Airport liquids rules for hand luggage are among the most misunderstood — and most often broken — rules in travel. Plenty of passengers leave water, perfume or cream at the security checkpoint simply because they didn't know the rule. This guide explains, in plain terms, how much liquid you can carry in hand luggage, what counts as a 'liquid', and how the new 2026 CT scanners are changing the game.
💧 The 100ml rule — what it means exactly
- Each container must be 100ml or less — what matters is the container size, not the contents (a half-empty 200ml bottle is still banned)
- All containers must fit inside one clear, resealable bag of roughly 1 litre (≈20×20 cm)
- One such bag per passenger
- The bag must come out of your carry-on at security and go in the tray separately
- Anything over 100ml goes only in checked baggage
🧴 What counts as a 'liquid'
The rule isn't only about drinking water. 'Liquids' covers all liquid, gel, paste and aerosol substances — the group is known as LAGs (liquids, aerosols, gels). When in doubt, assume the 100ml rule applies.
- Water, coffee, juice and any drink
- Cream, lotion, toner and sunscreen
- Toothpaste, gel, wax and spray deodorant
- Perfume, mascara, lip gloss and liquid foundation
- Yogurt, honey, jam, hummus and other paste-like foods
Empty your reusable water bottle before security and refill it after — almost every airport has free water taps. It saves money and cuts plastic waste.
🆕 2026 — new CT scanners and the future of the rule
In recent years some airports in Europe and the UK have installed next-generation CT (computed tomography) 3D scanners that 'see' inside your bag far more precisely — in theory allowing liquids over 100ml and laptops to stay in the bag.
However, in 2024 the EU temporarily reinstated the 100ml limit even at airports with the new scanners, for technical reasons. So in 2026 the safest bet is still to rely on the 100ml rule until your specific airport officially confirms otherwise.
Rules vary by airport. Before you fly, check your departure airport's official website — add this to your pre-flight checklist.
💊 Exceptions: medication, baby food, duty free
- Essential medication (including liquids) is allowed over 100ml — carry the prescription and declare it separately at security; see medications abroad
- Baby food, milk and water are allowed in reasonable amounts when travelling with a child
- Duty-free liquids are allowed if sealed in a clear STEB bag with the receipt — don't open the bag before security; see the duty-free shopping guide
✅ How to clear security fast
Prepare your liquids bag in advance and keep it in your carry-on's top pocket so you can grab it easily. Put metal items, laptop and coat in a separate tray too — it speeds up the queue.
- Keep the liquids bag in an easy-to-reach top pocket
- Move large perfumes and creams to checked baggage — see the carry-on rules
- Arrive early — the airport security tips help you clear the queue fast
- When in doubt, pack it in checked baggage — better than losing it at the checkpoint
Plan your trip, search flights and compare prices with Travel365's price calendar. A cheap ticket and a tidy carry-on are the best way to start.
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