Quick answer
Flying from Birmingham, you can carry liquids, pastes and gels in containers of up to 2 litres each in hand luggage, with no limit on how many and no plastic bag. Leave them, and your electricals, in the bag. Insulated flasks must be empty. Your return airport may still use the 100 ml rule.
Liquids: what the airport says
- Containers of up to 2 litres each; anything bigger goes in checked luggage, or is removed and destroyed.
- No limit on the number of 2 litre containers.
- Do not put liquids in plastic bags, and do not take them out of your hand luggage at the search area.
- Insulated bottles and vacuum flasks are allowed but must be completely empty. Fill them up again airside.
- Leave all electricals, including laptops and tablets, in your hand luggage.
- Empty your pockets of phones, keys, coins and tissues; you can keep your watch on.
From the airport's customer advice on liquids (August 2026) and security FAQs.
How security works at BHX
Head to the first floor
Use the entrance near Zone A or Zone B. Train passengers go down to the ground floor first to join the queue.
Scan your boarding pass
Have it ready on your phone or on paper.
Trays
Boots, jackets, coats and large belts go in a tray with your hand bag. Liquids and electricals stay in the bag.
Body scanner
Walk through when asked. Staff may do extra checks.
Express Lane
Express Lane is a separate queue into the Zone B security entrance, pre-bookable online for £6.00 per person check before you travel. Children aged 4 and under go free with a paying adult. Tickets are limited per time slot and only those booked through the airport or some airline partners are accepted. There is no Express Lane at the Zone A entrance.
Add fast track or a lounge
A booking tool for fast track and lounges will sit here. For now, see the lounges in the terminal.
Items that cause problems
The airport lists items you cannot take through security, including knives with blades longer than 6 cm, scissors with blades longer than 3 cm, tools, toy or replica guns, sporting bats and flammable liquids. Check the GOV.UK hand luggage rules for the full list. Food and powders are allowed in hand luggage, but packing them in hold luggage can avoid extra checks.
Medicines and baby food
Baby milk, food and sterilised water for the journey are allowed, each container up to 2 litres, and may be screened. Liquid medicines follow the same 2 litre limit; cooling packs for medicines need supporting evidence such as a label or letter. Security FAQs.
Questions travellers ask
Does Birmingham Airport still have the 100ml rule?
No, for flights out of Birmingham. The airport allows containers of up to 2 litres in hand luggage, with no plastic bag. Other airports may still apply 100 ml on your way back.
Do I need to take my laptop out at BHX security?
No. The airport asks you to leave all electricals in your hand luggage during the security search.
Can I take an empty water bottle through security?
Yes. Insulated or metal bottles must be completely empty. Water fountains are available after security.
Sources
Last checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Details at the airport change often; the airport's website and your airline have the final word.