Carrying Liquid Bottles Over 100ml
Not Allowed
Liquids above 100ml per container are banned from cabin unless exempt (baby food/medicines).
Quick answer
The post-2006 âLAGâ (liquids, aerosols, gels) rule is universal: one passenger, one 1L transparent bag, each container 100ml or less. Security doesnât negotiate because measuring mid-queue is impractical.
The rule covers surprising itemsâyogurt 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.
Cabin-ready kit
- âTransfer toiletries into 100ml labelled bottles.
- âPlace all LAG items inside a single resealable 1L bag.
- âCarry prescriptions/doctor letters for medicines exceeding 100ml.
Checked-bag strategy
- âDouble-bag sauces, oils, or food jars to avoid leaks.
- âUse rigid containers for fragile glass bottles.
- âKeep receipts for duty-free liquids in case customs needs proof of purchase.
LAG quick reference
| Item | Cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100ml perfume | â | Must fit in 1L bag |
| 200ml lotion | â | Check-in only |
| Baby milk | â With infant | Declare at screening |
Do this
- â Use travel-size bottles with printed volume marks.
- â Carry a spare empty pouch; security provides limited replacements.
- â Group similar items together (skincare vs food) for easier inspection.
Avoid this
- â ď¸ Donât argue that a half-full bottle is âunder 100mlââcontainer size rules.
- â ď¸ Donât hide liquids inside shoes or gift boxes; X-ray operators flag them instantly.
- â ď¸ Avoid last-minute duty-free purchases before domestic connectionsâthey may be seized at the next checkpoint.
FAQ
Q. Does the 1L bag need to be exactly 1 litre?
No, but it must be able to seal. Standard 20cm Ă 20cm bags meet the requirement.
Q. Can I carry ice packs?
Frozen gel packs count as liquids once they thaw. Declare them if needed for medicine or baby food.
Q. What about powder-to-liquid mixes?
Powder is fine, but once mixed with water it obeys liquid rules. Keep powders in original packaging to avoid suspicion.
Tips before you fly
- âď¸ Store the pouch near the top of your bag so you can pull it out without unpacking everything.
- âď¸ Use stackable travel jars for creamsâthey utilise vertical space better.
- âď¸ If you frequently carry sauces, freeze them overnight; once solid they still count as gels, but leaks reduce.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines â 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.