You can take liquids on a plane in containers of 100 milliliters (ml) or less each when carried in your hand luggage. All these containers must fit comfortably within a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter (about a quart-size bag). Only one such bag is allowed per passenger. Liquids exceeding 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage unless they qualify for specific exemptions such as essential medications, baby food, or duty-free purchases sealed in security bags with receipts
Key points about liquids in carry-on luggage:
- Maximum container size: 100 ml (3.4 ounces)
- Total volume: All containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag of max 1-liter capacity
- Number of bags: One per passenger
- Types of liquids: Includes drinks, toothpaste, creams, gels, aerosols, lotions, and similar substances
- Exemptions:
- Essential medicines with a doctor’s note
- Baby food and milk needed during the flight
- Liquids purchased after security (e.g., duty-free) if sealed with a receipt
- Frozen liquids: Generally not allowed unless completely frozen without any liquid at the bottom
- Empty water bottles: Allowed through security but must be empty before screening
Some airports (notably in the UK and Ireland) have started to relax these rules as of mid-2024, extending the liquid limit to 2 liters in some cases and allowing liquids to remain in hand luggage without removal during security checks, but this is not yet universal and depends on the airport
Summary table for carry-on liquids:
Aspect| Rule/Limit
---|---
Max container size| 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Bag size| Transparent, resealable, max 1 liter
Number of bags| 1 per passenger
Exemptions| Medications, baby food/milk, duty-free
Frozen liquids| Not allowed unless fully frozen
Empty water bottles| Allowed through security
These rules apply broadly in the EU, UK, US, Canada, and many international airports, though always check specific airport regulations before travel
