For most flights today, you can only carry small amounts of liquids in your hand luggage, and they must follow the well-known “3-1-1” style rules in most countries.

Quick Scoop: What size liquid can you carry on a plane?

  • Most airports still use the 100 ml / 3.4 oz per container rule for carry-on liquids.
  • All your small liquid containers must fit into one clear, resealable bag of about 1 liter / 1 quart total capacity.
  • You usually get only one liquids bag per person in your carry-on.
  • A 4 oz (118 ml) bottle is not allowed in carry-on, even if it’s only half full; the container itself must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
  • Larger liquids can go in checked baggage (with extra rules for alcohol).

The classic 3-1-1 rule (still active in 2026 in many places)

  • 3 – Each container max 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
  • 1 – All containers must fit in 1 quart / 1 liter clear, resealable plastic bag.
  • 1 – 1 bag per traveler in your carry-on.

This applies to liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols like shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, hair gel, and spray deodorant.

Important 2026 twist: some airports now allow bigger liquids

In some places (especially parts of Europe and the UK), new CT scanners mean the rules are easing.

  • Many airports still use the strict 100 ml rule.
  • A few major UK airports (like Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham) now allow up to 2 liters per liquid container in hand luggage, with no need to remove liquids at security when using the new scanners.
  • These looser rules only apply when departing from those specific upgraded airports ; if you start your trip elsewhere, assume the old 100 ml rule still applies.

Because rules can differ by country, airport, and airline , always check your departure airport’s security guidelines before you pack.

Simple example

If you’re flying from a typical airport that still uses the standard rules:

  • You can bring:
    • 1 x 100 ml shampoo
    • 1 x 100 ml conditioner
    • 1 x 100 ml face wash
    • 1 x 75 ml toothpaste
    • 1 x 50 ml perfume

As long as all those bottles fit in a single 1-quart / 1-liter clear zip bag , you’re fine.

If you’re flying from an upgraded UK airport with 2-liter rules, you might be allowed to carry a full-size 500 ml or 1 liter bottle in your hand luggage, but that still won’t help you if your connecting airport or return flight uses the 100 ml rule.

Bottom line:

  • Standard, safe assumption: 100 ml / 3.4 oz max per container in a single 1 quart / 1 liter clear bag, one per person.
  • Some airports now allow larger liquids (up to about 2 liters per container) thanks to new scanners, but this is not universal yet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.