Short answer: Each container can hold 100 ml at most, and they all have to fit in one clear one-litre bag. Medicine and baby food are the exceptions.
Most airports follow the same rule for liquids in hand luggage, and it catches people out every day. Here is how it works.
The rule
- Each container can hold at most 100 ml, no matter how much is left inside. A half-empty 200 ml bottle is not allowed.
- All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag of about one litre, roughly 20 × 20 cm.
- One bag per passenger, taken out of your bag at security.
What counts as a liquid
More than you might think: water, drinks, perfume, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, gels, sprays, contact lens solution, and soft foods like jam, honey, pickles, yoghurt and peanut butter.
Good to know: Packing achar or ghee from home? Over 100 ml, it has to go in checked luggage. Seal it in a jar inside two zip bags.
Exceptions
- Medicines you need during the trip can exceed 100 ml. Carry a prescription or doctor's note and declare them at security.
- Baby food and milk for the journey are allowed when travelling with an infant.
- Duty-free liquids bought after security are allowed if they stay sealed in the shop's tamper-evident bag with the receipt. Do not open the bag before your final connection.
Is the rule changing?
Some airports have installed newer scanners that can check larger containers, and have relaxed the limit. It varies by airport and has changed back and forth, so assume 100 ml unless your departure airport clearly says otherwise. Your return trip may have different rules from your outbound one.
Questions people ask
Q: Can I take an empty water bottle through security?
A: Yes. An empty bottle is fine. Fill it after security.
Q: Does the 100 ml rule apply to solid items?
A: No. Solid deodorant, bar soap, solid shampoo and lipstick are not liquids, which is why many travellers switch to solid toiletries.
Q: Can I carry duty-free alcohol on a connecting flight?
A: Usually, if it stays in the sealed duty-free bag with the receipt. If you have to clear security again at the connection, staff decide, so ask the shop which bag and rules apply to your route.