Empty Bottles vs Liquid-Filled
Empty bottles are allowed through security. Filled bottles over 100ml are confiscated unless exempt.
Empty bottles—plastic, metal, or glass—sail through security. As soon as they contain more than 100ml of liquid, they fall under the LAG rule unless covered by baby food or medical exemptions. Keep lids off if officers request a visual check.
What to do
✅ Do
- •Use wide-mouth bottles so officers can easily inspect the interior.
- •Carry a small carabiner to hang the bottle from your bag after refilling.
- •If you rely on electrolyte mixes, pack single-serve sachets and add them only after clearing security.
🚫 Don't
- •Don’t argue if officers insist on a swab test—metal walls often trigger alarms.
- •Avoid hiding liquids inside insulated sleeves; scanners detect density differences.
- •Don’t fill the bottle while still in the queue; wait until you have fully cleared screening.
On multi-leg itineraries, remember to empty the bottle again before each additional security checkpoint — it doesn't stay cleared once refilled past the first one.
Container quick reference
| Container | Empty allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable plastic bottle | ✅ | Keep lid off if asked |
| Vacuum flask | ✅ | May be swabbed |
| Thermal mug with foam sleeve | ✅ | Remove sleeve for inspection |
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry an empty wine bottle as a souvenir?+
Are collapsible hydration bladders allowed?+
What about soda cans I plan to recycle?+
Related guides
Related rules
Perfume / Deodorant
Cabin limit 100ml per bottle inside a 1L clear bag. Larger bottles go in checked baggage.
Sanitizer allowance
Cabin limit 100ml per container, same as any other liquid — the 350ml pandemic-era allowance ended. Checked baggage allows larger bottles if sealed.
Shampoo & lotions
Treat as liquids/gels. Cabin limit 100ml per container inside the 1L bag.
Makeup kit
Liquid or gel-based makeup counts toward the 100ml rule; compact powders are exempt.
Nail polish/remover
Allowed in cabin up to 100ml and in checked bags up to 0.5L per container.
Liquid bottles >100ml
Liquids above 100ml per container are banned from cabin unless exempt (baby food/medicines).
Official references
DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.