When packing for air travel, one of the most common questions travelers have is how many 100ml bottles they can take in their hand luggage. With strict limits on liquids, gels and aerosols being taken through security, it’s important to understand and follow the rules to avoid any issues.
The 100ml Liquid Rule
Most major airlines and airports around the world enforce what’s known as the 100ml liquid rule. This restricts passengers to only taking containers with liquids, gels or aerosols that are 100ml or less through security in their carry-on luggage.
This rule was introduced in 2006 by the European Union and adopted by countries around the world in response to a foiled terror plot involving liquid explosives. It aims to restrict the amount of these types of substances that could potentially be used to make explosives or chemical weapons.
The 100ml size was chosen as it was deemed to be an amount reasonable for passengers to carry for personal use, while still limiting the total liquid volume that could be carried for malicious purposes.
What counts as a liquid?
The 100ml liquid rule applies to:
- All liquids including water, drinks, lotions, creams, perfumes, sprays
- Gels including shower gels, shampoo, toothpaste
- Pastes including lipstick, lip balm
- Liquid or compressed aerosols
- Other items with similar consistencies such as mascara, lip gloss etc
Any containers holding these types of substances must adhere to the 100ml limit to be allowed through security.
What doesn’t count as a liquid?
There are some exceptions to the liquids rule. The 100ml limit does NOT apply to:
- Solid items like solid lipstick, solid deodorant
- Contact lens solution (but only enough for the flight)
- Baby food, milk or sterilized water for infants
- Prescription medicine with name on the container
- Duty free liquids sealed in a tamper-proof bag
These items do not have the same security risk and can be carried normally through checkpoints.
How many 100ml bottles are allowed?
So how many of these 100ml or less containers can you take in your hand luggage? The rules state:
- You can carry as many 100ml containers as you like
- BUT they must fit comfortably in ONE transparent, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm
This means the total liquid volume from all your bottles, tubes, containers added together must not exceed 1 litre (1000ml).
Some key points on the hand luggage liquid rules:
- All containers must be 100ml or less individually
- Must all fit in a single transparent plastic bag no bigger than 20cm x 20cm
- You are limited to one plastic bag only per person
- The liquids must be easily accessible for screening
As long as you follow these restrictions, you can carry as many 100ml containers as you are able to fit in the plastic bag.
Tips for packing
To make getting through airport security easy, here are some tips when packing liquids in your hand luggage:
- Use travel sized containers 100ml or less for items like toiletries, cosmetics, creams etc
- Pack all your liquids neatly into one transparent, resealable plastic bag before you reach the airport
- Place the plastic bag in an easy to reach spot – not buried at the bottom of your bag
- Have the bag ready to remove and place in a screening tray during the security process
- Double check you have not missed adding any liquids to the bag before heading through security
Being organized and prepared with your liquids will help make the airport screening process faster and smoother.
What happens if you exceed the limits?
If you have liquids, gels or aerosols over 100ml or more than will fit in the plastic bag, airport security will need to confiscate them before you can proceed.
Options for what happens to your liquids in this situation include:
- Surrendering them – Allowing airport staff to dispose of the items in designated liquid disposal bins before passing through the checkpoint
- Checking in oversized items – If you have liquids over 100ml in your hold/check-in luggage, these will not be affected
- Mailing them home – Some airports may allow you to mail products like expensive perfumes back to yourself for a fee
Trying to pass through security with more liquids than permitted means you risk having items thrown away, so always aim to follow the regulations.
If you purchase any duty free liquids airside during your travels, these can be carried as normal. They will be sealed in a special tamper-proof bag which shows they have been screened already.
Liquid allowances around the world
Most major airports adhere to the 100ml liquid rule as standard. However, there can be some slight variations in limits and procedures between different countries and regions.
USA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) follows the 100ml liquid rule for carry-ons. Containers must fit in a single quart-sized bag which is around 1 litre capacity.
UK
UK airports allow the 100ml limit in a transparent resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm. The total volume across all containers cannot exceed 1 litre.
EU
The 100ml liquid rule applies across European Union airports too. Bags must be no bigger than 20cm x 20cm and hold no more than 1 litre overall.
Canada
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority rules state passengers can carry containers 100ml or less through security, grouped together in a 1 litre transparent bag.
Australia
The 100ml liquid limit in a resealable clear plastic bag is enforced across Australian airports. Some locations have additional restrictions on powders.
While there are small differences around the world, the 100ml liquid rule is now widely adopted as the global standard.
Restrictions for other items
As well as limits on liquids, gels and aerosols, there are also restrictions on some other items that air passengers should be aware of.
Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries for items like phones, laptops, cameras can be taken on planes but are subject to certain rules. Batteries over 100 watt hours are completely banned from hand luggage.
Sharp objects
Pointed or bladed articles like knives, scissors, razors can only be taken in carry-on bags if the blades are 6cm or shorter. Needles are permitted for medical use.
Sporting goods
Items like golf clubs, hockey sticks, tennis rackets must be checked into hold luggage. Things like toy weapons will also be prohibited.
It’s worth researching if any specific items you want to pack are restricted for security reasons to avoid problems.
Changes to liquid rules in future
The 100ml liquid rule has now been in place for many years. But with modern screening technology constantly evolving, could we see changes to the limits in future?
More sophisticated scanners are being developed which can produce detailed 3D images of the contents of bags. This technology has the potential to safely screen liquids without size restrictions.
In 2018, London Heathrow Airport trialed new CT scanners for hand luggage. These allowed passengers to keep liquids and laptops inside bags during screening. However the cost and processing time was deemed currently unfeasible for full implementation.
For now the 100ml liquid rule remains firmly in place. But as new technology emerges, more convenient screening processes could allow adjustment of the limits. This would make the airport experience smoother while maintaining high security standards.
There are also calls from aviation groups for a more “risk-based approach” to screening. For example, allowing known, trusted travelers to undergo lighter checks. This could see certain passenger groups granted more flexible liquid allowances.
Any changes would likely be incremental, with passenger safety remaining the top priority. But it demonstrates there is scope for the liquid restrictions to be tweaked in coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 100ml liquid rule introduced?
The 100ml liquid rule was introduced in 2006 after a terrorist plot to bring down airlines using liquid explosives disguised as drinks. Restricting volumes aims to limit this threat.
What is the maximum volume I can take through security?
All your liquid containers added together must not exceed 1 litre. This is approximately 100ml across 10 items.
Do I have to use a clear plastic bag?
Yes, liquids must be in a transparent, resealable plastic bag measuring around 20cm x 20cm for easy inspection.
What if I have essential medication over 100ml?
Medicines above 100ml are permitted if declared and accompanied by prescription documentation at screening.
Can I group my liquids together in multiple bags?
No, all your liquid containers must fit inside a single, clear plastic bag to pass through security.
Do liquid restrictions apply on domestic flights?
Yes, the same 100ml liquid rules generally apply for both domestic and international flights.
Are there any upcoming changes planned?
There are currently no changes planned but new screening technology may allow more flexible approaches in future.
Conclusion
Knowing how many 100ml liquid containers you are permitted to take on a plane is crucial knowledge for air passengers. With strict rules now enforced around the world, following the 100ml limit and remembering one clear plastic bag will ensure you sail through airport security.
While some small regional differences exist in liquid allowances, the fundamental principles of 100ml containers fitting comfortably into a 1 litre bag remain consistent globally. Understanding and adhering to these is the key to avoiding any liquid-related hold-ups.
With security technology evolving over time, we may see certain adjustments to the restrictions for low-risk passengers. But any changes would be gradual to maintain high safety standards. By sticking to the 100ml rule for now, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your hand luggage liquids are travel-ready.