows families with eligible children to pass through border control together, making the process more convenient.
Arrival Times and Check-In Zones
Birmingham Airport expects to handle over 2.5 million passengers during the summer holidays, a 10% increase year-on-year. To avoid delays, travellers are advised to arrive when check-in opens, as specified in their booking. Those who have checked in online and have no hold luggage should follow the airline's recommended arrival time and proceed directly to security on the first floor. Check-in zones are allocated as follows: Zone A for Jet2, Zone D for Emirates, and Zones B and C for all other airlines.
Official Statement from Birmingham Airport
Chris Wilson, Head of Terminal and Capacity Planning at Birmingham Airport, said: 'We are preparing for another busy summer holiday getaway with many Midlands passengers jetting off to stunning holiday destinations all around the world. Passengers are reminded that Birmingham Airport now allows for liquids up to 2 litres and all electricals, such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets, to be kept in hand luggage when going through security, this includes lithium batteries that can only go in hand luggage. Upon arrival into the UK. Families travelling this summer should also be aware that children aged eight and over can now use UK eGates if they are at least 120cm tall, hold an eligible biometric passport and are accompanied by an adult. This will mean that families with children eight and above can use the e-gates together making border control more convenient. Our colleagues will be on hand in the terminal to assist passengers on their way through the airport. However, we encourage all to look at our website for the latest guidance on travel.'
For further details, passengers can visit the Birmingham Airport website.
