Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Dangerous goods rules in air travel rarely change (in 2026, for example, regarding power banks), but individual airlines can be stricter. For binding information, please check lufthansa.com or your airline's website before your flight.
How much liquid am I actually allowed to pack in my checked suitcase? The good news: the notorious 100 ml rule from carry-on luggage does not apply to checked luggage. Shampoo, shower gel, perfume or your favourite body lotion can be taken on holiday in any quantity. Still, there are clear limits: alcohol, spray cans and flammable substances are subject to their own rules under international dangerous goods regulations (IATA). In this guide you'll find all the current rules for liquids in checked luggage 2026, the most important limits, and what must never go in your suitcase under any circumstances.
Liquids in checked luggage – the most important rule
The key difference compared to carry-on luggage: in checked luggage, normal liquids are not subject to any quantity restrictions. You can pack as many bottles of shampoo, shower gel, perfume or lotion as you like – even large bottles over 100 ml.
In short: Normal cosmetics, care products and drinks can go into your checked suitcase without any quantity limit. Only dangerous goods such as alcohol over 24% ABV, spray cans and anything flammable are restricted. The difference compared to carry-on luggage: there, the 100 ml rule and the 1-litre bag apply.
What's allowed without limit?
You can pack these products in any standard retail quantity – neither border police nor the airline will have a problem with them:
- Shampoo, shower gel, conditioner – even in 500 ml or 1-litre bottles
- Body lotion, creams, masks – any standard retail size
- Toothpaste, mouthwash – normal pack sizes
- Contact lens solution, eye drops
- Make-up, mascara, nail polish (non-flammable)
- Honey, jam, olive oil, wine (as souvenirs from your holiday)
- Mineral water, soft drinks, juices – in sealed bottles
Tip: packing liquids correctly
Even though unlimited quantities are allowed, there are practical rules to prevent spilled liquids in your suitcase:
- Choose bottles with a screw cap, not simple pump dispensers
- Additionally seal the lid with cling film or adhesive tape
- Pack each liquid in a resealable plastic bag (protection against pressure changes)
- Place your toiletry bag in the centre of the suitcase between clothing – extra impact protection
- Pack fragile glass bottles (perfume) in a sturdy hardshell suitcase with interior padding
Alcohol in checked luggage – the 3 levels
For alcoholic drinks in your suitcase, there are clear, tiered rules based on international IATA dangerous goods regulations:
How much alcohol can go in your suitcase?
Three clear levels based on alcohol content – compliant with IATA rules.
Customs note: Additional import limits apply from non-EU countries (USA, Switzerland, Turkey): max. 1 L of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 L under 22% ABV duty-free per adult.
| Alcohol content | Quantity per person | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 24% ABV | Unlimited | No requirement |
| 24.1–70% ABV | Maximum 5 litres total | Original packaging, max. 5 L per container |
| Over 70% ABV | FORBIDDEN | – |
Examples
- Beer (5% ABV), wine (12% ABV), liqueur 18% ABV: unlimited in checked luggage
- Whisky (40% ABV), vodka (40% ABV), rum (40% ABV): max. 5 litres per person, in original bottle
- Herbal liqueur 60% ABV: max. 5 litres in original packaging
- Stroh rum 80% ABV, absinthe over 70% ABV: completely forbidden
Note on customs: Additional import restrictions apply from non-EU countries (e.g. USA, Switzerland, Turkey). Per adult, you may import duty-free a maximum of 1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV or 2 litres under 22% ABV. Above these limits, import VAT and excise duty apply.
Spray cans and aerosols in checked luggage
Spray cans are allowed, but with clear quantity and safety rules. This applies in particular to perfume, deodorant spray, hairspray, sunscreen spray and similar products:
- Individual container: maximum 0.5 kg or 0.5 litres
- Total per person: maximum 2 kg or 2 litres
- Only cosmetic and medical items such as hairspray, deodorant and perfume (containers up to 500 ml)
- Valves must be secured with protective caps to prevent accidental release
- Not permitted: spray cans with flammable propellant (camping stove cartridges, lighter gas)
What's FORBIDDEN in checked luggage?
Some liquids and substances are strictly forbidden even in checked luggage, as they can cause fires or corrosion damage during turbulence or pressure changes.
Strictly forbidden in checked luggage
- Lighter fluid, lamp oil, paraffin
- Camping gas cartridges, lighter gas refills
- Alcohol over 70% ABV (see above)
- Spray cans with flammable contents (non-cosmetic sprays)
- Acetone-based nail polish remover in large quantities
- Household cleaners containing caustic/corrosive ingredients
- Acids, alkalis (including car batteries, pool chlorine)
- Mercury-containing products (old-style fever thermometers)
Also forbidden: lithium batteries in checked luggage
Not directly a liquid, but important to know: power banks, e-cigarettes and loose lithium batteries do not belong in checked luggage, but in carry-on luggage instead. Find out more in our power bank guide.
Carry-on vs. checked luggage – the comparison
| Rule | Carry-on luggage | Checked luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics / toiletries | max. 100 ml per container | Unlimited |
| 1-litre clear plastic bag | Mandatory | Not required |
| Perfume | max. 100 ml | Unlimited |
| Alcohol up to 70% ABV | max. 100 ml | max. 5 litres |
| Power banks / e-cigarettes | ✓ Allowed | ✗ Forbidden |
| Lighters | 1 item carried on the body | ✗ Forbidden |
| Spray cans | max. 100 ml | max. 0.5 L each, 2 L total |
The 100 ml limit in carry-on luggage applies in normal cases. At checkpoints with CT scanners, for example at Munich Airport and most checkpoints at Frankfurt Terminal 1, containers up to 2 litres may stay in carry-on luggage.
You'll find the detailed rules for carry-on luggage in our guide Liquids in Carry-on Luggage 2026.
Tips for souvenirs: what can go in your suitcase?
Many travellers want to bring souvenirs home. These liquids are usually no problem:
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar from Italy
- Wine, Prosecco from Europe – in original bottles
- Limoncello, grappa up to 70% ABV from Italy
- Tequila, mezcal from Mexico (40–55% ABV)
- Rum, whisky from duty-free shops – in STEBs (Security Tamper Evident Bags)
- Honey, jam, olives – regional specialities
- Perfume souvenirs from Paris or Dubai
Tip for fragile souvenirs: It's best to transport perfume or liqueur bottles in a sturdy hardshell suitcase. In addition: wrap the bottle in cling film, pack it in a sock or towel, and store it in the centre of your suitcase between clothing. That way it will survive rough handling during transfers too.
What happens if you break the rules?
The consequences vary depending on the severity of the violation:
- Exceeding the alcohol quantity (over 5 L): the excess is detected on the X-ray scan and confiscated
- Over 70% proof alcohol in the suitcase: confiscation, possibly a fine for a dangerous goods violation
- Lighter fluid / flammable liquids: confiscation + fine (dangerous goods violation)
- Power bank in checked luggage: the suitcase is held back, the power bank must be disposed of or moved to carry-on luggage
- Deliberate concealment: fine of up to several thousand euros plus possible criminal charges
Airport baggage scans reliably detect suspicious items. If in doubt, it's best to ask in advance – asking costs nothing, but confiscated items do.
Checklist: liquids in checked luggage
Before you close your suitcase, run through this once:
- Are all bottles tightly screwed shut? Secured additionally with tape or cling film?
- Alcohol over 24% ABV in original packaging, max. 5 litres?
- Spray cans: max. 0.5 litres per can, valves protected?
- No flammable substances such as lighter fluid or camping gas?
- No power banks / e-cigarettes in the suitcase? (these belong in carry-on luggage)
- Fragile liquids placed in the centre of the suitcase, protected from impact?
Which suitcase protects liquids best?
A good suitcase prevents your favourite lotion from leaking in transit or your perfume bottle from breaking. We recommend:
- Hardshell instead of softshell luggage: hardshell suitcases cushion impacts better
- Good interior features: tie-down straps and a central divider prevent items from shifting
- Separate compartment for liquids: many modern carry-on suitcases have a sealed wet compartment
- Sturdy TSA locks against unauthorised opening – details in our TSA lock guide
- The right size for your airline's baggage allowance – see Lufthansa, Ryanair or Eurowings
Frequently asked questions about liquids in checked luggage
Does the 100 ml rule also apply to checked luggage?
No. The 100 ml rule applies exclusively to carry-on luggage (cabin). In checked luggage, you can take liquids such as shampoo, shower gel, lotion, perfume and drinks in any quantity and container size.
How much alcohol can go in your suitcase?
Up to 24% ABV, unlimited (beer, wine). Between 24.1 and 70% ABV (spirits), a maximum of 5 litres per person in original packaging. Above 70% ABV, alcohol is completely forbidden in checked luggage. Additional customs limits apply when importing from non-EU countries.
Can perfume go in checked luggage?
Yes, unlimited. Unlike in carry-on luggage, there's no quantity limit for perfume in checked luggage. However, you should still pad glass bottles additionally (cling film, sock, centre of the suitcase).
Which liquids are forbidden in checked luggage?
Flammable substances such as lighter fluid, camping gas cartridges, lamp oil and paraffin. Also alcohol over 70% ABV, caustic household cleaners, acids and mercury-containing products. Power banks and e-cigarettes belong in carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage.
How many spray cans can I take in my suitcase?
According to IATA rules, a maximum of 0.5 litres per individual container and a total of 2 litres per person. Only cosmetic and medical products such as deodorant, hairspray and perfume spray are allowed – no paint or gas spray cans. The valves must be secured with protective caps.
What happens if a liquid leaks in your suitcase?
Don't count on the airline paying for cleaning or damaged clothing. So always: secure lids with tape or cling film, pack bottles in resealable plastic bags, and pad fragile glass bottles.
