Flight tips
Cabin liquids rules: the 100 ml and clear-bag guide
What matters is the container's capacity, not how much is left inside. A half-full 200 ml bottle can still fail security.
Prepared by the FlyVentis editorial team and regularly reviewed for travel and event accuracy.
On departures from European Union airports, liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage generally travel in containers of no more than 100 ml each, inside a single transparent, resealable one-litre bag. Toothpaste, cream, gel, perfume, shaving foam and mixed liquid-solid products can fall into the same group. Complete the size and weight side with the carry-on baggage guide.
Even if an airport has newer screening equipment, do not pack on the assumption of a higher limit. You may face a second security check at a connecting airport; check the transfer points on your route and plan to the strictest rule.
The most common 100 ml mistake
The limit looks at the maximum capacity printed on the container, not the amount left inside. A 200 ml bottle with 50 ml remaining still fails the 100 ml rule. If you decant into a travel-size bottle, think about leak-proofing and how the contents will be identified.
What can count as a liquid?
| Product group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Drinks, perfume, shampoo, lotion |
| Gels and pastes | Toothpaste, hair gel, honey, jam |
| Aerosols | Deodorant, shaving foam, spray |
| Mixtures | Soup, yoghurt-style products, food with liquid |
Medicine, baby food and special diets
Essential medicines needed during the journey, baby food and special dietary products can be accepted above the 100 ml limit; a security officer may still ask you to verify the item or explain the need. Prepare prescriptions, a doctor's note and destination checks with the travelling with medication guide.
- Take only a reasonable amount for the journey in the cabin.
- Keep medicines in packaging where the name and dose remain readable.
- Confirm cold-chain equipment with the airline and security in advance.
- Check the connecting country's medicine-carriage rules separately.
Duty-free and connection risk
Duty-free liquids bought after security can travel in the cabin when the product and receipt stay in an unopened security bag. At a connection outside the EU, recognition of that bag and rescreening rules can change. On a long itinerary, check the official information for your last connecting airport before you shop.
Official source and related guides
Frequently asked questions
Can a half-full 200 ml bottle go in the cabin?
Under the general cabin rule, no; the container's capacity must not exceed 100 ml. The amount currently inside is not what decides it.
Does toothpaste count as a liquid?
Yes. Pastes and gels fall under the liquids restriction and go in a suitable container and bag.
Can liquid medicine be larger than 100 ml?
An exception can apply for medicines needed during the journey. Carry documents that show the need and authenticity, and check the airport in advance.
