100ml vs 2L airport liquid rules explained

100ml vs 2L airport liquid rules, explained

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.

Last updated May 1, 2026 · Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

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 a single 1-litre clear bag 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.

At a glance

Security · Airline · Border

Security

Will this pass the checkpoint?

Check rules

Rules vary by airport — some still enforce 100ml, others now allow 2L containers in CT scanners.

Source: Airport operator pages

Airline

Can this travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Most airlines defer to airport security on liquids in the cabin.

Border

Can you bring this into the destination country?

Usually OK

Liquids themselves are rarely a customs issue — but contents (alcohol, dairy, CBD) might be.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

The old rule (100ml, 1 litre bag)

Since 2006, the global standard for cabin liquids has been containers of 100ml or less, all fitting inside a single transparent 1-litre bag, with one bag per passenger. The bag has to come out of your hand luggage at security. This is still the rule at the vast majority of airports worldwide.

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. Airports with full CT rollout can allow containers up to 2 litres and don't require you to remove liquids from your bag. Examples in 2024–2025 include London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham (some lanes), Bristol, Amsterdam Schiphol (some lanes), Rome Fiumicino (some lanes), and a handful of US airports.

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. Most airports do not yet have the scanners. Even those that do have rolled back to 100ml at times. Assume 100ml unless you can confirm otherwise for both legs.

Does the 2L rule apply to alcohol?

Where the 2L rule applies, it applies to any liquid by volume, including alcohol. But duty-free alcohol over 70% ABV is restricted regardless.

Check your trip