How to carry liquids in your carry-on

The transparent bag remains the standard, everywhere

Where the new scanners are not yet active, a transparent one-litre resealable bag, kept in an easily accessible outside pocket, remains the fastest way to pass security without having to open your entire suitcase. It's worth grouping together even items that don't seem like liquids at first glance: soft lip balm, contact lens solution, hair gel, stick deodorant, mascara and liquid foundation are often classified as such by staff.

Where new scanners change the rules (and where they don't)

Since 2026, five Italian airports have introduced next-generation CT scanners that analyze liquids in 3D without needing to remove them: at Fiumicino, Linate, Bologna and in Terminal 1 of Malpensa, the limit rises to 2 litres per container, while at Turin it applies only to fast-track lanes. At Fiumicino, however, the old 100 ml limit remains in force on routes to the United States and Israel. The 100 ml rule originated in 2006, after British authorities foiled a plot to detonate liquids disguised as beverages on board several transatlantic aircraft: this historical caution is also why adoption of new scanners remains partial, airport by airport. Until you know for certain about your specific stopover, preparing the bag anyway remains the safer choice.

The myth of freezing and other common misunderstandings

A frozen liquid that will return to liquid state during flight, like a jar of sauce or breast milk, is still treated as liquid: the freezing trick doesn't work and only wastes time at security. Lighters follow entirely different logic than liquids: generally prohibited in checked baggage, but often allowed one per person in a pocket or cabin, according to rules that vary by country.

Stopovers and duty-free purchases: when the rule repeats

With a connecting flight, every liquid purchased before the first security screening will have to comply with the same limit again at your stopover's security check. The only exception is sealed duty-free (the STEB bag, with receipt visible) purchased after the last screening before the flight that actually takes you to your destination: buying it earlier risks having it confiscated at the next security check.

If you have a stopover, buy duty-free only after the last security check before your onward flight: a purchase made earlier, even if sealed in the STEB bag with receipt visible, risks being confiscated at your stopover's security screening.