Europe Liquid Limits: What Travelers Need to Know

When traveling anywhere by plane, it's crucial to know the rules about flying with liquids.

With what feels like frequently changing policies, and potentially varying security measures between airports, even understanding what's allowed in your home country can be confusing at times.

We're here to help.

In this guide, we will help you understand what the maximum liquid allowance is for your European destination, as well as provide some tips for flying with liquids.

What is the liquid limit for carry-on luggage?

When traveling through the EU, Schengen Area, or the UK, the liquid carry-on restrictions are the same.

For context, these countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The maximum carry-on size is 100 ml, or approximately 3.38 US fluid oz.

What is considered a liquid for carry-on?

For the countries listed above, the following items are considered to be liquid (meaning you must adhere to the 100 ml maximum when traveling with them in your carry-on).

• Drinks
• Toothpaste
• Aerosols
• Cosmetic creams
• Gels

Other liquids include shampoos and conditioners, perfume, lotions, contact lens solution, sunscreen, and more.

Some travelers may be surprised to learn that some foods are considered liquid, like hot sauce, jam, honey, yogurt, etc. If you have purchased souvenirs, it's best to put those liquids in your checked-luggage if they exceed 100 ml in size.

What if I have a liquid that is larger than 100 ml?

If you're traveling with liquid that is above 100 ml, you still have a couple of options to make sure that they don't go to waste.

First, you can pack them in your checked luggage. Checked luggage doesn't adhere to the same restrictions for liquids that carry-on luggage does, so larger bottles and containers are fine.

If you aren't planning to check a bag, you can prepare ahead of time and separate your larger liquid into smaller portions by using reusable travel sized containers. You should be able to easily find travel-size containers at a department store or online, just make sure that they're still under the 100 ml limit.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to fly with larger liquids in your carry on (this includes aerosols), meaning they could be confiscated and thrown away at airport security.

How do I pack my liquids?

For European travel, you must pack your carry-on liquids in a specific way. All liquids must be placed into a sealable transparent plastic bag no larger than 1 liter.

Make sure that this bag is readily accessible when going through airport security. You may have to take it out and put it in its own separate bin, so it will save you time to have it in reach, instead of buried at the bottom of your suitcase. Above all, ensure you follow any instructions given by airport security staff.

According to the UK government's official website, when traveling from the UK, you are limited to one bag (maximum 20 cm x 20 cm) per person.

Do duty free liquids have to be under 100 ml?

No, duty free liquids do not hold the same liquid restrictions, so long as it was purchased at the airport or by the airline and remains sealed inside the provided security bag (it has a red border). When you purchase liquids at duty free, they will package your item(s) in this bag when you check out.

The bag needs to remain sealed until you get to your final destination. It's possible, in some cases, that a security officer will need to open the bag, breaking the seal, to carry out their security checks. If this is the case and you have a layover, make sure you let the security officer know so that they can reseal it for you.

Can I bring baby food in my carry on?

Yes. Baby food is one of the exceptions to the 100 ml rule.

While the protocol is unclear, there may be a process or procedure for bringing baby food over the 100 ml limit, so always follow instructions at security. It can also be helpful to check with your airline before you travel.

My liquid medicine is over 100 ml, but I need it in my carry-on

Medications or necessary dietary liquids that will need to be used during your flight are exempt from the 100 ml rule.

Whether or not this liquid medicine or dietary liquid will need to undergo additional screening or security checks is unclear. Make sure you follow all instructions provided to you when passing through security.

It can also be helpful to check with your airline ahead of time.

Tips for traveling with liquids in your carry-on

Always look up the current limitations and requirements. Which you're doing now! 😎

Pack before you arrive at the airport. While airports may have sections to pack your liquids into provided clear bags, it's easier and faster to pack your liquids at home. You never know how busy the airport will be or what delays you might encounter.

Check that your liquids are tightly sealed. While simple, it's an easy one to overlook. Don't forget to double check that all of your liquids, toothpaste, etc. are tightly sealed so you don't open your suitcase to an unfortunate explosion.

Pack your liquid separately from your clothes. Adding to the tip above, it's also smart to pack your liquids in a separate pocket than your clothes. While the plastic bag must be sealable, you never know what can happen, and no one wants their vacation outfits ruined by their now wasted nice perfume.

Label your containers. If you have divvied up your liquids into reusable travel-sized containers, make sure you label them. While you're preparing them, it's normal to think "oh, I will remember which is which." While that works in theory, once you're ready to wash your hair, it may be difficult to tell the shampoo from the body wash and vice versa. Save yourself the heartache and label them before you go.

Be careful when opening your liquids at your destination. Because of the variations in pressure, your liquids might squirt out of the tube when you first open them. For tubed items, it can help to open them slowly, releasing a little air at each turn of the cap to release the pressure.

Check all of your liquids. If you don't want to worry about the hassle of traveling with liquids in your carry-on, pack them in your checked bag instead! Make sure to consider whether or not you need them during your transit time. For example, hand cream and toothpaste can be nice to have on long-haul flights.

Key takeaways

• 100 ml (about 3.38 US oz) is the maximum carry-on liquid size when traveling in Europe.
• Restricted liquids include creams, gels, and toothpaste.
• "Liquid" foods are also restricted, such as hot sauce, jam, and honey.
• Liquids must be packed in a transparent, sealable plastic bag no larger than 1 liter.
• If you have liquids larger than 100 ml, pack them in your checked bag.
• If you don't follow the 100 ml rule, your liquids may be confiscated and thrown out at security.