You can usually bring only small amounts of liquid in your carry‑on, but much more in checked baggage. Here’s the quick, practical breakdown for 2026.

The basic rule (most airports)

For most airports worldwide (including the US TSA and most of Europe), the standard rule for liquids in carry‑on is still the “3‑1‑1” / “100 ml” rule:

  • Each liquid container: max 3.4 oz (100 ml)
  • All containers must fit in 1 clear, resealable plastic bag
  • Bag size: about 1 quart / 1 liter , usually around 20 cm × 20 cm
  • One such bag per passenger in carry‑on

“Liquids” usually includes:

  • Drinks (water, soda, juice, alcohol)
  • Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion)
  • Gels and creams (hair gel, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup liquids)
  • Sprays and aerosols (deodorant spray, hair spray)
  • Semi‑liquids (soups, sauces, yogurt, peanut butter)

In your checked baggage , liquid quantity is generally not restricted by container size, as long as:

  • Items are well‑sealed and packed to avoid leaks
  • You follow airline rules on dangerous goods (e.g., strong alcohol is limited)

Important exceptions

Most systems allow larger amounts in carry‑on for:

  • Medications : Reasonable quantities above 100 ml are usually allowed, often with a prescription or doctor’s note and separate screening.
  • Baby items : Baby milk, formula, and food can exceed 100 ml if you are traveling with the baby.
  • Special dietary needs : Liquid nutrition or medical liquids can often exceed the limit but must be declared.
  • Duty‑free liquids : Larger bottles of perfume or alcohol bought after security are usually allowed if they are in a sealed, tamper‑evident bag with receipt.

Always keep these items separate and be prepared to show them at security.

Newer changes and “2‑liter” airports

Some airports, especially a few in the UK and parts of Europe, are rolling out advanced scanners and relaxing the rules. At a growing number of these airports:

  • You may be allowed up to 2 liters per container in your carry‑on.
  • You often do not need to remove liquids from your bag at security.
  • There might be no fixed limit on the number of containers, as long as each one is within the new size limit.

However:

  • These relaxed rules only apply at specific airports and sometimes only on certain routes.
  • Many airports still enforce the classic 100 ml in a 1‑liter bag rule.
  • Metal water bottles often still need to be empty going through security, even where 2‑liter limits are allowed.

Simple packing example

Imagine a typical carry‑on under the standard rules:

  • 1 travel‑size shampoo (100 ml)
  • 1 travel‑size conditioner (100 ml)
  • 1 mini toothpaste (75 ml)
  • 1 face cream (50 ml)
  • 1 small perfume (50 ml)
    All these must fit together inside one quart/liter clear bag in your cabin bag.

If you want to bring full‑size bottles (e.g., 250–500 ml shampoo), put them in your checked luggage instead.

Quick checklist before you fly

  1. Check which rule your departure airport is using:
    • Classic: 100 ml max per item, all in 1 × 1‑liter bag.
    • New scanners: possibly up to 2 liters per item, no small bag needed.
  2. Put all regular liquids, gels, and sprays for carry‑on in travel sizes.
  3. Keep medications and baby liquids separate and declare them.
  4. Put large bottles (full‑size toiletries, large drinks, big sauces) in checked baggage.
  5. If in doubt, look at your airport or government security website for the most current rules.

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Wondering how much liquid you can bring on a plane in 2026? Learn the current 100 ml and 2‑liter rules, exceptions for meds and baby items, and what belongs in carry‑on vs checked bags.