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Liquid Limits

European airport liquid rules explained

Last updated

Short answer

Across the EU, the baseline is the 100ml-in-a-1-litre-bag rule. Some major hubs are rolling out CT scanners but the experience is inconsistent — here's the practical state of play.

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 EU baseline

The 100ml container rule, plus a single 1-litre clear bag per passenger. Check your departure airport's current instructions on whether to take the liquids bag out at screening, and follow security staff instructions.

Where the rules are easing

Rome Fiumicino (all flights except USA/Israel from Terminal 1), Milan Linate and Malpensa Terminal 1 (per ENAC), Zurich (in progress). Helsinki keeps 100ml containers but drops the separate bag on departure. Amsterdam Schiphol requires containers of 100ml or less in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre; liquids and electronics can remain in your bag. Frankfurt's official guidance says CT scanners at most Terminal 1 and all Terminal 3 checkpoints allow liquids in containers of up to 2 litres, with no clear bag required. Gates C1, C2, C4 and C6, special security checkpoints in Terminal 1 and transfer checkpoints keep the 100ml container limit and one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Check your checkpoint's current guidance; pack containers of 100ml or less in that bag if your checkpoint is uncertain.

Where the rules are strict

Paris CDG, Madrid, Barcelona, Athens, most regional Spanish/Greek/Italian airports.

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