Editorial Team
Our content team
7 min read
60% of all items confiscated at airport security are carry-on liquids. Not knives, not lighters. Your perfume bottle or that 150ml sunscreen. The most common mistake? Container size, not contents.
That's from a 2021 TSA report. And most travelers don't know the current rules for carry-on liquids.
The 100ml Rule for Carry-On Liquids Explained
The basics haven't changed since 2006: Each container maximal 100ml (3.4 oz). Everything must fit in a clear, resealable 1-liter bag. One bag per person. Done.
Sounds simple? It is. Yet thousands of travelers mess this up daily.
Here's what trips people up: Security checks the container size, not the contents. A 200ml bottle that's half empty? Still getting confiscated. German Federal Police are strict about this.
Here's the interesting part: You can theoretically bring 10 different 100ml bottles if they all fit in your 1-liter bag. The number isn't limited, just container size and total volume.
What Counts as Liquid in Carry-On Luggage?
Liquid isn't just what you can drink. Liquids include anything that's liquid, viscous, gel-like, or creamy at room temperature.
Basically, if it flows or spreads, it counts.
Toiletries and Cosmetics
That includes:
Toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo (all under 100ml)
Spray deodorant and roll-ons (not solid deodorant sticks - those are fine)
Mascara, lip gloss, liquid foundation
Creams, lotions, and aftershave
Perfume and eau de toilette
Shaving foam and gel
Food (yes, really!)
And yes: Nutella, honey, and cream cheese count too. Your breakfast croissant with cream cheese at the gate? Only if the cheese is under 100ml.
Reddit users report having actual philosophical debates with TSA agents about peanut butter, yogurt, and even guacamole.
What security says: "If you can turn it upside down and it flows, it's a liquid."
More Surprising Examples
Contact lens solution
Nail polish and remover
Liquid soap
Lip balm (liquid versions)
Spray sunscreen
Mousse and hair gel
Solid alternatives like bar soap, stick deodorant, or solid shampoo bars don't count. Small trick: Switching to solids saves space in your bag.
The Right Bag for Carry-On Liquids Makes It Easy
You need a transparent bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The 20x20 cm (roughly 8x8 inches) size works well.
Need a bag? The Lermende Transparente Kulturtasche TSA-geprüft 1 Liter Flüssigkeiten Beutel Handgepäck costs under 7 Euros and is TSA-approved. Simple, transparent, resealable.
If you need travel bottles anyway: The Diboniur Transparent Toiletry Bag - 10 Piece Airplane Travel Set, 6 Travel Bottles 100ml is available from 10 Euros. Six 100ml bottles plus bag. You're set for years.
Frequent flyers pay attention: The TWIVEE - Transparent Toiletry Bag with Travel Bottle Set - 1 Litre - Unisex Travel Set is more expensive (around 15 Euros), but the leak-proof bottles pay off. No more shampoo explosions in your luggage.
Besides knowing which carry-on sizes airlines allow, you should also have the right liquid bag ready. If you're still looking for the right carry-on luggage that stores all your stuff (including liquid bag) perfectly, check out our detailed test.
Lermende Transparente Kulturtasche TSA-geprüft 1 Liter Flüssigkeiten Beutel Handgepäck
4.5
(11,629)
EUR 8.99
Amazon
Exceptions to the Rule
Medications and baby food are exempt from the 100ml limit. The TSA allows these in reasonable quantities.
An example from practice: Insulin, eye drops, or liquid pain medication? You can bring larger amounts. Best in original packaging to avoid discussions. Having a prescription helps for liquid medications but isn't required.
Duty-free purchases from the secure area are also fine. But watch out for connecting flights: The rules apply again at your next security checkpoint. That large perfume bottle from duty-free in Frankfurt? It'll get confiscated in Paris if you're changing terminals.
CT Scanners 2026: Will the Rules Change?
Airports with new CT scanners may eventually allow larger containers. Germany is upgrading all major airports by end of 2026.
The new technology can scan liquids better. Theoretically, the 100ml rule could disappear. But: Currently, the old rule still applies, even at airports with new scanners.
When Will Things Change?
Now (January 2026): 100ml rule applies everywhere
Through end of 2026: Gradual upgrade of German airports
2027: Possibly new rules, but not confirmed yet
My advice: Don't count on it. Keep packing according to the 100ml rule until something changes officially. These relaxations have been postponed too many times.
Pro Tip: Bring an Empty Water Bottle
Here's the trick I use on every flight: Empty water bottle through security. Most airports have water fountains past security.
Result? You don't pay $4 for 16 oz of water. And you always have something to drink instead of waiting for cabin service.
You're wondering how to pack your carry-on optimally and use the rules cleverly? We've collected practical tricks. Besides the water bottle, there are more clever travel gadgets that make your flight more pleasant.
Practical Packing Tips for Carry-On Liquids
How to pack your liquids smart:
- Transfer to 100ml bottles: Pour large products into travel sizes at home
- Only bring what you need: For a 3-day city trip you don't need 100ml of shampoo
- Use solid alternatives: Bar soap, stick deodorant, solid toothpaste
- Bag on top of carry-on: Saves digging at security
- Refill on arrival: Hotels usually have shampoo and shower gel
Besides liquid rules, you should also know the Condor-specific carry-on rules if you're flying with this airline. By the way: The EU is also working on new EU passenger rights for 2026 to simplify travel.
Carry-On Liquids Rules: Summary
The rules are simpler than you'd think: Maximum 100ml per container, everything in a 1-liter bag, and you'll breeze through security. With the right travel containers and some preparation, security becomes a piece of cake.
My most important advice? Prepare your bag at home. Frantically repacking at security annoys you and everyone behind you in line.
