What Is the 100ml Liquid Rule for Hand Luggage?
Most airports restrict liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage to containers of 100ml, or 3.4oz, or less, all carried together in a single transparent, resealable bag, typically with a combined limit per passenger. This has been standard aviation security policy at most airports worldwide since the mid-2000s.
What counts as a "liquid" under this rule
Drinks, creams, pastes, gels, aerosols, and anything else that isn't solid, including toothpaste, contact lens solution, and some foods such as yogurt or jam.
How the container and bag rules work
- Each container must be 100ml or smaller, even if it isn't full
- All containers must fit in a single transparent resealable bag, usually capped at roughly 1 liter total bag volume
- One bag per passenger, generally presented separately at the security screening point
Exceptions
Baby food or milk and medically necessary liquids in reasonable quantities for the flight are generally exempt, but may need to be declared and can face additional screening. Duty-free liquids bought airside, sealed in a tamper-evident bag with proof of purchase, are often exempt too, though rules vary if you're connecting through a second airport.
Where the rule is changing
A number of airports have begun installing CT-scanner security lanes that allow liquids over 100ml and electronics to stay in bags. Where this technology is in place, the rule may not apply - but this varies airport by airport, not country by country, so check the specific departure airport rather than assuming.