Liquids Rules for Cabin Bags: The 100 ml Guide for 2026

Liquids rules for cabin bags: the short version

Liquids rules for cabin bags on international flights typically limit each container to 100 ml, with all containers fitting in one transparent, resealable bag of about one litre, usually one bag per passenger. Medicines and baby food are commonly allowed in larger quantities when declared. Some airports with newer scanners have relaxed the rules, and domestic rules in India can differ, so always confirm with your airport and airline before you pack.

The rule sounds simple, but it trips up thousands of travellers every day, because so many things women carry count as liquids without looking like one. Mascara, lip gloss, peanut butter, pickle, a jar of homemade ghee and even a tube of sunscreen all fall under the rule. Getting this right is the fastest way to speed through screening, keep your favourite products and avoid that awkward moment of watching an expensive serum go into the bin.

Shop luxury travel bags →

What counts as a liquid at airport security

Security teams generally treat anything you can pour, pump, squeeze, spread, spray or smear as a liquid or gel. That includes water, perfumes, body lotions, shampoos, hair oils, toothpaste, liquid foundation, concealer, cream blush, lip gloss, mascara, nail polish, aerosols and gel eye masks. Food items such as honey, jam, yoghurt, soups, pickles, chutneys, curries and nut butters are also usually treated as liquids or gels.

Solid items, on the other hand, generally pass without counting towards the limit: lipstick in bullet form, pressed powder, compact foundation, eyeshadow palettes, solid perfume, shampoo bars, soap, deodorant sticks and stick sunscreens. If you love a particular product and it comes in both liquid and solid versions, the solid version makes travel much easier. This is one of the cleverest small changes a frequent flyer can make.

When in doubt, ask yourself whether the item would spread or drip if you left it on a warm table. If the answer is yes, treat it as a liquid. Items like cream eyeshadow sticks and balm cleansers sit in a grey area, and officers may judge them differently, so pack them in the clear bag if you have room.

The 100 ml container rule in detail

The 100 ml limit applies to the size of the container, not the amount inside. A 200 ml bottle with only 50 ml left is typically not allowed in the cabin, even though the liquid inside is under the limit. This catches out many travellers who carry half-empty full-size bottles. The solution is to decant into proper travel containers clearly marked at 100 ml or less.

Good travel bottles are made of soft silicone or sturdy plastic, with leak-proof lids and wide openings for easy filling and cleaning. Label each one clearly, especially if you carry similar-looking products like toner and micellar water. Fill them only about three-quarters full, because cabin pressure changes can make bottles expand and leak. A small zip bag around each bottle adds extra protection against messy surprises.

Browse cabin-friendly travel bags →

The one clear bag

Most airports that use the rule ask for all your liquids to fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag of roughly one litre, often about 20 x 20 cm, which must close fully. Some airports provide bags at the entrance to security, but it is better to bring a sturdy reusable one. A clear toiletry pouch made for travel is more durable and easier to pack than a flimsy zip bag.

Keep the liquids bag in the most accessible part of your cabin bag, ideally a top or front compartment, so you can lift it out in one movement. Many premium cabin trolleys and travel totes include a dedicated pocket for this purpose. When the bag comes out quickly, security moves faster, and you avoid unpacking clothes or lingerie in front of a queue.

If you share a cabin bag with a child, remember that each passenger usually gets their own liquids bag. Packing a second clear pouch for your child's sunscreen, lotion and toothpaste can free up space in yours.

Medicines, baby food and special needs

Essential medicines in liquid form, such as syrups, insulin, eye drops and inhalers, are commonly exempt from the 100 ml limit, but you may need to declare them at security and show a prescription or doctor's note. Keep medicines in their original packaging with the pharmacy label. Baby formula, breast milk and baby food are also generally allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant.

Declare these items separately at the start of screening. Security officers deal with such requests routinely, and a calm, organised presentation helps. Carry only what you need for the journey plus a small buffer for delays, and pack the rest in your checked luggage. If you rely on refrigerated medication, carry a small insulated pouch and ask the airline about any additional guidance.

Duty-free liquids and transit airports

Duty-free liquids bought after security, such as perfume and spirits, are usually sealed in a special tamper-evident bag with the receipt inside. These are typically allowed on your flight, but if you have a connecting flight, the transit airport may apply its own rules. Some hubs accept sealed duty-free liquids, while others may confiscate them at transfer security.

If your journey involves a connection, it may be wiser to buy duty-free at your final destination or at the transit airport after you have passed transfer security. Keep the bag sealed until you arrive and keep the receipt visible. This is particularly important for travellers heading from India to Europe or North America through Gulf or Asian hubs, where transfer security is strict.

Do not open the sealed bag on board to try a fragrance, because a broken seal may mean the purchase is no longer accepted at a transfer checkpoint. Wait until you are home or at your hotel.

Packing a beauty routine within the limits

A smart travel beauty kit uses a mix of liquids and solids. Liquids that go in the clear bag: a small face wash, a moisturiser, a primer or foundation, a mascara, a lip gloss, a mini perfume and a travel-size sunscreen. Solids that travel freely: a lipstick, pressed powder, an eyeshadow palette, a blush compact, solid shampoo and a deodorant stick. This combination covers most routines without stretching the bag.

Many premium brands sell travel-size versions of their bestsellers, which are perfect for flying. Sample sachets from beauty counters work beautifully for short trips. Keep a toiletry case pre-packed for travel with minis, so you are never decanting at midnight before an early flight. A hanging toiletry case also works well in small hotel bathrooms and lounge shower rooms.

Shop clutches →

Checked baggage: where everything else goes

Full-size bottles, large liquids, food items like pickles and ghee, and extra skincare should go in your checked bag. Pack them upright in a sealed zip bag and place them in the centre of the case, surrounded by clothes. Tape the lids of bottles that tend to leak, and avoid glass where possible. A good hard-shell suitcase protects bottles better than a soft bag that can be squashed.

If you fly cabin-only, consider buying bulky liquids at your destination. Sunscreen, shampoo and body lotion are available almost everywhere, and many hotels provide them. This keeps your cabin bag lighter, your security experience quicker and your packing simpler, which is exactly the point of travelling light.

Shop luxury travel bags →

Liquids checklist before you leave

Check whether your airport currently applies the 100 ml rule. Decant liquids into containers of 100 ml or less. Fit them in one clear bag that closes fully. Pack the bag at the top of your cabin luggage. Declare medicines and baby food. Move large liquids and food items to checked luggage. Consider solid alternatives for your next trip.

Following this checklist removes most of the stress from airport security, and it protects the products you love. For more practical airport tips, read our other travel guides and find a cabin trolley with a smart liquids pocket.

It is also worth checking the rule again on the return leg. Airports abroad may apply different technology or policies from your departure airport, and a bag that was fine in Bengaluru may need to be repacked in Zurich or Singapore.

Read more travel guides →