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What are the Rules for Flying with Liquids?
Everything you need to know about flying with liquids
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What are the rules for flying with liquids?
The amount of liquid you can carry on a flight varies by country. But there are some standard rules you can expect.
Carry-on luggage liquid rules:
- Keep each liquid in a small container with a maximum capacity of 100ml.
- The total containers can add up to 1 litre (e.g., 10 containers holding 100ml).
- Liquid containers must be placed in 1 clear plastic bag (often available at the airport).
Checked baggage liquid rules:
- You can bring as many non-hazardous liquids as you like in any size container.
- There may be limits for hazardous materials (aerosols).
- Liquids don't have to be kept in a plastic bag, but must be packed securely.
Changes to liquid maximum
As of 2026, some changes have been made to the liquid rules for your carry-on luggage, and luckily, they make things a lot easier!
Thanks to the introduction of CT Scanners at various major airports, security can get a better visual of the liquids in your bag.
Because of this, you'll no longer need to keep your liquids in a clear plastic bag, and you won't have to take them out of your carry-on luggage to be scanned. In some cases, it also means you can take up to 2 litres of liquids in your carry-on luggage!
Please note that just because one of your airports has made these changes doesn't mean the other will. In most cases, it's still best to stick to the 1 litre rule. If you forget a clear plastic bag, most airports will provide one for you.
What counts as a liquid when flying?
Want to save space in your liquid bag? Know exactly what does and doesn't count as a liquid.
- Gels (hand sanitiser) - Liquid ✔️
- Pastes (toothpaste) - Liquid ✔️
- Aerosols (spray on deodorant) - Liquid ✔️
- Creams (sunscreen) - Liquid ✔️
- Sauces & spreads (jam, peanut butter) - Liquid ✔️
- Frozen liquids (frozen water) - Liquid unless completely solid ✔️/❌
- Powders (powdered deodorant) - Not a liquid but may be subject to powder limits ❌
- Wet wipes - Not a liquid ❌
- Solid makeup (solid eyeshadow) - Not a liquid ❌
What liquids are banned on a flight?
While the rules on which liquids are banned vary by country, there are some universal items that security will stop.
- Radioactive medicines: While most medications are allowed, especially if kept in their original packaging or with a doctor's note, Radiopharmaceuticals are banned.
- Drinks above 70% alcohol volume: Alcohol becomes very flammable when above 70%, classifying it as a hazardous material and prohibiting it from flights.
- Poisons: Although this might not sound too surprising, it's important to note that things like weed killer and pesticides also count as poisons.
- Corrosives: These are liquids that can destroy materials they come in contact with. A common corrosive that people try to fly with is bleach.
- Self-defence sprays: Items like pepper spray and mace are seen as weapons when flying and are banned, even if you're flying between countries that permit their use.
Duty-free liquids
Can I bring duty-free liquids onboard?
Yes! Once you've gone through security and entered the duty-free area of the airport, you can buy as many liquids as you like, from water to perfume.
When you've passed security, the liquid maximum no longer applies. So you can purchase additional liquids without needing to fit them into a clear plastic bag.
Please note that the size and number of bags you bring onto the plane still matter. So you'll have to make sure the liquids you buy can fit in your carry-on luggage.
What if I'm getting a connecting flight?
This is where things get trickier. Many airports will let you bring your duty-free liquids in your carry-on even if they go over the maximum amount, as long as you keep your receipts. However, some airports, including ones in the USA, have been known to bin extra carry-on liquids, even if they were purchased at a previous airport.
As you may need to go through security at your connecting airport, Alternative Airlines advises against purchasing large amounts of duty-free liquids at your first airport. Instead, wait until you've reached your connecting one.
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Flying with liquids FAQs
What to do with liquids when flying?
There are 2 main options when flying with liquids.
- You can keep liquids in your carry-on luggage: This means they're close to you. This is perfect for items you might need onboard, or ones you don't want to risk losing. However, you can only bring a certain amount, and liquids must usually be kept in a clear plastic bag.
- You can keep liquids in your checked baggage: This means they'll be stowed away in the hold of the plane. During your flight, these liquids are inaccessible. They're not subject to maximum amounts, but carrying a lot of liquids can increase your bag's overall weight. This option is perfect if you want to take a lot of liquids or big containers.
You can do one of each or both, depending on your ticket's rules.
Can I bring more than 1 litre of liquids in my carry-on luggage?
At most airports, you can bring a maximum of 1 litre of liquids in your carry-on luggage. Or in other words, up to 10 containers with 100ml of liquid.
However, some airports have increased the maximum to 2 litres thanks to their new CT Scanners! Including some UK airports.
The majority of airports still stick to the 1 litre limit. So it's important that you research the rules of your departure and return airports before your trip.
Can I bring liquid medicine on my flight?
Yes, you can! Liquid medication can go in either your carry-on or your checked baggage. Alternative Airlines recommends keeping essential medications in your carry-on luggage for easy access and in case your checked baggage goes missing.
We also advise that you keep your medication in its original packaging or bring a doctor's/prescription note stating what the medication is to avoid issues with security.
The only types of medication you cannot bring on your flight, in either carry-on or checked baggage, are Radiopharmaceuticals. But these are usually administered by health care professionals and are rarely given to the patient to take home.
Can I bring baby milk on my flight?
Yes! You can fly with baby milk regardless of whether you're travelling with a baby or not.
Security staff will screen any baby milk and may ask you to sip the liquid.
Baby milk is sometimes exempt from the 1 litre rule, especially if you're flying with a baby or taking breast milk. In these cases, you may be allowed containers up to 2 litres, but this varies by airport.
Alternative Airlines advises you check the rules of the airports you're travelling through before your trip.
What happens if I pack too many liquids in my carry-on luggage?
If you pack too many liquids and only realise at security, your excess items will be binned, and you won't get them back.
In some cases, if you really don't want your items thrown away, you can leave security and head to the check-in line. There, you'll retrieve your checked baggage and put the extra liquids inside. But this can be time-consuming and would involve queuing for both lines, so it isn't recommended.
What happens if I don't pack my liquids in a clear plastic bag?
Liquids in your checked baggage don't have to be kept in a clear plastic bag, but should be kept in secure containers to avoid spillage.
Most airports will require your carry-on liquids to be in a clear plastic bag, which can be ordered online. Alternatively, most airports will provide one for you at security.
With the introduction of CT Scanners, some airports will let you keep your liquids in your regular makeup bag or loose in containers in your carry-on. These airports usually don't have clear plastic bags available, since you don't need them!
Are liquid restrictions the same in every country?
No. Many countries will have slightly different rules on what is and isn't allowed. For example, some countries ban alcohol altogether, and others will let you take it as long as it has an alcohol volume of less than 70%.
While there are standard rules you can expect, like corrosives not being allowed, things like the maximum liquid amount and whether you need a clear plastic bag may vary.
Alternative Airlines recommends researching the airports you'll be travelling through before your trip.