Liquids on planes: how to handle the 100ml rule

The 100 ml rule and the transparent bag

Each container must have a maximum declared capacity of 100 ml, regardless of how much product it actually contains: a 150 ml bottle half-filled is still confiscated. All containers must be sealed in a single transparent, resealable one-liter bag.

Solid products are not subject to the rule: shampoo, toothpaste and solid deodorant are transported without limits and free up space in the bag for essential liquids.

The exception of CT scanners

From 2025, airports equipped with new computed tomography (CT) scanners can raise the limit to 2 liters per passenger, without the obligation to remove the bag from your baggage. In Italy the technology is already active at Malpensa, Linate, Fiumicino, Bologna and Torino-Caselle; elsewhere the classic 100 ml rule still applies, so it's worth checking your departure airport before relying on the new limit.

Medicines and baby food

Liquid medicines and baby food can exceed 100 ml, but must be declared separately at the checkpoint and subjected to specific verification. Carrying the prescription or medication documentation speeds up the check.

Check if your departure airport already uses CT scanners: if so, you can completely avoid the transparent bag and travel-size containers.