Europe airport liquid rules: 100ml or 2 litres?
Check every airport on your route. Some now allow larger containers, while others still apply the 100ml rule, including on your return trip.
Check the security rules for your departure airport, any transfer where you will be screened again, and the return airport. There is no single packing allowance that safely describes every European airport in 2026.
An airport allowing a large bottle on the outward journey does not mean you can bring it back through another airport's security.
The container size matters
UK government guidance says most airports still restrict ordinary cabin liquids to containers of 100ml or less, while some allow containers up to two litres. Where the 100ml rule applies, a half-empty 200ml bottle is still too large.
Liquids include toothpaste, creams, gels and similar products, not just drinks. If a separate liquids bag is required, follow the airport's instructions for its size and how the contents must fit.
At Heathrow, the airport's current hand-baggage guidance permits liquid containers up to two litres. That was checked on 8 September 2026. It is a Heathrow rule, not permission to assume the same at every airport with newer scanners.
Two airports, different limits
These airport pages were checked on 15 October 2026. The examples show why a new scanner alone does not tell you what you can pack.
| Departure airport | Ordinary cabin liquids | Packing detail |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow, terminals 2–5 | Containers up to 2 litres | Leave liquids in the cabin bag. Empty reusable metal or insulated bottles before security. |
| Amsterdam Schiphol | Containers no larger than 100ml | Put them together in one transparent, resealable 1-litre bag per person, following the airport's instructions. |
A 250ml shampoo bottle that fits Heathrow's allowance does not meet Schiphol's ordinary 100ml limit on the return journey. Use a smaller container from the start, check a suitable bag, or plan not to bring that bottle back through the stricter checkpoint.
Destination restrictions can also apply: Heathrow specifically warns that liquids over 100ml cannot be taken on flights to Australia. Check the airline and every screening point for your itinerary, even when the departure airport has a larger general allowance.
A practical way to pack
For a trip with several airports, using small containers that satisfy the strictest ordinary limit on your route can simplify packing. Take the amount you need rather than decanting every product from home.
Keep toiletries together and accessible in case staff ask you to remove them. Follow the instructions at the actual security lane, including whether electronics or liquids should stay inside the bag.
An empty reusable drinking bottle avoids carrying an ordinary full bottle to a checkpoint that will not permit it. Refill it afterwards where drinking water is available.
Medicines, baby supplies and duty-free purchases
Essential medicines, special dietary liquids and baby food or milk can have exceptions. Read the official rules before travelling and bring any supporting evidence required. Do not reduce essential supplies simply to fit an ordinary toiletries allowance.
For duty-free liquids, keep the purchase in the required sealed security bag with the receipt. A connection can mean another screening, so check the transfer airport's rules before buying a large bottle.
Security staff make the final screening decision. Allow enough time to explain an exempt item calmly instead of arriving with it buried at the bottom of your luggage.
The budget-flight guide covers the separate question of cabin-bag size and weight. Passing a security check does not establish that your bag meets the airline's allowance.