Airport security is not a debate club. It’s a system. And the system will throw away your oversized shampoo with the calm confidence of someone deleting spam.
Liquids Rule in EU Airports
EU guidance explains that liquids, aerosols, and gels carried in the aircraft cabin must be in a transparent plastic bag (maximum 1 liter capacity) and no container may hold more than 100 ml.
Practical Packing
- Buy 100 ml travel bottles (refillable ones last for years)
- Keep the clear bag accessible so you can whip it out at security
- Don’t assume the same rules apply at every airport security lane (technology upgrades vary by airport)
What Goes in Checked Baggage Instead
- Full-size toiletries
- Anything over 100 ml
- Aerosol cans you don’t need during the flight
Medication and Baby Food Exceptions
The EU luggage restriction guidance notes the volume restriction does not apply to medicines and baby food (with typical screening requirements).
For medicines specifically, the CDC recommends:
- Keeping medicines in original, labeled containers
- Packing them in carry-on
- Being prepared for additional screening
Practical tip: If you carry prescription medication, a doctor’s letter explaining the medication can smooth things at security, especially for controlled substances or injectable medications.
Power Banks and Lithium Batteries
IATA’s traveler guidance states that spare batteries must be protected and carried in hand baggage, and policies can vary by airline.
What This Means for You
- Power banks go in carry-on (never checked baggage)
- Cover battery terminals (tape or a protective case)
- Check your airline’s watt-hour limit (commonly 100 Wh for most power banks)
- Large power banks (100-160 Wh) may need airline approval
Common Devices and Their Batteries
| Device | Typical Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone power bank (10,000 mAh) | ~37 Wh | Usually fine |
| Laptop power bank (20,000 mAh) | ~74 Wh | Usually fine |
| Large power bank (30,000+ mAh) | 100+ Wh | Check airline rules |
Security-Ready Carry-On Checklist
- ✅ Liquids bag: 100 ml containers inside 1 liter clear bag
- ✅ Medications: original containers, carry-on
- ✅ Batteries: hand baggage, terminals protected
- ✅ Electronics and chargers accessible
- ✅ Remove metal-heavy items early (belt, watch, coins)
- ✅ Laptop and tablet out of bag (unless told otherwise)
FAQ
Can I bring food through security? Generally yes for solid food. Spreads, liquids, and sauces fall under the liquids rule.
What about e-cigarettes and vapes? These contain lithium batteries and must be in carry-on, not checked baggage. Check airline-specific rules.
Do rules differ between EU airports? The base EU rules are consistent, but individual airports may have additional screening procedures or updated technology that changes the process slightly.
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you’re unsure about medication travel logic for your route, our Travel Health Consult covers flying with medications and devices (educational guidance). Or read our full Europe Packing List for everything else you need to bring.