Travel guide
Liquids in carry-on baggage: limits by airport
The limit can depend on the airport and security checkpoint. Do not assume that new scanners automatically mean an exception: check the official instructions for your departure airport and every airport where you transfer.
Sources checked on .
The general rule in the European Union
The European Commission’s traveller information states the general rule as containers of up to 100 ml, placed in one transparent resealable bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. It also lists exceptions for essential medicines, baby food and milk needed during the trip. Official source
Liquids include gels, creams, aerosols, toothpaste and similar-consistency products. Always check your airport’s own page: this guide does not replace the instructions for your specific flight.
Instructions can differ between airports
Some airports publish different limits where approved screening systems are in use. Aeroporti di Roma announced that Fiumicino’s EDS C3 scanners allow containers of up to 2 litres and liquids to remain in cabin baggage during screening. Heathrow also states that containers up to 2 litres are permitted and can stay in cabin baggage. Official source
These examples describe the individual airports’ instructions. They do not show that the same limit applies at every airport, terminal, checkpoint or transfer. Check the latest official information before packing. Official source
What to check before you leave
1. Find the departure airport’s official security or cabin-baggage page. 2. Check whether its instructions mention your terminal or checkpoint. 3. If you transfer, check the next airport’s rules too. 4. If you cannot find an explicit, current exception, pack liquids using the general 100 ml and 1 litre rule.
Liquid limits concern security screening; cabin-bag size and weight remain subject to your airline’s rules.