Discover the New Liquids Rules in European Airports

After nearly two decades in effect, the restriction that requires passengers to travel only with containers of up to 100 ml in carry-on luggage is coming to an end. The installation of state-of-the-art scanners promises to eliminate this requirement and make boarding much faster. But attention: the change does not yet apply to all terminals, so many travelers still need the traditional small bottles.

In this article, we explain what has already changed, in which airports the rule is active, and how to prepare for your next trip.

End of the 100 ml rule: In which airports the new rule already applies

The 100 ml law for liquids, gels, pastes, creams, and aerosols is still the current standard at European Union airports. This is because the adoption of new scanners is still ongoing and there is no official list of airports that have already adopted the technology.

The European Commission told CNN that approximately 450 units of this technology are already in use or in the process of being installed at airports in about 15 EU member states, including:

• Italy: Rome Fiumicino, Milan (Malpensa and Linate), Turin, and Bologna
• Germany: some airports in early stages, such as Munich
• Ireland, Spain, France, Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Greece, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden: partial implementation
• United Kingdom: Gatwick, London City, and other terminals

⚠️ Important: the installation of new equipment does not mean immediate approval of the new rule. Passengers should always check the official airport website to see if the rule is already in effect. As a precaution, it is best to wait a little longer before replacing small bottles with larger ones.

What changes in practice

The 100 ml rule was created in 2006, following attempts to use liquid explosives in attacks. Now, with 3D scanners (also called C3), inspection is more advanced and faster, without compromising safety.

Main changes:

• Liquids and electronics no longer need to be removed from the luggage; they will be detected inside the bag.
• Larger containers (up to 2 liters in some airports) may be transported.
• The security process becomes faster and less bureaucratic.

Before and after the new rule

Recommendations for travelers

• Check your departure and arrival airports – the new rule only applies where scanners have been certified.
• When in doubt, follow the 100 ml rule – this avoids problems at airports that have not yet changed.
• Verify the airline’s rules – some may maintain their own instructions.
• Prepare for differences between connecting flights – if only one airport does not accept larger containers, the old limit must be followed.

Other recent changes: electronic passport

In addition to the relaxation of liquid rules, Europe is implementing the Digital Border Control System (Entry/Exit System – EES), which replaces manual stamps with digital registration using biometrics. This is another innovation that promises to speed up border control.

Another new measure for travelers is ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), a mandatory pre-authorization for citizens of countries that currently enter the European Union without a visa. The requirement will take effect at the end of 2026.

These changes represent an important step toward streamlining and strengthening border control in Europe, offering greater convenience and security for passengers.

Carry-on luggage: keep the limit as a precaution

The new rules for liquids at airports have begun to make life easier for travelers, but old regulations still coexist in many countries.

Until implementation is completed across the continent, the recommendation is simple: as a precaution, stick to the 100 ml rule.

Thus, if you are unsure which rule is in effect at the airport you will pass through, this ensures you will not have problems at boarding. When all European terminals are adapted, the change will be uniform — but until then, it is safer to play it safe.

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