At most Gatwick security lanes, the rule is still painfully simple: all liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols must go in a single, clear, resealable bag—max 100ml per container. And yes, you have to remove that bag from your hand luggage and place it in a separate tray. Why? So the X-ray machine can see your miniature conditioner without it looking like a bomb component.
But here’s the catch—Gatwick has newer CT scanners in some security zones (especially at the North Terminal, lucky you). With these fancy machines, you can actually leave liquids inside your bag—but only if you’re in the right queue. Don’t bet on it, though. The signs are tiny, and the staff will still yell at you if you guess wrong.
The “But My Friend Said…” Trap
You’ve heard it: a friend flew through Gatwick last week and said they didn’t need to take anything out. Congratulations to your friend. They hit the one lane with the new scanner at 10 PM on a Tuesday. Meanwhile, you’re here, on a Friday afternoon, with 50 people behind you, and the machine looks like it was built in 2008. Always prepare for the old rule. It’s like bringing an umbrella to Brighton—you might not need it, but you won’t cry when it rains.