Carry-On Liquids: What You Need to Know in 2026

The basics haven't changed since 2006: Each container maximal 100ml (3.4 oz). Everything must fit in a clear, resealable 1-liter bag. One bag per person. Done.

Sounds simple? It is. Yet thousands of travelers mess this up daily.

Here's what trips people up: Security checks the container size, not the contents. A 200ml bottle that's half empty? Still getting confiscated. German Federal Police are strict about this.

Here's the interesting part: You can theoretically bring 10 different 100ml bottles if they all fit in your 1-liter bag. The number isn't limited, just container size and total volume.

Liquid isn't just what you can drink. Liquids include anything that's liquid, viscous, gel-like, or creamy at room temperature.

Basically, if it flows or spreads, it counts.

Toiletries and Cosmetics

That includes:

• Toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo (all under 100ml)

• Spray deodorant and roll-ons (not solid deodorant sticks - those are fine)

• Mascara, lip gloss, liquid foundation

• Creams, lotions, and aftershave

• Perfume and eau de toilette

• Shaving foam and gel

Food (yes, really!)

And yes: Nutella, honey, and cream cheese count too. Your breakfast croissant with cream cheese at the gate? Only if the cheese is under 100ml.

Reddit users report having actual philosophical debates with TSA agents about peanut butter, yogurt, and even guacamole.

What security says: "If you can turn it upside down and it flows, it's a liquid."

More Surprising Examples

• Contact lens solution

• Nail polish and remover

• Liquid soap

• Lip balm (liquid versions)

• Spray sunscreen

• Mousse and hair gel

Solid alternatives like bar soap, stick deodorant, or solid shampoo bars don't count. Small trick: Switching to solids saves space in your bag.

You need a transparent bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter. The 20x20 cm (roughly 8x8 inches) size works well.

Need a bag? The Lermende Transparent Toiletry Bag, Liquid Bag, Hand Luggage, TSA Approved Cosmetic Bag costs under 7 Euros and is TSA-approved. Simple, transparent, resealable.

If you need travel bottles anyway: The Diboniur Reiseflaschen-Set mit Kulturbeutel is available from 10 Euros. Six 100ml bottles plus bag. You're set for years.

Frequent flyers pay attention: The TWIVEE - Transparent Toiletry Bag with Travel Bottle Set - 1 Litre - Unisex Travel Set is more expensive (around 15 Euros), but the leak-proof bottles pay off. No more shampoo explosions in your luggage.

Looking for another option? The 1 Litre Aeroplane Bag Liquids, 20 x 20 cm Toiletry Bag, Transparent Travel Cosmetic Bag, Airport Security Approved comes in the same 20x20 cm size and is also fully transparent. For the whole household, the 4 Packs Airport Approved Clear Toiletry Bag, Leak-Proof Airport Security Approved Liquid Bags 20 x 20 cm is a set of four bags in the same cut.

Besides knowing which carry-on sizes airlines allow, you should also have the right liquid bag ready. If you're still looking for the right carry-on luggage that stores all your stuff (including liquid bag) perfectly, check out our detailed test.

Medications and baby food are exempt from the 100ml limit. The TSA allows these in reasonable quantities.

An example from practice: Insulin, eye drops, or liquid pain medication? You can bring larger amounts. Best in original packaging to avoid discussions. Having a prescription helps for liquid medications but isn't required.

Duty-free purchases from the secure area are also fine. But watch out for connecting flights: The rules apply again at your next security checkpoint. That large perfume bottle from duty-free in Frankfurt? It'll get confiscated in Paris if you're changing terminals.

Airports with new CT scanners may eventually allow larger containers. Germany is upgrading all major airports by end of 2026.

The new technology can scan liquids better. Theoretically, the 100ml rule could disappear. But: Currently, the old rule still applies, even at airports with new scanners.

When Will Things Change?

• Now (January 2026): 100ml rule applies everywhere

• Through end of 2026: Gradual upgrade of German airports

• 2027: Possibly new rules, but not confirmed yet

My advice: Don't count on it. Keep packing according to the 100ml rule until something changes officially. These relaxations have been postponed too many times.

Here's the trick I use on every flight: Empty water bottle through security. Most airports have water fountains past security.

Result? You don't pay $4 for 16 oz of water. And you always have something to drink instead of waiting for cabin service.

You're wondering how to pack your carry-on optimally and use the rules cleverly? We've collected practical tricks. Besides the water bottle, there are more clever travel gadgets that make your flight more pleasant.

How to pack your liquids smart:

1. Transfer to 100ml bottles: Pour large products into travel sizes at home
2. Only bring what you need: For a 3-day city trip you don't need 100ml of shampoo
3. Use solid alternatives: Bar soap, stick deodorant, solid toothpaste
4. Bag on top of carry-on: Saves digging at security
5. Refill on arrival: Hotels usually have shampoo and shower gel

Besides liquid rules, you should also know the Condor-specific carry-on rules if you're flying with this airline. By the way: The EU is also working on new EU passenger rights for 2026 to simplify travel.

The rules are simpler than you'd think: Maximum 100ml per container, everything in a 1-liter bag, and you'll breeze through security. With the right travel containers and some preparation, security becomes a piece of cake.

My most important advice? Prepare your bag at home. Frantically repacking at security annoys you and everyone behind you in line.