Liquids on a plane: rules, quantities, and tips for cabin and checked luggage

Liquids on planes have been subject to strict rules since 2006: 100 ml maximum per container in the cabin, grouped in a 1-liter transparent bag. In checked luggage, restrictions mainly concern dangerous substances and strong alcohol.

The basics: what is a liquid according to air regulations?

Definition of liquids and similar products

For airport authorities and airlines, the term "liquid" covers a much broader range than just water or drinks. European and international regulations refer to "liquids, aerosols and gels" (LAG), which include all products with at least a partially liquid consistency at ambient temperature.

This includes gels, creams, pastes, lotions, mousses, as well as any liquid/solid mixture or the contents of pressurized containers. In practice, as soon as a product can flow, be poured, or deform under pressure, it falls into the liquid category and is subject to cabin security rules.

Examples of affected products (drinks, cosmetics, gels, pastes, aerosols, etc.)

Drinks are obviously the best known: water, juice, soda, soup, coffee, milk, syrup, bottled alcohol, etc. But many other products are affected.

Care and cosmetic products fall fully into this category: toothpaste, face or body creams, lotions, oils, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, makeup removers, liquid foundation, mascaras, nail polish, liquid lipsticks or glosses, spray or bottled perfumes, spray or gel deodorants, shaving foams, hairsprays or gels. If you're wondering if your razor is allowed in cabin luggage, check our dedicated guide.

So-called "non-solid" foods such as honey, jams, spreads, yogurts, soft cheeses, or certain pasty snacks are also considered liquids. Find the complete list in our article on food allowed in cabin luggage.

Finally, non-hazardous aerosols (sprays, air fresheners, some household products) and various gels (hand sanitizer, contact lens gel, hair gels) join this list. These are all examples to keep in mind when preparing your cabin items.

Rules for transporting liquids in cabin luggage

Maximum authorized quantity

The total quantity of liquids allowed in cabin luggage is limited to 1 liter per passenger. This volume includes all liquid products, gels, pasty substances, and aerosols carried in the cabin. This applies to cosmetics, toiletries, and medication, provided they are in bottles or tubes. To find out the exact number of allowed bottles, consult our detailed article.

Format and capacity of containers

Liquids must be distributed in individual containers with a capacity not exceeding 100 ml or 100 g. This rule applies to the capacity indicated on the bottle or tube, even if it is partially filled. Affected products include:

• Shampoos
• Shower gels
• Creams
• Perfumes
• Spray deodorants
• Toothpaste
• Moisturizing lotion
• Other aerosols

Any container larger than 100 ml must be placed in checked luggage, with exceptions for, for example, medication, baby food, or certain duty-free products purchased after security control.

Presentation at security control (plastic bag, transparency, etc.)

When passing through security, liquids must be grouped in a transparent, resealable plastic bag, with a maximum capacity of approximately 1 liter. This bag must have a standard size of approximately 20 cm x 20 cm, allowing all your bottles to be easily stored.

The bag must be perfectly transparent so that agents can examine its contents without opening it. It must be presented separately from your luggage, placed in a tray provided for this purpose, and must remain closed until the end of the check. Only one plastic bag is allowed per passenger. Any non-compliant product (containers larger than 100 ml, opaque or non-resealable bags) risks being confiscated at the checkpoint.

These rules apply to all major airlines. Consult specific details for Air France, Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea or Vueling or Wizz Air.

Exceptions to the liquid rule in cabin luggage

The 100 ml rule and the transparent bag apply to the vast majority of liquids, gels, and aerosols. However, several specific categories benefit from exceptions. It is essential to know them to avoid any unpleasant surprises during security control.

Medication and medical needs

Liquid medication, cream, or gel, necessary for medical reasons, is not subject to the 100 ml limit. This includes syrups, sprays, insulin, inhalers, dermal gels, and other essential treatments during the flight.

It is strongly recommended to keep medication with its prescription or explanatory leaflet, and to present them separately to the security agent. Also inform security personnel before passing through the scanner to facilitate checks and avoid any misunderstandings.

Baby food and specific needs

Infant food, such as powdered milk, reconstituted milk, breast milk, baby bottles, purees, and fruit purees, are considered medically necessary liquids. You can therefore transport quantities greater than 100 ml, adapted to the duration of your trip, without being constrained by the transparent bag rule.

Remember to bring baby bottles, water for reconstituting milk, as well as specific cooling packs or ice packs. Present these items clearly at security control. Even if certain devices are no longer necessary depending on your child's age, keep documents or packaging that justify these particular needs.

Duty-free purchases

Liquids purchased in duty-free shops at international airports benefit from a special exception. They can be carried in the cabin beyond 100 ml, provided they are placed in a tamper-evident bag, given at the time of purchase, accompanied by the dated receipt. This rule mainly applies to international flights, when purchases are made after security control in countries recognized by the authorities.

Please note: if you have a stopover in a country not covered by these agreements, it may be necessary to consume or abandon certain products before the last segment of your journey.

Liquids in checked luggage: rules and precautions

Liquids allowed and prohibited in checked luggage

Unlike cabin luggage, checked luggage is not limited by the 100 ml rule. You can therefore carry larger capacity containers, such as water bottles, shampoos, shower gels, or skin care oils. Drinks (water, juice, syrup, soup) and liquid beauty products are generally allowed, provided the packaging remains intact and closed. To learn more about what you can take, consult our guide what to put in a checked suitcase.

However, certain liquids remain strictly prohibited on planes, whether in checked or cabin luggage. These include extremely flammable substances (gasoline, solvents, fuels, thinners), toxic or corrosive chemicals (concentrated acids, very strong bleach, pool products, pesticides), radioactive materials, and liquids considered dangerous (for example, certain industrial aerosols or sprays).

These items must under no circumstances be included in your checked baggage.

Limitations on certain liquids (alcohol, flammable substances, etc.)

Alcohol is a special case: alcoholic beverages are generally allowed in checked luggage, but degree and volume limits apply. For example, beverages exceeding 70% alcohol by volume are prohibited, while those between 24% and 70% can be transported in sealed retail packaging, with a maximum of 5 liters per person. Strong spirits or homemade alcohols must be carefully checked before the flight.

Flammable substances such as gasoline, heating oil, industrial aerosol fixatives, paints or varnishes, as well as very corrosive cleaning products, are not accepted in checked luggage for safety reasons. Pressurized gas bottles (such as certain diving bottles or unemptied compressed air cylinders) also fall into the category of regulated or prohibited products, except in special cases pre-authorized by the airline. To find out the cost of checked luggage with Air France, consult our pricing guide.

Packaging tips and safe transport

To prevent leaks and damage, always pack liquids in sturdy, airtight containers, and if possible, equipped with safety closures. Flexible containers (bottles, plastic bottles) can be placed in thick, waterproof plastic bags, or in zip-lock pouches, to contain any potential spills.

Protect bottles by wrapping them in clothes or towels, then place them in the center of the suitcase, away from the walls and sharp objects. Group liquids in the same compartment to limit the risk of contact with chemicals or sensitive foods.

Finally, check the specific regulations of your airline and your destination country, especially for alcohol, liquid medication, or regulated products, to comply with customs allowances and security requirements. Find the rules by airline in our baggage guide by airline.

Why these restrictions on liquids on planes?

The limitation of liquids in the cabin is not a simple administrative whim, but a direct response to important issues of aviation security. All containers over 100 ml, whether bottles, gels or aerosols, are subject to special attention before boarding the plane.

This measure aims to preserve collective security by reducing the risks of sophisticated attacks, while avoiding excessive disruption to air traffic. Although restrictive for some, this rule was designed to be both effective and pragmatic.

Security reasons

The restriction on liquids dates back to an attack plot foiled in 2006 in the United Kingdom. Terrorists planned to use liquid explosives disguised in soda-type containers or toiletries. These substances, although seemingly mundane, could be mixed on board to create an explosive device undetectable by conventional security checks.

Faced with this unprecedented threat, authorities introduced a drastic limitation: a temporary suspension of liquids in the cabin, followed by a relaxation in the form of a 100 ml ceiling per container. This threshold was scientifically determined: such a quantity does not allow enough chemicals to be gathered to cause an explosion endangering the aircraft. Even by combining several bottles, the total quantity would remain insufficient to cause critical damage.

The transparent one-liter plastic bag, used to group liquids, plays a key role. It allows for quick visual inspection by security agents, while avoiding slowing down queues. This globally standardized measure, under the aegis of ICAO, ensures consistency between countries and prevents loopholes related to divergent practices.

Recent and upcoming developments (new scanners, regulatory changes)

The arrival of next-generation 3D CT scanners could transform the 100 ml rule. These devices, capable of providing a detailed image of baggage contents, allow liquids and aerosols to be identified without having to remove them from bags or systematically limit them.

In some British airports, such as Heathrow, London City, or Gatwick, restrictions have already been eased. Passengers can now carry up to 2 liters of liquids in the cabin, a freedom unimaginable just a few years ago. A similar trend is emerging in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich are planning a gradual liberalization by summer 2026.

In continental Europe, caution remains. Although many airports are already equipped with CT scanners, the 100 ml rule is still in force in April 2026. This restraint is not technical, scanners can detect liquid explosives, but rather political and regulatory.

European countries must agree on common decisions, guarantee system reliability, and anticipate cybersecurity risks, especially when equipment is manufactured abroad. In France, for example, although Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports are equipped with these new technologies, the DGAC has not yet announced the end of restrictions. A gradual transition is expected in the coming years, where technology will replace prohibitions, thus simplifying travelers' lives while maintaining a high level of security.

Practical tips for traveling with liquids

Traveling by plane with liquids can quickly become a headache if you don't know the rules to follow. However, with a few simple steps and good organization, you can pass security control stress-free, while keeping your essential products close at hand.

Efficiently prepare your cabin toiletry bag

The day before your departure, take the time to prepare your toiletry bag. Make a list of essentials: hygiene products, facial care, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and necessary medication. Check that each container complies with the authorized limit of 100 ml, even if the bottle is half empty. This rule applies to all liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes.

Store your toiletry bag in an easily accessible pocket of your cabin luggage, such as an external pocket. This will allow you to quickly take it out at security control. To efficiently organize your suitcase, find our tips in the guide what to put in your suitcase for 1 week.

Choose the right formats and containers

Opt for travel bottles of 100 ml maximum, graduated to facilitate reconditioning. Flexible containers, made of silicone or plastic, are light, resistant, and easily adapt to your kit. They also better withstand pressure variations during flight than rigid bottles.

Avoid using original containers that are too large, even if they are partially empty. The capacity of the bottle, and not its contents, is taken into account. Transfer your products into suitable containers and label them with the product name and reconditioning date to avoid any confusion.

Optimize your organization to save time at security

Place all your liquids, gels, and creams in a transparent, resealable bag of approximately 1 liter. Do not mix this bag with your electronic devices or other personal items: this will facilitate the work of security agents. If your airline offers a specific "TSA" or "1L" bag, use it for even more practicality.

Think about the small details: clean the clear bag to keep it legible and opt for containers slightly under 100 ml to avoid any misunderstandings. Store this bag in an external pocket of your luggage, next to your passport and boarding pass, to present everything quickly. Also find out if your hair straightener is allowed in cabin baggage.

Travel light: solid alternatives and compact formats

To bypass liquid restrictions, opt for solid products like shampoos, superfatted soaps, deodorants, or bar moisturizers. These alternatives are more practical, durable, and won't leak into your luggage.

Supplement with compact formats: samples, miniatures, or multi-purpose sticks. These products are perfect for short stays and often already comply with transport standards. By combining solid products and small formats, you free up space in your clear bag and travel more serenely.

FAQ

What are the exact rules for transporting liquids in airplane cabins?

The 3-1-1 rule for transporting liquids in cabin baggage (applicable in the European Union) states that:

• Containers must have a maximum capacity of 100 ml each.
• They must be placed in a clear plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (recommended dimensions: 20x20 cm).
• Only one bag is allowed per passenger.
• This bag must be presented separately during security screening.

Exceptions: Medicines, baby food, and items purchased duty-free after security screening are allowed, even if they exceed the 100 ml limit.

Can you bring an unlimited quantity of liquids in checked baggage?

Yes, generally, it is possible to bring an unlimited quantity of liquids in checked baggage, without adhering to the 100 ml limit imposed on cabin baggage. However, some airlines apply specific restrictions:

• For example, Air France limits alcohol to 5 liters.
• Other airlines impose a maximum of 2 kg or 2 liters for liquids.

What types of liquid products are prohibited on airplanes, whether in cabin or checked baggage?

Certain liquid products are strictly prohibited on airplanes, whether in cabin or checked baggage:

• Flammable or explosive products: gasoline, solvents, alcohol over 70°.
• Toxic, chemical, or radioactive substances.
• Dangerous household products: bleach, strippers.
• Thermometers containing mercury.
• Paints, gases, and pesticides.

Are there any recent changes regarding the 100 ml cabin limit at certain airports?

Yes, several European airports have recently relaxed the 100 ml rule thanks to the use of CT scanners. These new pieces of equipment now allow up to 2 liters of liquids in cabin baggage at some equipped airports:

• United Kingdom: Heathrow, Gatwick, London City
• Several airports in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

In France, the 100 ml rule remains in force in 2026, although Paris-CDG and Orly airports are equipped with CT scanners. The DGAC has not yet announced a timeline for lifting the restrictions.