Carry-On Liquids Rules 2026: What's Allowed

At European airports, the 100ml rule has been in effect for decades. Know it, and you have no problems. Don’t know it, and you lose expensive perfume, sunscreen, or skincare at the security checkpoint.

This guide covers exactly what applies, which exceptions exist, and what changed at some airports with new scanner technology.

What exactly is the 100ml rule?

Liquids, creams, gels, pastes, sprays, and similar consistencies can only be carried in containers of maximum 100ml in carry-on luggage. All containers must fit into a transparent, resealable zip-lock bag of maximum 1 liter. One bag per person only.

What counts as a liquid?

Water, juice, soft drinks
Perfume, eau de toilette
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel
Sunscreen, body lotion, creams
Toothpaste, hair gel, hairspray
Honey, jam, yogurt, ketchup
Mascara, liquid foundation
Spray deodorant (roll-on deodorant does not count as a liquid)

What doesn’t count as a liquid:

Lipstick and solid lip balm
Solid soap bars and solid shampoo bars
Powder makeup (concealer, powder, eyeshadow)

What exceptions apply to the 100ml rule?

Medication: Prescription medications can be carried in the quantity needed for travel, even above 100ml. Carry the prescription or pharmacy receipt as documentation.

Baby food and breast milk: Larger quantities are allowed for infants and young children. Food should match the child’s age. Some airports may ask for confirmation at the checkpoint, but this is uncommon.

Duty-free purchases: Liquids bought at duty-free shops can be taken above 100ml when sealed in a security tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible inside. Important: at connecting airports outside the EU, these bags may need to go through security again, which can cause issues.

What do new CT scanners at airports change?

Some airports have introduced CT scanners that create three-dimensional images. At these airports, laptops and liquids can stay in your bag during the scan. Look for signage at your specific security lane.

At most major European airports, the standard rule still applies: remove your liquids bag, remove your laptop. Don’t assume new technology has been deployed at your departure airport.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and individual airport websites publish current security rules for passengers.

Packing tips to avoid problems at security

Use solid alternatives: Solid shampoo, solid conditioner, bar soap. No bag needed, no volume issues. Especially useful for short trips, with significantly less packing complexity.

Buy travel sizes: Many pharmacies and drugstores stock 30ml, 50ml, and 100ml versions of popular products. Ready-made travel kits are easier than refilling from larger bottles.

Check it or buy at destination: If your favorite products don’t fit in 100ml, pack them in your hold luggage instead. Liquids in checked bags have no size restrictions under normal packaging rules. Or buy at your destination, which usually costs less than a hold luggage fee.

What happens if you forget to remove liquids?

Containers larger than 100ml will be confiscated and cannot be retrieved. Some airports offer paid storage or postal forwarding, but these are rare and expensive.

Better approach: check your carry-on before reaching the checkpoint. Many travelers pack the liquids bag at the top of their bag for quick access at security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many liquids fit in a 1-liter bag?

Using 100ml containers consistently: 8 to 9 bottles. Practically: 4 to 5 larger bottles plus a few smaller ones. This is enough for a short trip of 3 to 5 days.

Can I bring water purchased after security?

Yes. Drinks bought after the security checkpoint at the airport or in duty-free can be taken on the plane. No restrictions apply. Many airports also have water refill stations after security where you can fill your own bottle.

Which countries have different carry-on liquid rules from the EU?

The US, Canada, and Australia have comparable rules (the 3-1-1 rule in the US: 3.4 oz/100ml, 1 quart bag, 1 per person). Japan: 100ml, transparent bag. The core rule is consistent worldwide, with small differences in detail.

Do creams and lotions count as liquids?

Yes. Creams and lotions are treated as liquids regardless of consistency. This includes sunscreen, body lotion, face cream, after-sun, and similar products. Maximum 100ml per container, all in the 1-liter bag.

Read more:

Carry-On Liquids Rules 2026: What's Allowed and What's Not