The amount of liquid you can take on an airplane depends on whether it is in your hand luggage (carry-on) or checked baggage, and also on the airport and country regulations.
Liquids in Hand Luggage (Carry-On)
- Generally, liquids must be in containers of 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) or less each.
- All containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (about 20cm x 20cm).
- This bag must usually be removed from your luggage and screened separately at security checkpoints.
- Some UK airports with advanced 3D CT scanners now allow you to leave liquids in your bag without removal, but the 100ml container limit still applies. Airports with this technology include Gatwick, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and others.
- Exceptions to the 100ml rule include:
- Duty-free liquids purchased after security (can be any size but must remain sealed)
- Essential medications with a doctor's note or prescription (can exceed 100ml)
- Baby food and milk needed during the flight (can be larger quantities)
- Liquids include drinks, gels, creams, pastes, sprays, and aerosols.
Liquids in Checked Baggage
- There is no strict limit on the volume or container size for liquids in checked luggage, except that flammable or hazardous liquids are prohibited.
- You can pack larger containers of liquids such as shampoo, lotions, or beverages in your checked bags.
Upcoming Changes and Variations
- Some airports have planned to relax the 100ml limit and allow up to 2 liters per passenger in any container size in cabin luggage, but these changes have been delayed or rolled back as of 2024-2025.
- It is safest to assume the 100ml per container and 1-liter bag rule applies unless you are flying from an airport confirmed to have new scanning technology.
Summary Table
Aspect| Hand Luggage (Carry-On)| Checked Baggage
---|---|---
Max container size| 100 ml (3.4 oz)| No limit (except hazardous liquids)
Total liquid volume| Must fit in 1-liter transparent bag| No limit
Removal at security| Usually yes (except some airports with new scanners)| No
Exceptions| Duty-free, medications, baby food| N/A
These rules apply broadly in the UK, EU, and US, with minor variations at specific airports
