Liquids in carry-on: the 100 ml rule and what you can take on a plane

Shampoo, perfume, cream, water from home: liquids are what is most often taken away at security. People do not break the rules on purpose, they just do not know the details. Here is how the liquid limits in carry-on work and how to pack a bag so you pass security without losses.

Important: the rules depend on the route, the airport and the country of departure and can change. Before the trip check the requirements on the airline's and the airport's websites.

How the 100 ml rule works

For international flights many countries use a standard scheme:

• each container of liquid taken into the cabin holds no more than 100 ml;
• all such containers go into one clear resealable bag, as a rule of about 1 liter;
• one such bag is allowed per passenger;
• the bag is taken out of the luggage and shown separately at security.

The key point: it is the volume of the container that counts, not what is left in it. A 200 ml bottle filled halfway will usually not be let through.

What counts as a liquid

At security, a liquid is not only what flows:

• gels, creams, lotions and toothpaste;
• perfumes, deodorants, sprays and aerosols;
• mascara, lip gloss and liquid eyeliner;
• pates, jams, honey, yogurt and sauces;
• soup, syrup and any drinks.

A simple rule: if you can pour, spread, squeeze or spray it, it is better to count it as a liquid.

What you can take above the limit

For some categories exceptions are made, but it is worth confirming them with the carrier in advance:

1. Medicines. Those needed for the duration of the flight are usually allowed in a reasonable quantity, preferably with a prescription or a doctor's note. We do not give treatment advice here: ask your doctor and the carrier.
2. Baby food and milk for a child flying with you. More on traveling with a baby: flying with a child: rules.
3. Duty-free purchases after security, in a sealed bag with the receipt. Do not open it if you have a connection with a repeat security check ahead.
4. An empty bottle. You can carry an empty container and fill it with water after security in the departure area.

What is better put in checked baggage

Send everything that does not fit the limit in checked baggage: large bottles, perfume, alcohol, sauces and canned food. Make sure that:

• the lids are closed and the bottles are in bags in case of a leak;
• items are wrapped in clothing to protect against breaking;
• fragile and valuable things stay in the cabin.

If your fare has no baggage, work out what is cheaper: adding a piece or buying mini versions of products. What your fare includes is covered in no-baggage fares: what you can take and checked baggage rules.

How to pack carry-on without problems

• Decant the products you need into mini bottles of 100 ml or less in advance.
• Put the clear bag on top so you can take it out quickly.
• Do not take "just in case" what you can buy on the spot: a hotel almost always has shampoo and soap.
• Check the size and weight of the bag: carry-on size and weight.
• Allow time for security: queues grow at peak hours. Checking in online saves time: online check-in guide.

What happens if a liquid is not let through

The excess is taken away at security, and the item usually cannot be returned. Options on the spot:

• drink or use the contents before the checkpoint;
• go back and check the item in if check-in has not closed yet;
• leave the item with someone seeing you off or throw it away.

It is better to put expensive cosmetics and perfume straight into checked baggage than to risk them at security.

Planning a trip? Open the HotTrip flight search and pick a cheaper date, or compare on Aviasales.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take water on a plane?

A bottle of water larger than 100 ml will, as a rule, not be let through on international flights. You can take an empty bottle and fill it after security. On domestic flights the rules may differ, so check with the carrier.

Can I carry perfume in carry-on?

Bottles of up to 100 ml in a clear bag are as a rule allowed. Larger bottles are better checked in. Aerosols and sprays have separate restrictions.

Is solid deodorant or lipstick a liquid?

Solid products are usually not treated as liquids, but cream and gel textures often are. If in doubt, put it in the clear bag.

How do I carry liquids if I have a connection in another country?

Go by the strictest rules of the route. Keep duty-free purchases in a sealed bag with the receipt and check the carrier's terms.

Do I need to take the bag of liquids out at security?

Most often yes: the bag goes in a tray separate from the luggage. Requirements may differ by airport, so follow the staff's instructions.

Cover: photo by Sergei Starostin on Pexels