Liquids on a plane 2026 - 100 ml, 2 litres and airport rules
Current carry-on liquid rules: when the 100 ml limit applies, which airports allow up to 2 litres, and exceptions for medicine, baby food and duty free.
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.
The 100 ml rule is no longer identical everywhere
Some European airports with CT scanners allow larger containers while others still use the classic 100 ml rule. Check the departure airport and, for connections, any airport where you may pass security again.
What counts as a liquid
Liquids include more than drinks: gels, creams, pastes, perfume, shampoo, gel deodorant, aerosols and many cosmetics can all fall under liquid rules.
Exceptions
Essential medicines and baby food can qualify for exceptions. Duty-free liquids should remain sealed as required, especially when connecting through another security 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 ↗