The safe default
At most airports worldwide, liquids in your hand luggage must follow the long-standing rule:
- Each container holds 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. The size of the container counts, not how full it is.
- All containers fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag of about 1 litre (one quart in the US).
- One bag per passenger, taken out of your cabin bag at security unless staff say otherwise.
In the US this is TSA's 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz containers, in a 1-quart bag, 1 bag per person. As of October 2026 the TSA limit has not changed, though some US checkpoints with newer scanners let you keep liquids in your bag during screening.
Where the rules have changed
New CT scanners produce a 3D image of your bag, which lets security staff check liquids without removing them. Where these are in use and approved, some airports have relaxed the rule:
- United Kingdom: Several airports, including Heathrow, Birmingham and Edinburgh, have allowed passengers to carry containers of up to 2 litres and keep them in their bags. Rules still differ between airports, and some still apply the 100ml limit.
- European Union: The EU brought back the 100ml limit at most airports in September 2024 after concerns about scanner performance, then began allowing approved scanners to relax it again. The result is a patchwork, and rules can even differ between terminals at the same airport.
- United States: The 3-1-1 rule remains, as above. The requirement to remove shoes at TSA checkpoints ended in 2025.
Because the change depends on the equipment at each checkpoint, the rule that applies is the one at your departure airport, including any connecting airports on the way back. Check the airport's own security page a few days before you fly.
What counts as a liquid
Security staff treat anything you could pour, spread, spray or squeeze as a liquid:
| Counts as a liquid | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Water, juice, soft drinks, alcohol |
| Toiletries | Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, mouthwash |
| Creams and gels | Moisturiser, sunscreen, hair gel, lip gloss |
| Make-up | Liquid foundation, mascara, cream concealer |
| Sprays | Deodorant, perfume, hairspray, dry shampoo |
| Food | Yoghurt, honey, jam, sauces, soup, peanut butter, hummus |
| Other | Contact lens solution, hand sanitiser |
Solids are not limited: bar soap, solid shampoo and conditioner bars, solid deodorant, powder make-up and lipstick (but not liquid lipstick) can travel in your bag normally. Switching to solid toiletries is the easiest way to avoid the liquids bag altogether.
Exceptions you should know
- Essential medicines, including liquid medicines, inhalers and insulin, are usually allowed in larger amounts. Declare them at security, keep them in original packaging, and carry a prescription or doctor's letter.
- Baby milk, formula and baby food for the journey are allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant. You may be asked to open or taste-test them.
- Special dietary requirements may be allowed with supporting documentation. Ask your airport or airline in advance.
- Duty-free liquids bought after security are allowed, sealed in their bag with the receipt.
Packing tips that save time
- Use travel-size refillable bottles of 100ml or less, clearly labelled.
- Pack the liquids bag last, at the top of your cabin bag, so it is easy to take out.
- Seal and pad bottles to prevent leaks, because cabin pressure changes can push liquid out.
- Put larger toiletries in checked luggage, where the 100ml limit does not apply. Aerosols and some items are still restricted in the hold.
- Choose solids where you can: soap bars, shampoo bars and solid sunscreen sticks.
- Carry an empty water bottle and fill it after security.
Other items to check before you fly
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in hand luggage, not checked bags, and many airlines have capacity limits and restrictions on using them on board.
- Sharp items such as larger scissors and knives belong in checked luggage.
- Rules for bag size and weight come from your airline, not airport security. See our guide to smart luggage and carry-on bags.
Planning a trip on a budget? Our budget travel guide covers flights, packing and accommodation.