New Carry-On Liquid Rules 2026: What Actually Applies Now
6 min read
You've probably heard that the 100ml liquid rule is being scrapped. And that's true. Sort of. The new carry-on liquid rules in 2026 only apply at a handful of screening lanes in Frankfurt and Munich, where you can now bring up to 2 liters through security. But at most German airports, the old rule still applies. That's where the confusion starts.
I saw it firsthand last week at Berlin BER. My colleague Susi walked through security with a 500ml shampoo bottle, no problem. I was one lane over with the exact same bottle and got sent back. Same airport, same time. Welcome to 2026.
Carry-On Liquid Rules: What Applies in March 2026?
The basic rule hasn't changed. According to the German Federal Police, each container can hold a maximum of 100ml. All liquids go in one transparent, resealable 1-liter bag. One bag per person.
The EU regulation (EU 2025/920) does allow airports with modern CT scanners to lift this restriction. But there's no EU-wide abolition date. Whether your full-size bottle makes it through depends on which screening lane you end up at.
You don't get to choose.
CT Scanners: Where Do the New Rules Apply?
The upgrade is happening, but slowly. As Airliners.de reports, most German airports don't have enough new scanners yet. Here's the current status:
| Airport | CT Scanners | Status | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt (FRA) | 40 of ~160 lanes | Areas A+Z (Lufthansa) equipped | Stick to 100ml |
| Munich (MUC) | 20 of ~60 lanes | Terminal 2 + T1 Module D | Stick to 100ml |
| Berlin (BER) | 24 lanes, ~75% of passengers | Software update pending | Stick to 100ml |
| Dusseldorf (DUS) | 7 scanners | Not widespread | Stick to 100ml |
| Hamburg (HAM) | 6 scanners | Not widespread | Stick to 100ml |
Frankfurt Airport specifically recommends sticking to the 100ml rule. Because you don't know which screening lane you'll end up at.
According to the BER's official press release, about three quarters of passengers benefit from CT lanes. But a software update is still pending for some screening lines.
Honestly? I wouldn't risk it. Having a shampoo bottle confiscated is way more annoying than just decanting into small containers beforehand.
What Counts as a Liquid?
This trips up a lot of travelers. According to ADAC, it's not just the obvious stuff. Here are the most common surprises:
| Counts as Liquid | Does NOT Count as Liquid |
|---|---|
| Spray deodorant, roll-on | Solid deodorant stick |
| Toothpaste | Toothpaste tabs |
| Perfume, eau de toilette | Solid lipstick |
| Mascara, lip gloss | Powder cosmetics |
| Sunscreen | Solid shampoo bars |
| Honey, Nutella, jam | Chocolate (solid) |
Wondering if your deodorant is allowed in your carry-on? Depends on the type. Spray and roll-on go in the bag. A solid stick doesn't need to.
Toothpaste? Counts as a liquid. Into the 1-liter bag it goes. Perfume in your carry-on? Sure, as long as the bottle holds no more than 100ml. What matters is the container's printed maximum capacity, not how much is actually inside. A 200ml bottle with only 30ml left will still be confiscated.
Exceptions to the 100ml Rule
Four things you can bring regardless of the 100ml limit:
Medication with a doctor's prescription or certificate (amounts needed for travel)
Baby food and breast milk for the journey
Duty-free purchases in sealed STEB security bags (with receipt)
Liquids at CT scanner screening lanes (if your airport has them)
Our Recommendation
Until your departure airport is fully upgraded, stick to the 100ml rule. It takes five minutes of preparation and saves you stress at the checkpoint.
What helps: A good transparent toiletry bag makes a real difference. The Lermende Transparent Toiletry Bag, Liquid Bag, Hand Luggage, TSA Approved Cosmetic Bag holds exactly 1 liter, is TSA-approved, and costs under 10 euros. I've been using one for two years. Much better than flimsy zip bags from the supermarket.
For shampoo, shower gel, and similar products, a travel bottle set pays for itself quickly. The Opret 100ml Silikon Reiseflaschen Set, 3 Stück Auslaufsicher Nachfüllbare Portable Reise Container für Shampoo Creme Spülung, BPA-frei und TSA-geprüft comes with three leak-proof 100ml silicone bottles that fit perfectly in the toiletry bag. Need four containers? Go with the Silikon Reiseflaschen Set, 4 Stück 100ml Auslaufsicher Squeeze Reise Container Portable nachfüllbare Toilettenartikel Set, Leere Reisegröße für Shampoo Conditioner Lotion.
As Euronews reported in January 2026, the situation across Europe is a patchwork. London Heathrow has scrapped the 100ml rule in all terminals. Zurich plans to follow by summer 2026. Most German airports will likely take considerably longer.
If you want to be safe, the tried-and-tested combination of a clear bag and travel bottles is still your best bet. Maybe not for much longer. But given the current carry-on liquid rules in March 2026, it's the only guaranteed way through security.
Lermende Transparent Toiletry Bag, Liquid Bag, Hand Luggage, TSA Approved Cosmetic Bag
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Frequently Asked Questions
What changed about carry-on liquids in 2026?
The EU now allows airports with CT scanners to lift the 100ml rule. In practice, most German airports aren't fully equipped yet. Frankfurt has 40 of 160 lanes, Munich 20 of 60. The 100ml rule and the 1-liter bag remain the binding standard at nearly all screening lanes across Germany.
How many 100ml containers can I bring in my carry-on?
As many as fit in your single transparent 1-liter bag. The rule of thumb is 6 to 8 containers depending on size and shape. You're allowed exactly one bag per person. Extra bags or liquids outside the bag will be confiscated at security.
Is toothpaste a liquid in carry-on luggage?
Yes. Toothpaste counts as a liquid and must go in the 1-liter bag. Same goes for sunscreen, mascara, lip gloss, and liquid foundation. The container can hold a maximum of 100ml. Want to save space? Toothpaste tabs don't count as a liquid and don't take up room in your bag.
Can I bring 2 liters of liquid in my carry-on?
Only at screening lanes with CT scanners. Frankfurt (Areas A and Z), Munich (Terminal 2), and Berlin BER have some of these lanes. But you don't know beforehand whether you'll end up at a CT lane or a traditional one. The safe option remains 100ml per container, everything in the 1-liter bag.
