Heathrow Scraps 100ml Hand Luggage Limit: Still 100ml In Florida

For thousands of British families preparing to swap the grey skies of the UK for the sunshine of Florida this year, the journey through London Heathrow Airport has received a long-awaited upgrade.

Heathrow has confirmed the completion of its £1 billion security overhaul, officially scrapping the frustration of the 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage. As of this week, late January 2026, passengers flying from Heathrow to popular Sunshine State destinations including Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), and Tampa (TPA) can carry liquids, creams, and gels in containers of up to 2 litres in their hand luggage.

The Change To Hand Luggage Rules

Travellers to Disney World can leave both liquids and tech in their cabin luggage as they pass through security at Heathrow. This makes the juggle with trays and unpacking pre-prepped bags easier and less time-consuming.

Thanks to new high-tech CT scanners, travellers can now leave laptops, iPads, and other large electronics inside their cabin bags during screening.

A change that is marking a significant milestone in passenger convenience, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

Heathrow joins a growing list of UK hubs that have successfully scrapped the restriction, including Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh. However, passengers departing from smaller regional airports are advised to check local rules before travelling, as some upgrades remain ongoing.

Full details for the rules about what you can carry in cabin luggage through Heathrow head to Hand baggage and liquids | Heathrow.

The 'One-Way' Trap: TSA Rules Remain Unchanged

While the outbound journey to Florida has changed, travel experts are urging Britons to remain vigilant. The relaxed rules at Heathrow do not apply globally, creating a potential one-way loophole that could catch out UK tourists.

Crucially, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not adopted the new scanning technology, and the strict 100ml limit remains federal law in the United States.

• Flying Out (UK to Florida): You may take full-sized sun cream, moisturisers, and drinks through Heathrow security in your cabin bag without issue.

• Flying Home (Florida to UK): When departing from Orlando, Miami, or Tampa, TSA strictly enforces the 3-1-1 rule. This means liquids must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, fitting into a single clear plastic bag (approx. 1 litre).

This means that any large bottles of American shampoo, hot sauce, or beauty products purchased in Florida and packed in hand luggage will be confiscated by TSA agents at the departure gate. These items must be packed in checked hold luggage.

What This Means For Disney World Travellers

This is great news for all visitors heading to Florida. You’ll be able to take:

• Large family sized sun cream in your hand luggage which is great if you are planning on making the most of the free 2026 water parks offer. With sun cream to hand, guests can head straight to the water park without having to find enough sun cream first.

• You can also take an extra drink for your flight to stay hydrated saving money on airport purchases.

• This will make a cabin luggage only trip easier, as you can save money by taking full sized toothpaste and deodorants.

Connecting Flights

If your route involves a transfer within the US (e.g., Heathrow to Orlando via New York JFK or Atlanta), you are subject to US security rules mid-journey. This is something that travellers will need to consider when packing hand luggage. If your flight requires you to pass through TSA, TSA rules will apply even if you are travelling to Florida via Heathrow which has different rules about liquids in hand luggage.

Upon landing at the first US airport, passengers must collect bags for customs and then re-clear security for the domestic, (internal), leg of the flight. At this point, TSA rules apply. Any liquids over 100ml brought from Heathrow, which will include expensive duty-free purchases or items over 100ml that you have packed into your cabin bag, will be confiscated at the transfer checkpoint.

To ensure a smooth journey, ensure all liquids larger than 100ml are securely packed in your checked suitcase if you have indirect flights routing through the US.

Magic In A Minute

London Heathrow now allows passengers to carry liquids, gels, and creams of more than 100ml, up to 2 litres in cabin luggage. Due to upgraded CT scanners travellers can leave and carry more liquids and also leave their electronics in their bag as they pass through security improving the security process.