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Liquid Limits

Can you take duty free liquids through connecting flights?

Duty-free liquids are allowed in the cabin only if they're sealed in a tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt. Connections complicate this — here's the practical breakdown.

Last updated · Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

Duty-free liquids are allowed in the cabin only if they're sealed in a tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt. Connections complicate this — here's the practical breakdown.

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

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 STEB rule

Duty-free liquids of any size are allowed in the cabin if they're sealed in a STEB at the airport you bought them, with the receipt visible and dated within the last 36 hours. Don't open the bag until you're at your final destination.

Direct flights — fine

Sealed STEB plus receipt: you're good.

Connecting in the EU/UK — usually fine

Most EU and UK transfer security accepts STEBs from any country, as long as the seal is intact and the receipt is dated within the last 36 hours.

Connecting through the US — often binned

The US generally re-screens international arrivals, and STEBs do not survive the 100ml rule at TSA checkpoints. If you have a US connection, buy duty-free on the last leg of your trip or check it in.

Rule of thumb

Buy duty-free liquids on the final leg before your destination, not the first.

Check your trip