Can I take olive oil on a plane?

Can I take olive oil on a plane internationally?

Olive oil is a liquid — cabin limit is 100ml per bottle, checked luggage is unlimited (subject to customs). Most travellers buy big bottles abroad and pack them in checked baggage, double-bagged and wrapped in clothes.

Last updated May 27, 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

Quick answer

Cabin: 100ml only. Checked: bring the 1L bottle, wrap it well.

Olive oil leaks are catastrophic. Always double-bag, wrap in a pillowcase, and pack inside a hard suitcase.

Cabin vs checked

Bottle	Cabin	Checked
100ml gift bottle	Yes	Yes
250ml standard	No	Yes
500ml–1L premium	No	Yes, wrapped
Tin (500ml+)	No	Yes, wrapped

Customs notes

Bringing olive oil into the EU from another EU country: no limit. EU→UK: personal quantities fine, declare if commercial. EU/UK→US: allowed but commercial-looking quantities may be inspected. EU→Australia/NZ: declare on arrival, may need to show it's sealed.

Packing tips

Wrap in 2 ziplock bags
Pad with clothes inside a hard suitcase
Tape the cap closed
Avoid checked-baggage transfers — pick a direct flight if possible

FAQs

Why can't I take olive oil in cabin?

It's a pourable liquid — same rules as water, perfume or wine.

Will the bottle survive checked baggage?

If well-padded, almost always. Pressure changes don't damage sealed bottles.

Is duty-free olive oil OK on connecting flights?

Only if sealed in the STEB tamper-evident bag with the receipt — see our duty-free connecting flights guide.

Check your trip