Liquids on planes
2025 rules and extra fees up to €70

The origin of the restrictions: why these rules exist

Liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage were introduced in 2006, after UK authorities foiled a terrorist plot involving liquid explosives on transatlantic flights.

Since then, the European Union and many other countries have implemented strict rules limiting both the quantity and the way liquids can be carried in the cabin.

The goal is clear: to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. However, the practical application of these rules has created a bureaucratic maze that often leaves travellers confused and frustrated.

The 100 ml rule: what the current regulation says

The basic rule—one everyone should know but many forget—is simple in theory but complex in practice: each liquid container may not exceed 100 ml in capacity.

It doesn’t matter how much liquid is actually inside: if a bottle is labelled 150 ml, it cannot be taken on board, even if it is half empty.

All containers must be placed inside a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (approximately 20×20 cm). Each passenger may carry only one of these bags.

The bag must be taken out of the carry-on and presented separately during security screening.

What is considered a “liquid”

This is where confusion begins. Many passengers think the rule applies only to water bottles and shampoo, but the definition of “liquid” is much broader:

• Water and beverages
• Gels, such as hair gel or shower gel
• Creams and lotions, including sunscreen and moisturisers
• Sprays, such as deodorants and perfumes
• Pastes, such as toothpaste
• Aerosols, such as shaving foam
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as yoghurt or soups

Even some products that appear solid may be classified as liquids by airport authorities if they have a creamy or gel-like consistency. For example, peanut butter or spreadable cheese fall into this category and must follow the same rules.

Exceptions to the rule

Fortunately, there are important exceptions that allow larger quantities of liquids:

• Medicines and baby food: These may be transported in quantities above 100 ml when necessary for the trip. It is advisable to carry prescriptions or documentation confirming the need. Food for small children (milk, formula, purées) is generally exempt.
• Duty-free purchases: Liquids bought after security checks—in departure stores or on board—may be carried without quantity limits. However, caution is needed: if you have a connecting flight, these products may be confiscated unless they are sealed in STEB (Security Tamper-Evident Bag) packaging.
• Liquids purchased online for airport pick-up: Some airports offer duty-free collection services that allow you to buy online and pick up items after security.

The costs of mistakes: up to €70 in penalties

What happens if you show up at security with non-compliant liquids? The consequences can be expensive:

Immediate confiscation: Security staff will seize all non-compliant liquids. Expensive perfumes, branded cosmetics, water bottles—everything is discarded with no possibility of recovery.

Last-minute checked baggage costs: If you realise the issue before security, you might decide to check in your carry-on to avoid confiscation.

The costs vary significantly by airline, but here are some examples:
• Ryanair: a 20 kg checked bag purchased at the airport or via call centre is much more expensive than buying online. Excess baggage is charged at €13/£13 per extra kg. Bags checked at the gate incur even higher fees.
• Wizz Air: airport baggage fees are considerably higher than online rates. The airline offers several weight options (20 kg, 26 kg, 32 kg) with increasing tariffs.
• EasyJet: adding checked baggage at the airport is much more expensive than purchasing it online in advance. Standard allowance is 23 kg.

The general rule: Buying a checked bag last minute at the airport can cost 2 to 4 times more than buying it online at booking. Prices range from about €25–35 (online in advance) to €50–70 or more (airport purchase), depending on the airline, route, and season.

Gate penalties: If the issue is discovered at the boarding gate, the penalties are even higher. Ryanair, for example, applies additional surcharges for bags that must be checked at the last moment.

Delays and stress: Repacking at the last moment can waste precious time, with a real risk of missing your flight if you are already running late.

Practical tips to avoid problems

To travel smoothly and avoid unpleasant surprises, here are some useful tips:
• Prepare your transparent bag at home: don’t wait until you arrive at the airport. Take your time to prepare your 1-litre bag with all the liquids you need, checking that every container is actually under 100 ml.
• Buy travel-size formats: invest in reusable travel containers (available at pharmacies or online) and transfer your favourite products into these small bottles.
• Choose solid products when possible: opt for solid alternatives such as solid soap, solid shampoo, and stick deodorants instead of sprays.
• Check the specific rules: before travelling, look at the website of your departure airport and any connecting airports to see which specific rules they apply.
• Arrive early: if you’re unsure about your liquids, arrive well in advance so you have time to resolve any issues.
• Checked baggage for longer trips: if you need to bring many cosmetic items or liquids, consider checking a bag from the start. It often costs less than paying last-minute penalties.
• Shop after security: for water, drinks and duty-free items, wait until you’re inside the departure area.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of running into problems related to carrying liquids in the cabin and enjoy a stress-free journey.

The future? A move towards simplification

The European Union is working to harmonise the rules and fully implement the new scanners in all major airports by 2025–2026. This should lead to a gradual removal of liquid restrictions, making security checks faster and less stressful.

However, until this transition is completed and stabilised, passengers will need to continue navigating this maze of contradictory rules, checking the specific regulations for their itinerary from time to time.

Liquid rules on planes are one of the most frustrating aspects of modern air travel. Created for legitimate security reasons, they have become a regulatory maze that changes from airport to airport and from one month to the next. The key to avoiding extra costs and stress is information: always check the specific rules before you leave, prepare in advance, and when possible choose alternatives such as solid products or checked baggage.

Remember: the fee for a last-minute checked bag could cost as much as an extra weekend away or an unforgettable experience at your destination. It’s worth spending a few extra minutes preparing your carry-on properly.