Carrying Liquid Bottles Over 100ml
Liquids above 100ml per container are banned from cabin unless exempt (baby food/medicines).
Any liquid, gel, aerosol, paste, or cream over 100ml per container is banned from cabin baggage unless covered by a medical or baby-food exemption. Checked baggage can hold larger quantities, but pack them securely.
Key highlights
- Transfer toiletries into 100ml labelled bottles.
- Place all LAG items inside a single resealable 1L bag.
- Carry prescriptions/doctor letters for medicines exceeding 100ml.
The post-2006 ‘LAG’ (liquids, aerosols, gels) rule is universal: one passenger, one 1L transparent bag, each container 100ml or less. Security doesn’t negotiate because measuring mid-queue is impractical.
The rule covers surprising items—yogurt cups, hair wax, nut butters, chutneys, even semi-solid desserts. If it can smear, it counts. Officers have seen every trick, so labelling and honesty are faster than debate.
Medical liquids (insulin, baby milk) are exempt but must be declared and supported with prescriptions or infant tickets. Officers swab them, then return them promptly.
When allowed vs. when not
✅ Limited exceptions
- •Use travel-size bottles with printed volume marks.
- •Carry a spare empty pouch; security provides limited replacements.
- •Group similar items together (skincare vs food) for easier inspection.
🚫 Why it's not allowed
- •Don’t argue that a half-full bottle is ‘under 100ml’—container size rules.
- •Don’t hide liquids inside shoes or gift boxes; X-ray operators flag them instantly.
- •Avoid last-minute duty-free purchases before domestic connections—they may be seized at the next checkpoint.
Checked-bag strategy
- ✔Double-bag sauces, oils, or food jars to avoid leaks.
- ✔Use rigid containers for fragile glass bottles.
- ✔Keep receipts for duty-free liquids in case customs needs proof of purchase.
LAG quick reference
| Item | Cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100ml perfume | ✅ | Must fit in 1L bag |
| 200ml lotion | ❌ | Check-in only |
| Baby milk | ✅ With infant | Declare at screening |
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1L bag need to be exactly 1 litre?+
Can I carry ice packs?+
What about powder-to-liquid mixes?+
Travel tips
- ✈️Store the pouch near the top of your bag so you can pull it out without unpacking everything.
- ✈️Use stackable travel jars for creams—they utilise vertical space better.
- ✈️If you frequently carry sauces, freeze them overnight; once solid they still count as gels, but leaks reduce.
Related guides
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.