Maximum amount of liquids transportable on an aircraft in hand luggage

With reference to the transport of liquids in hand luggage, they must be carried in individual containers with a capacity no greater than 100 milliliters in a single transparent resealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding 1 liter. All liquids purchased from any duty free zone or on airplanes can be carried in hand luggage on condition that the purchased items and their receipts remain sealed inside the security bag.

1) Maximum amount of liquids transportable on an aircraft in hand luggage

Under EU Regulation no. 246/2013, starting from January 31, 2014, new rules apply to the transport of liquids, aerosol and gels (LAGs) in hand luggage carried onto an aircraft.

All liquids must be carried in individual containers with a capacity no greater than 100 milliliters in a single transparent resealable plastic bag of a capacity not exceeding 1 liter. The contents of the plastic bag must fit into it comfortably and the bag must be completely closed.

Liquids in hand luggage

The aforementioned restriction does not apply to medicines and to special dietary products such as, for example, food for babies, but only if they are essential during the trip and the traveler may be requested to prove their authenticity.

All travelers must be informed that it is important to follow this rule considering that at security checkpoints (metal detectors) they will be obliged to show to the security staff and place into a tray all liquids carried (as explained above) in hand luggage.

Liquid containers that hold more than 100 milliliters must be placed in checked luggage.

2) Definition of liquids

Liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) include the following items: water, drinks and similar, gels of any kind, pastes, lotions, foams, deodorants, creams, oils, perfumes, liquid mascara, spray, jams, and all other items of similar consistency.

3) Opening of bottles for security reasons

Security staff at an Italian airport has the right to open bottles and other containers to verify contents and, in some rare cases, to prohibit the transport of a liquid for security reasons.

4) Duty free

All liquids purchased from any duty free zone or directly on airplanes such as, for instance, wine, liquors, olive oil, etc, can be carried in hand luggage on condition that the purchased items and their receipts remain sealed inside the security bag (the one that has a red border) provided at the time of purchase by the seller.

The traveler shall not open the security bag before the arrival at his final destination. In case the traveler has a connecting flight at another airport and a security officer opens the bag and or the bottle for screening, the traveler shall ask the security officer to re-seal the liquids in a new security bag.

The European Union and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) created an information flyer regarding liquids that can be transported in hand luggage onto an aircraft.

For any further information or doubt we suggest asking the airline company of interest, the information center of the airport, or the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) before reaching the airport.