100 ml or 2 litres? Why airport liquid rules differ in 2026
Airport liquid limits are no longer identical everywhere. Understand CT scanners, classic 100 ml rules, 2-litre airports and connections.
Why you can use this page to make a decision
This page combines a direct answer with airport, airline and primary-source rules. Safety answers are not influenced by partner content or advertising.
100 ml remains the conservative baseline
If you have not checked your departure airport, packing liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml remains the safest conservative approach.
CT scanners let some airports change the process
Some airports have verified limits up to 2 litres or checkpoint-specific exceptions. Deployment can vary by terminal or security lane.
A connection can change the rule
If you pass security again during a connection, the transfer airport rule applies. A liquid accepted at departure may fail the next checkpoint.
Check in PreflightMate
Always check the official airport or airline source before travel. Rules can change and may be more restrictive.
What can I bring on a plane?
How to avoid a liquids problem
A common mistake is assuming the departure-airport liquid rule will also apply during a connection.
- Check the single-container limit at the exact airport.
- Creams, gels, pastes, aerosols and contact-lens solution count as liquids.
- If you clear security again in transit, check the transfer airport too.
Who prepares the answers
Content is prepared by the PreflightMate Research Desk from structured data and official sources. We do not present ourselves as an aviation authority or airline.
Automation helps format, compare and translate data. A rule marked verified must be linked to an official source; conflicts and exceptions remain visible.
A specific airport, airline, route, destination-country rule or a security officer may apply a more restrictive requirement.
What counts as a liquid at security?
Official source
European Commission - Aviation Security ↗
EASA - Dangerous goods when flying ↗
ICAO - Power bank restrictions 2026 ↗