100ml vs 2L airport liquid rules explained

100ml vs 2L airport liquid rules, explained

Last updated October 3, 2026

Short answer

Most airports still cap cabin liquid containers at 100ml. A growing number with new CT scanners allow up to 2 litres. Here's how to tell which you're flying from — and why you should pack to the stricter rule on a return trip.

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in one clear bag (up to 1 litre in the UK/EU; quart-sized at US airports) unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

The old rule (100ml, 1 litre bag)

Since 2006, the global standard for cabin liquids has been containers of 100ml or less. Many airports also require them in one transparent bag of up to 1 litre, taken out at security — but not all do: Manchester and London Luton, for example, keep the 100ml limit while letting liquids stay in your bag without a plastic bag. Check each airport's bag and removal rules separately from the container limit.

The new rule (up to 2L, no bag, no removal)

Newer CT (computed tomography) scanners can see liquids in 3D and analyse what's in the container. Some upgraded airports now allow containers up to 2 litres that stay in your bag. Examples confirmed on the airports' own pages in October 2026: London Heathrow (Terminals 2–5; not on flights to Australia; metal or insulated containers empty) and Bristol (metal drinks bottles empty). Edinburgh's official page says up to 2 litres per container and liquids stay in your bag (metallic or double-walled containers must be empty), but its clear-bag rule is not stated. Check the current Edinburgh airport page before using larger containers; pack to 100ml if its status is unverified or your other departure/transfer airport has a 100ml limit. Bring a clear resealable bag if the bag rule is not confirmed. Rome Fiumicino allows 2 litres except on USA/Israel flights from Terminal 1. Porto and Berlin have the new equipment at some checkpoints only and still recommend 100ml. US airports follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule.

Why the rule keeps flipping

Several airports have rolled the 2-litre rule back, often at the request of the national security regulator (e.g. the UK's DfT temporarily reinstating 100ml at newly-upgraded airports in 2024). Treat 2L allowances as 'nice when available, not guaranteed'.

The safe approach for a round trip

The rule that matters is the one at the airport you depart from. On a return trip you depart from two different airports. Pack to the stricter of the two so you don't lose anything on the way home — that's the rule Liquid Limits recommends by default.

FAQs

Is the 100ml rule about to be scrapped everywhere?

No. Many airports still use 100ml, and some with new scanners only use them at some checkpoints. Assume 100ml unless the departure airport's own page confirms otherwise for your flight.

Does the 2L rule apply to alcohol?

Airport pages describe the 2L limit per liquid container. Alcohol also has separate airline and dangerous-goods limits — check your airline before packing it.

Check your trip