Last updated: 22 April 2026 · Dangerous goods regulations for air travel rarely change, but individual airlines may have stricter policies. For definitive information, please check lufthansa.com or your airline's website before flying.
How much liquid can I actually take in my checked luggage? The good news: The infamous 100ml rule from hand luggage does not apply to checked baggage. Shampoo, shower gel, perfume or your favourite body lotion can travel in unlimited quantities. However, there are clear restrictions: Alcohol, aerosols and flammable substances are subject to their own rules under international dangerous goods regulations (IATA). In this guide, you'll find all the current liquid rules for checked luggage 2026, the most important limits and what is absolutely prohibited in your suitcase.
Liquids in Checked Luggage – The Key Rule
The main difference from hand luggage: Normal liquids have no quantity restrictions in checked luggage. You can pack unlimited amounts of shampoo bottles, shower gels, perfumes or lotions – even in large bottles over 100ml.
Quick summary: Normal cosmetics, personal care products and drinks can go in checked luggage without quantity limits. Only dangerous goods like alcohol over 24% vol, aerosols and anything flammable are restricted. The difference from hand luggage: There you have the 100ml rule and the 1-litre bag requirement.
What's Allowed Without Limit?
These products can be packed in any normal commercial quantity – neither border police nor airlines will cause problems:
- Shampoo, shower gel, conditioner – even in 500ml or 1-litre bottles
- Body lotion, creams, face masks – any standard retail size
- Toothpaste, mouthwash – normal pack sizes
- Contact lens solution, eye drops
- Make-up, mascara, nail varnish (non-flammable)
- Honey, jam, olive oil, wine (as holiday souvenirs)
- Mineral water, soft drinks, juices – in sealed bottles
Tip: Pack Liquids Properly
Even though unlimited quantities are allowed, practical rules apply to prevent leaked liquids in your suitcase:
- Choose bottles with screw caps, not simple pump dispensers
- Additionally seal lids with cling film or tape
- Pack each liquid in a sealable plastic bag (protection during pressure equalisation)
- Toiletry bag in the centre of the suitcase between clothes – extra shock protection
- Fragile glass bottles (perfume) in a sturdy hard shell with interior padding
Alcohol in Checked Luggage – The 3 Levels
For alcoholic drinks in luggage, there are clear, tiered rules based on international IATA dangerous goods regulations:
How Much Alcohol is Allowed in Luggage?
Three clear levels by alcohol content – compliant with IATA regulations.
Customs note: From non-EU countries (USA, Switzerland, Turkey), additional import limits apply: max. 1L spirits over 22% vol or 2L under 22% vol duty-free per adult.
| Alcohol Content | Quantity per Person | Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 24% vol | Unlimited | No requirements |
| 24.1–70% vol | Maximum 5 litres total | Original packaging, max. 5L per container |
| Over 70% vol | PROHIBITED | – |
Examples
- Beer (5% vol), Wine (12% vol), Liqueur 18% vol: unlimited in luggage
- Whisky (40% vol), Vodka (40% vol), Rum (40% vol): max. 5 litres per person, in original bottle
- Herbal liqueur 60% vol: max. 5 litres in original packaging
- Stroh Rum 80% vol, Absinthe over 70% vol: completely prohibited
Consider customs: From non-EU countries (e.g. USA, Switzerland, Turkey), additional import restrictions apply. Per adult, you may import a maximum of 1 litre of spirits over 22% vol or 2 litres under 22% vol duty-free. Above this, import VAT and excise duty are payable.
Aerosols and Sprays in Checked Luggage
Aerosols are allowed but with clear quantity and safety rules. This applies particularly to perfume, deodorant spray, hairspray, sunscreen spray and similar products:
- Individual containers: maximum 0.5 kg or 0.5 litres
- Total per person: maximum 2 kg or 2 litres
- Only non-flammable and non-toxic (cosmetics + medical articles)
- Valves must be secured by protective caps to prevent accidental release
- Not permitted: Aerosols with flammable propellant gas (camping stove cartridges, lighter gas)
What is PROHIBITED in Checked Luggage?
Some liquids and substances are strictly banned even in checked luggage because they can cause fires or corrosion damage during turbulence or pressure fluctuations.
Strictly Prohibited in Checked Luggage
- Lighter fluid, lamp oil, paraffin
- Camping gas cartridges, lighter gas refills
- Alcohol over 70% vol (see above)
- Aerosols with flammable contents (non-cosmetic spray products)
- Acetone-based nail polish remover in large quantities
- Household cleaners with caustic/corrosive ingredients
- Acids, alkalis (incl. car batteries, pool chlorine)
- Mercury-containing products (old-style fever thermometers)
Also Prohibited: Lithium Batteries in Checked Luggage
Not directly a liquid, but important to know: Power banks, e-cigarettes and loose lithium batteries don't belong in checked luggage but in hand luggage. More on this in our power bank guide.
Hand Luggage vs Checked Luggage – Comparison
| Rule | Hand Luggage | Checked Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics / Personal Care | max. 100ml per container | Unlimited |
| 1-litre clear bag | Mandatory | Not required |
| Perfume | max. 100ml | Unlimited |
| Alcohol up to 70% vol | max. 100ml | max. 5 litres |
| Power banks / E-cigarettes | ✓ Allowed | ✗ Prohibited |
| Lighters | 1 piece on person | ✗ Prohibited |
| Aerosols | max. 100ml | max. 0.5L each, 2L total |
Detailed rules for hand luggage can be found in our guide Liquids in Hand Luggage 2026.
Tips for Souvenirs: What Can Go in Your Suitcase?
Many travellers want to bring souvenirs home. These liquids are no problem:
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar from Italy
- Wine, prosecco from Europe – in original bottles
- Limoncello, grappa up to 70% vol from Italy
- Tequila, mezcal from Mexico (40–55% vol)
- 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: Transport perfume or liqueur bottles in a sturdy hard shell suitcase. Additionally: wrap the bottle in cling film, pack in a sock or towel and store centrally between clothes. This way it survives rough handling during connections.
What Happens if You Break the Rules?
Consequences vary depending on the severity of the violation:
- Exceeding alcohol quantity (over 5L): Excess discovered at X-ray and confiscated
- Over 70% alcohol in luggage: Confiscation, possibly fine for dangerous goods violation
- Lighter fuel / flammable liquids: Confiscation + fine (dangerous goods violation)
- Power bank in luggage: Bag held back, power bank must be disposed of or moved to hand luggage
- Deliberate concealment: Fine up to several thousand pounds plus possible prosecution
Baggage scanning at airports reliably finds suspicious items. When in doubt, it's better to ask beforehand – asking costs nothing, confiscated items do.
Checklist: Liquids in Checked Luggage
Before you close your suitcase, run through this:
- All bottles tightly screwed shut? Additionally secured with tape or cling film?
- Alcohol over 24% vol in original packaging, max. 5 litres?
- Aerosols: max. 0.5 litres per can, valves protected?
- No flammable substances like lighter fuel or camping gas?
- No power banks / e-cigarettes in luggage? (belong in hand luggage)
- Fragile liquids centrally in suitcase, shock-protected?
Which Suitcase Best Protects Liquids?
A good suitcase prevents your favourite lotion from leaking on the journey or your perfume bottle from breaking. We recommend:
- Hard shell instead of soft luggage: Hard shell suitcases cushion impacts better
- Good interior fittings: Compression straps and centre dividers prevent shifting
- Separate compartment for liquids: Many modern hand luggage suitcases have a sealed wet compartment
- Sturdy TSA locks against unauthorised opening – details in the TSA lock guide
- Appropriate size for airline baggage allowance – see Lufthansa, Ryanair or Eurowings
Frequently Asked Questions About Liquids in Checked Luggage
Does the 100ml rule also apply to checked luggage?
No. The 100ml rule applies exclusively to hand luggage (cabin). In checked luggage, you can take liquids like shampoo, shower gel, lotion, perfume and drinks in unlimited quantities and container sizes.
How much alcohol can go in the suitcase?
Up to 24% vol unlimited (beer, wine). Between 24.1 and 70% vol (spirits) maximum 5 litres per person in original packaging. Over 70% vol alcohol is completely prohibited in luggage. Additional customs limits apply when importing from non-EU countries.
Can perfume go in checked luggage?
Yes, unlimited. Unlike hand luggage, there's no quantity restriction for perfume in checked luggage. However, glass bottles should be additionally padded (cling film, sock, centrally in suitcase).
Which liquids are prohibited in checked luggage?
Flammable substances like lighter fuel, camping gas cartridges, lamp oil and paraffin. Also alcohol over 70% vol, caustic household cleaners, acids and mercury-containing products. Power banks and e-cigarettes belong in hand luggage, not in checked luggage.
How many aerosols can I take in my suitcase?
Under IATA rules maximum 0.5 litres per individual container and 2 litres total per person. Only non-flammable cosmetic and medical products are allowed (deodorant, hairspray, perfume spray). Valves must be secured by protective caps.
What happens if a liquid leaks in the suitcase?
Airlines are liable only in exceptional cases. Cleaning costs and replacement for damaged clothing usually remain with the traveller. Therefore always: secure lids with tape or cling film, pack bottles in sealable plastic bags, pad fragile glass bottles.
