Liquids in carry-on: the 100 ml rule

One clear plastic bag solves almost everything. Liquids in your carry-on are not banned — they are simply regulated by format: cosmetics packed the right way clear security in seconds, while a forgotten bottle of shampoo ends up in the bin at screening. Let's go through what counts as a liquid, how to pack it, and which exceptions always apply.

In short

Liquids in your carry-on go in containers of up to 100 ml, all together in a single clear zip bag of about 1 litre. Gels, creams, aerosols and pastes count as liquids. Medication and baby food are an exception and may exceed the limit with justification. The exact rules for your flight are always shown in your booking details.

01 / What countsWhat counts as a liquid

At security, "liquids" covers far more than water and perfume. The rule applies to any substance that pours, spreads or sprays. When in doubt, treat the item as a liquid — it's the safer assumption.

Liquids: water, drinks, perfume, lotions, liquid soap, mascara, toners.
Gels: shower gel, hair gel, gel deodorant, hydrogel products.
Creams and pastes: face and hand cream, toothpaste, soft cheese, honey, hummus.
Aerosols: hairspray, spray deodorant, shaving foam, micellar sprays.

Solid items are unrestrictedA solid deodorant stick, dry perfume, pressed powder, a bar of soap and pills don't count as liquids and fall outside the 100 ml limit — a handy way to get around the volume cap.

02 / The ruleThe 100 ml rule and the 1-litre bag

The limit goes by container size, not by how much is left inside. A 150 ml bottle holding just 30 ml of perfume will still be taken away at security — what matters is the stated capacity. All containers must fit into a single clear zip bag of about one litre, and the bag should seal without forcing it.

Parameter	Standard
Single container size	up to 100 ml (by stated capacity)
Packaging	one clear zip bag of ~1 litre
Bags per passenger	usually one
Where to present it	separately from your bag on the tray

Sort your toiletries at home

Keep only containers of up to 100 ml. Decant large bottles into travel ones, or move them to checked baggage.

Pack everything into one zip bag

A clear resealable bag of about one litre. It should close freely — an overstuffed bag won't pass.

Take the bag out at security

Place it in a separate tray alongside your laptop and electronics. This speeds up screening.

03 / ExceptionsMedication, baby food, duty-free

A few categories sit outside the 100 ml limit. You can carry them in the volume you need, but be ready to explain and, if asked, show the contents to an officer.

Medication. Liquid medicines, insulin and special nutrition — in the amount needed for the trip. A prescription or labelled packaging is advisable.
Baby food. Formula, water and purée for an infant are allowed above the limit when you're travelling with a child.
Duty-free. Purchases made after security travel in a sealed STEB bag with the receipt inside; don't open it until your final destination.

A connection can reset duty-freeOn a connection you may be screened again, and in some countries sealed duty-free over 100 ml can be taken away if it was bought outside that jurisdiction. Keep the receipt and check the transit country's rules in advance.

04 / ScannersNew scanners and why not to gamble

Some airports have installed next-generation CT scanners that let you keep liquids in the bag and sometimes ease the 100 ml limit. But equipment varies even within a single airport, and the rules keep changing. Plan around the 100 ml standard — then you'll clear security anywhere without surprises.

Tip: pack the pricey stuffFull-size perfume, creams and serums travel fine in checked baggage, where there's no volume limit. Keep only the bare minimum for the flight in your carry-on, in containers of up to 100 ml.

05 / FAQFrequently asked questions

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