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Liquid Limits

Can you take duty-free liquids on a connecting flight?

Last updated Updated 6 weeks ago· Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

Yes, usually. Duty-free liquids over 100ml are normally allowed on a connecting flight if they are packed in a sealed, tamper-evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible. But you may lose them if you leave the secure area, change airports, connect through a country with stricter checks, or the bag has been opened.

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.

The 4 things that matter

If you can say yes to all four, you're usually fine. One 'no' and the bottle is at risk.
  • 1. Is the bottle still sealed in the official security bag?
  • 2. Is the receipt visible inside the bag?
  • 3. Are you staying airside, or do you need to clear security again?
  • 4. Does your connection country accept duty-free liquids bought elsewhere?

When duty-free liquids get taken away

  • You open the sealed bag.
  • The receipt is missing or not visible inside the bag.
  • You leave the airport and come back through security.
  • You change airports during the connection.
  • Your next security checkpoint doesn't accept the sealed bag from your origin.
  • The item doesn't meet destination customs or import rules (alcohol allowances, food restrictions, etc.).

What is a STEB bag?

STEB stands for Security Tamper-Evident Bag — the sealed transparent plastic bag duty-free shops use for liquids, aerosols, and gels over 100ml. The receipt stays inside, visible through the plastic. Open it during your layover and the bottle inside falls back under the standard 100ml cabin liquids rule at the next checkpoint.

Rules by connection region

The safest single instruction: keep the receipt inside the sealed bag, and don't open the STEB before the final destination.
  • US connections (TSA): international duty-free liquids over 100ml may be allowed through a US transfer checkpoint if the STEB is intact, the receipt is visible, the purchase was within the last 48 hours, and there are no signs of tampering. TSA can still inspect and reject the item.
  • UK connections: duty-free liquids bought airside or onboard may pass UK transfer security if the STEB is sealed with the receipt sealed inside and visible. Don't open it before your final destination.
  • EU connections: STEBs are generally recognised at EU transfer security. EU guidance commonly refers to proof of purchase within 36 hours for some duty-free liquids carried through a connection.
  • Other countries: rules vary. If you're unsure whether your connection airport will accept the STEB, buy on the final leg, or pack the bottle into checked baggage where it's legally allowed.

Safe packing advice

  • Keep the bag sealed until your final destination.
  • Don't loosen it into your hand luggage — once it's out of the STEB, it's just a liquid over 100ml.
  • Ask the shop to seal it properly in front of you. A scrunched-up bag won't be accepted as tamper-evident.
  • Keep the receipt inside the bag, visible through the plastic.
  • For expensive alcohol, perfume, or cosmetics on a tight or complex connection, ask airport staff before you buy.

Common scenarios

  • Layover at an EU hub on the way home: usually fine if the STEB is sealed and the receipt is visible.
  • US connection from an international flight: allowed if the receipt is within 48 hours and the bag is intact — but TSA can still re-screen.
  • You collect checked bags and re-check them on the next leg: you'll pass security again. Move the bottle into checked baggage before re-entering security where it's legally allowed.
  • Overnight delay: a long delay can push you past the 36/48-hour windows some jurisdictions apply. Keep the receipt visible and expect the bag to be re-screened.
  • Self-transfer between two separate tickets: you'll usually have to clear security again, and the STEB is then subject to that checkpoint's policy.

Safest option

Related rules

See our 100ml cabin liquids guide for the default rule that applies when a STEB isn't accepted, and the TSA 3-1-1 rule for the US-specific limits.

  • 100ml cabin liquids rule: /guides/100ml-vs-2l-airport-liquid-rules
  • TSA 3-1-1 rule: /guides/tsa-3-1-1-liquids-rule
  • Liquids you should never pack for a flight: /guides/liquids-you-should-never-pack-for-a-flight
  • Perfume: /items/perfume
  • Alcohol: /items/alcohol

FAQs

Can I take duty-free liquids on a connecting flight?

Usually yes — if the bottle stays sealed in the official tamper-evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible inside, and the connecting airport accepts STEBs from your origin. Open the bag and the bottle falls back under the 100ml cabin rule.

Can duty-free liquids be over 100ml?

Yes. The whole point of the STEB system is to let you carry duty-free liquids over 100ml through security on a connecting flight, as long as the bag is sealed and the receipt is visible.

What happens if I open the sealed duty-free bag?

Once the seal is broken, the bag no longer counts as tamper-evident. The bottle inside is then treated as a standard liquid and will be refused at the next checkpoint if it's over 100ml.

Do I have to go through security again on a connecting flight?

Depends on the airport. If you stay airside on the same ticket, often no. If you collect checked bags, change terminals or airports, or self-transfer between separate tickets, you usually do — and the STEB is then subject to that checkpoint's policy.

Can I take duty-free alcohol through a connecting airport?

Usually yes — sealed STEB, receipt visible, bag not opened. US connections additionally require the receipt to show a purchase within the last 48 hours. Destination customs allowances still apply on arrival.

Will duty-free be confiscated on a connecting flight?

It can be. Risk is highest when you pass a second security checkpoint at an airport that doesn't accept STEBs from your origin, the bag has been opened, the receipt is missing, or you've left and re-entered the secure area.

Check your trip

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