Liquids on a Plane: Rules, Quantities, and Tips for Carry-on and Checked Luggage

Liquids on planes have been subject to strict rules since 2006: 100 ml maximum per container in carry-on luggage, grouped in a 1-liter transparent bag. For 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 beverages. European and international regulations refer to "liquids, aerosols, and gels" (LAG), which encompass all products that are at least partially liquid at room temperature.

This includes gels, creams, pastes, lotions, foams, as well as any liquid/solid mixture or the contents of pressurized containers. In practice, any product that can flow, be poured, or deform under pressure falls into the liquid category and is subject to security rules for carry-on luggage.

Examples of concerned products (beverages, cosmetics, gels, pastes, aerosols, etc.)

Beverages are obviously the most well-known: water, juice, soda, soup, coffee, milk, syrup, bottled alcohol, etc. But many other products are concerned.

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

"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 carry-on luggage.

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

Rules for carrying liquids in carry-on luggage

Maximum allowed quantity

The total quantity of liquids allowed in carry-on 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 medications, provided they are in bottles or tubes. To find out the exact number of bottles allowed, consult our detailed article.

Container format and capacity

Liquids must be distributed into 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. The products concerned 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 items such as medication, baby food, or certain duty-free products purchased after security screening.

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

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

The bag must be perfectly transparent so that agents can inspect 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-re-sealable bags) may be confiscated at the checkpoint.

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

Exceptions to the liquid rule in carry-on 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 checks.

Medication and medical needs

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

It is highly recommended to keep medications with their 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. The detailed rules by type of treatment are in our guide on medication on planes.

Baby food and specific needs

Infant food, such as powdered milk, reconstituted milk, breast milk, baby bottles, purees, and compotes, are considered medically necessary liquids. You can therefore carry 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 cool packs or ice packs. Present these items clearly during security checks. Even if some devices are no longer necessary depending on your child's age, keep documents or packaging that justify these particular needs.

Products purchased duty-free

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, provided at the time of purchase, accompanied by the dated sales 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 layover 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

Allowed and prohibited liquid products in checked luggage

Unlike carry-on 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. Beverages (water, juice, syrup, soup) and liquid beauty products are generally allowed, provided that the packaging remains intact and sealed. To learn more about what you can bring, consult our guide on what to put in checked luggage.

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

These items must under no circumstances be in your checked baggage. This is also the case for electronic cigarettes and their e-liquids, which can only be transported in carry-on luggage.

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 alcohol must be carefully checked before the flight.

Flammable substances such as gasoline, heating oil, industrial aerosol fixatives, paints or varnishes, as well as highly corrosive cleaning products, are not accepted in checked luggage for safety reasons. Pressurized gas cylinders (such as certain diving cylinders 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 advice and safe transport

To avoid leaks and damage, always pack liquids in sturdy, airtight containers, and if possible, with safety closures. Flexible containers (bottles, plastic bottles) can be placed in thick, waterproof plastic bags or in zip-top 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 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 medications, or regulated products, to comply with customs allowances and safety requirements. Find the rules by airline in our airline baggage guide.

Why these restrictions on liquids on planes?

The limitation of liquids in carry-on luggage is not a simple administrative whim, but a direct response to important issues of air safety. 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 liquid restriction dates back to a thwarted attack plot in 2006 in the United Kingdom. Terrorists planned to use liquid explosives disguised in soda-type containers or toiletries. These substances, although seemingly harmless, 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 carry-on luggage, followed by a relaxation in the form of a 100 ml per container cap. This threshold was scientifically determined: such a quantity does not allow enough chemicals to be gathered to cause an explosion that would endanger the aircraft. Even by combining several bottles, the total quantity would remain insufficient to cause critical damage.

The one-liter transparent 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 standardized measure worldwide, under the aegis of ICAO, ensures consistency between countries and prevents loopholes linked to divergent practices.

Recent and upcoming developments (new scanners, regulatory changes)

The arrival of latest-generation 3D CT scanners could transform the 100 ml rule. These devices, capable of providing a detailed image of luggage contents, can identify liquids and aerosols 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 carry-on luggage, a freedom unimaginable just a few years ago. A similar trend is emerging in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich anticipate 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 as of 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. However, with a few simple actions and good organization, you can pass security without stress, while keeping your essential products close at hand.

Effectively preparing your carry-on 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 medications. Check that each container respects 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 toiletries bag in an easily accessible pocket of your carry-on luggage, such as an exterior pocket. This will allow you to quickly take it out at the security check. For effective suitcase organization, find our tips in the guide what to pack in your suitcase for 1 week.

Choosing the right formats and containers

Opt for travel-sized bottles of 100 ml maximum, graduated to facilitate decanting. Flexible containers, made of silicone or plastic, are lightweight, durable, and easily fit into your toiletries bag. They also withstand pressure changes during flight better than rigid bottles.

Avoid using original containers that are too large, even if they are partially empty. The container's capacity, not its contents, is taken into account. Transfer your products into appropriate receptacles and label them with the product name and repackaging date to avoid confusion.

Optimizing 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 greater convenience.

Think about the small details: clean the transparent bag so it remains legible and opt for containers slightly under 100 ml to avoid any misunderstanding. 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.

Traveling light: solid alternatives and compact formats

To bypass liquid restrictions, opt for solid products like shampoos, superfatted soaps, deodorants, or moisturizing bars. These alternatives are more practical, durable, and won't leak in 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 transparent bag and travel more serenely.

FAQ

What are the exact rules for carrying liquids in airplane cabin baggage?

The 3-1-1 rule for carrying 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 transparent 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 at the security check.

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

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

Yes, in general, it is possible to bring liquids in unlimited quantity in checked baggage, without adhering to the 100 ml limit imposed for 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 planes, whether in cabin or checked baggage?

Certain liquid products are strictly prohibited on planes, 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 in 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 to be carried in cabin baggage in certain equipped airports:

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

In France, the 100 ml rule remains in effect 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.