Summary: Liquids in carry-on baggage must be in containers of no more than 100 milliliters, all placed in one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of one liter. Medication and baby food are exempt. Some airports with new scanners have relaxed the rules, but do not rely on that.
The basic rule
The European rules for liquids in carry-on baggage have been the same for years and apply at all EU airports.
- Each container may hold no more than 100 milliliters
- All containers must fit in one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter
- The bag must close without bulging
- One bag per passenger
- The bag must be removed separately during security screening
Important detail: the rule applies to the printed capacity of the container, not to how much remains inside. A half-empty 200-milliliter bottle is not allowed, even if it contains only 50 milliliters.
What counts as a liquid
More than you might think. The rule covers anything that can flow, spread, or spray:
- Shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, sunscreen
- Toothpaste and gel
- Liquid foundation, mascara, lip gloss
- Deodorant spray and hairspray
- Perfume and aftershave
- Shaving foam
- Contact lens solution
- Ointment and cream
Not counted as liquids: solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, shampoo bars, powder makeup, toothpaste tablets, and dry wipes. Using these leaves much more room in your bag.
The exceptions
Medication. Liquid medication may be carried in larger quantities for the duration of your trip. Bring a prescription, a letter from your pharmacist, or the original labeled packaging. Declare it at security instead of waiting for it to be found.
Baby food. Milk, water, and food for a baby traveling with you may be carried in the required amount. You may be asked to take a sip.
Special dietary products. Medically necessary dietary products fall under the same exception, with supporting evidence.
Duty-free purchases made after security. These may be carried on, provided they are sealed in the transparent bag with the receipt visible. Do not open the bag before reaching your final destination, especially when connecting.
The new scanners
Various European airports have installed CT scanners that technically make the 100-milliliter rule unnecessary. The situation varies by airport and by security checkpoint, and the rules have been changed and reversed several times in recent years.
Practical advice: always pack according to the traditional rule. If more is allowed, consider it a bonus. If you rely on the relaxed rules and an old scanner is in use that day, you may have to surrender your belongings. Check the website of both your departure airport and your connecting airport shortly before departure.
How to pack your leather toiletry bag practically
A leather toiletry bag does not have to stay empty just because liquids must go in a separate bag.
- Keep the transparent bag separate and on top. Place it in the top compartment or just beneath the zipper of your carry-on, not at the bottom of your toiletry bag. At security, you want to be able to grab it in two seconds.
- Put the rest in the toiletry bag. Toothbrush, comb, razor with a protective cap, tweezers, nail clippers, bandages, earplugs, and jewelry.
- Use solid alternatives. A shampoo bar and a deodorant stick together already save half the space in your liquids bag.
- Use refillable bottles. Quality 100-milliliter bottles leak less than travel containers from the drugstore and are cheaper in the long run.
- Protect the leather. Keep bottles upright and use a plastic bag as an inner layer. Leaking oil on the lining of a leather toiletry bag is impossible to remove.
Sharp objects
Toiletry bags often contain items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage. Scissors with a blade longer than six centimeters are prohibited, as are loose razor blades. Disposable razors and razors with a fixed cartridge are allowed. Nail clippers and tweezers are permitted.
The more spacious option
If you are going away for more than a few days, checking a bag is often easier than trying to fit everything into 100-milliliter containers. Your toiletry bag can then simply be full.
More about carry-on rules for the bag itself can be found in Leather bag as carry-on baggage. For more about choosing the toiletry bag itself, see Buying a leather toiletry bag.
