How many 100ml liquids can I take on carry-on?

The 100ml Liquid Rule: Decoding Carry-On Restrictions

Air travel can be confusing, especially when it comes to navigating the restrictions on carry-on luggage. One of the most common questions revolves around liquids: How many 100ml liquids can you actually bring on board? The answer isn’t simply a matter of multiplying 100ml until you reach the one-liter limit. There’s a crucial detail that often trips people up.

While the total allowance for liquids in your carry-on is one liter (or approximately 33.8 fluid ounces), the restriction lies in the container size, not the amount of liquid within. You are allowed to bring multiple 100ml (or 3.4 fluid ounce) containers, up to the one-liter limit, but each individual container cannot exceed that 100ml threshold.

Think of it like this: you could bring ten 100ml bottles, effectively carrying a full liter of liquid. However, you couldn’t bring a single 200ml bottle even if it’s only half full (therefore containing less than 100ml of liquid). The focus is on the container’s maximum capacity, not its current contents.

Furthermore, all these containers must fit comfortably within a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, roughly 20cm x 20cm (or one quart-sized bag). This bag needs to be presented separately at security for screening.

Beyond the container size, there are restrictions on the type of liquids allowed. These are generally limited to toiletries and medications. Aerosols are permitted, but only if they are non-radioactive and intended for approved purposes like personal care or medical use. Always check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions they may have in place.

So, to recap:

• Container size is key: Each individual container must be 100ml or less.
• Total allowance: You can bring multiple 100ml containers up to a total of one liter.
• Bag it up: All liquids must be placed in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.
• Type matters: Stick to toiletries, medications, and approved aerosols.

By understanding these rules, you can avoid the frustration of having your favorite toiletries confiscated at security and enjoy a smoother, more stress-free travel experience.