You can usually take only small containers of liquids in your hand luggage, and larger amounts in checked baggage, but the exact limit depends on where you’re flying from and whether the airport uses new 3D scanners.

Standard liquid rules

At most airports worldwide, the familiar 100ml rule still applies. That means:

  • Each liquid container in your carry‑on must be 100 ml / 3.4 oz or less
  • All containers must fit in a clear resealable bag of about 1 litre total capacity
  • Liquids include gels, aerosols, creams, pastes, and things like yogurt or peanut butter

Anything bigger than 100 ml usually has to go in checked baggage or will be taken away at security.

New scanner airports

Some airports (especially in the UK and a growing number elsewhere) now have advanced CT scanners that are changing the rules. Typical changes at these airports include:

  • You can carry liquids in containers up to 2 litres each in your cabin bag
  • No need to put liquids in a separate plastic bag or remove them at security
  • The overall allowance is effectively limited by what fits in your permitted cabin baggage

However, rollout is uneven: even within the same country, some airports use the new system and others still enforce the 100 ml rule.

Country and airline differences

  • Security rules are set mainly by the departure country’s authorities, not the airline, so limits can differ between trips.
  • On connecting flights, you must obey the rules of every airport you pass through; if one still uses 100 ml, you can lose larger bottles bought elsewhere.
  • Airlines publish their own baggage guidance pages, which are useful for checking both security rules and any extra cabin baggage limits.

Practical advice that covers most cases

  • If you are unsure, pack hand‑luggage liquids as if the 100 ml rule applies everywhere.
  • Put larger bottles (full‑size shampoo, big sunscreen, drinks, etc.) in checked baggage whenever possible.
  • Check the website of your departure airport and your airline a day or two before flying, because rules are being relaxed at some airports and may change over time.

In short: assume 100 ml per container in a 1‑litre bag for carry‑on unless your departure airport clearly states it has removed that limit, and use checked luggage for anything bigger.