Liquids in hand luggage at Frankfurt Airport: what applies in 2026?
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Hardly any rule causes as much confusion at the airport as the one for liquids in hand luggage. In Frankfurt there is an extra twist: some security lanes already use modern CT scanners, where larger quantities of liquids may be allowed. Many travellers therefore wonder whether the 100 ml rule still applies. The short answer: sometimes not – but you should still pack according to it. In this guide we explain why, what counts as a liquid, what exceptions there are and what to watch out for when changing planes in Frankfurt.
Key facts at a glance
- At lanes with CT scanners in Frankfurt, larger containers may be allowed – at other lanes the 100 ml rule applies.
- On the return flight and when changing planes, the rules of the respective airport apply; the 100 ml rule is therefore the safe choice.
- Medicines and baby food for the journey are usually allowed even in larger quantities.
- When changing planes, keep duty-free liquids in the sealed bag with the receipt.
The classic rule
Since 2006, the following has applied in the EU to liquids in hand luggage:
- Each container no more than 100 ml (the printed volume counts)
- All containers in one transparent, resealable bag of about one litre
- One bag per person
- The bag is presented separately at security
This rule is the basis that works at every airport in the world.
CT scanners in Frankfurt: what is changing
The EU has approved computed tomography scanners that can reliably analyse liquids in luggage. At such lanes, airports can allow larger containers, and laptops and liquids can often stay in the bag. According to reports, areas of Terminal 1 in Frankfurt are already equipped with CT scanners, and Terminal 3 was planned with this technology.
The problem for travellers:
- You don’t know the lane in advance. Even in an equipped terminal there may be lanes with conventional technology.
- The rules can vary depending on the device and software. Not every new scanner is approved for larger quantities.
- The return flight also matters. At your destination, the local airport’s rule applies. If you fly out with a large bottle of sun cream, you may have to give it up there.
- When changing planes, the old limit may apply again.
The airport publishes the current status on frankfurt-airport.com. Our recommendation remains: pack according to the 100 ml rule, and you won’t have problems anywhere.
What counts as a liquid?
- Drinks of all kinds
- Cosmetics: toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, lotion, cream, liquid make-up, mascara, lip gloss, perfume
- Sprays and aerosols: spray deodorant, hairspray, shaving foam, sun spray
- Gels: hair gel, sanitising gel, contact lens solution
- Foods: yoghurt, honey, jam, spreads, sauces, soups, soft cheese
Solid alternatives save space: shampoo bars, deodorant sticks, toothpaste tablets, powder instead of liquid make-up.
Exceptions
- Medicines: liquid medicines for the duration of the journey are usually allowed even above 100 ml. Bring a doctor’s certificate, ideally in English – especially for long-haul flights from Frankfurt.
- Baby food: milk and baby food for the duration of the journey are allowed. Declare them at security.
- Dietary food: medically necessary special food with proof.
Changing planes in Frankfurt: take extra care
Frankfurt is a large hub. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU and change planes in Frankfurt, you often have to go through security again. Then:
- Liquids over 100 ml from the departure airport’s duty-free can be confiscated if they are not packed in a sealed security tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt.
- Even in a sealed bag, being allowed to take them is not guaranteed in every case.
- Safest: make duty-free purchases only at the last transfer airport or have them packed into your checked luggage.
More about the security procedure in the guide Security check at Frankfurt Airport.
Long-haul: what belongs in your hand luggage?
On long-haul flights from Frankfurt you spend many hours on the plane. So pack cleverly:
- Moisturiser and lip balm against the dry cabin air (under 100 ml)
- Eye drops or contact lens solution in travel size
- Toothbrush and a small toothpaste for the night
- Empty drinking bottle, to fill after security
- Medicines for the entire trip plus a reserve – never only in the suitcase
Liquids in checked luggage
The 100 ml limit does not apply in your suitcase. Larger bottles, sun cream and shampoo belong there. But pay attention to the airline’s dangerous goods rules – flammable liquids and certain aerosol cans are also prohibited or limited in the suitcase. Pack bottles leak-proof in plastic bags. And on your return, bear in mind the customs allowances, especially for alcohol. More in the guide Customs and entry at Frankfurt Airport.
How to pack correctly
- Get a sturdy, transparent zip bag
- Decant into travel bottles of up to 100 ml and label them
- Close lids tightly; don’t fill bottles to the brim
- Store the bag at the very top of your hand luggage
- Put anything larger in your suitcase
Repacking before departure
If you are travelling by car, you can calmly repack once more before the handover: liquids over 100 ml into the suitcase, medicines into your hand luggage. With valet parking at Frankfurt Airport, it is best to do this before you hand over the car at the handover point. With shuttle parking, have everything sorted before getting on the bus. Parking offers with their final price including service fee can be found here: Find parking at Frankfurt Airport.
Typical mistakes
- A half-full 200 ml bottle in your hand luggage – counts as 200 ml
- A forgotten water bottle in the side pocket
- Two bags for one person
- A duty-free bottle taken out of the sealed bag when changing planes
- Medicines only in the suitcase
Checklist
- All containers at most 100 ml
- One one-litre bag per person, at the top of your luggage
- Medicines with certificate in your hand luggage
- Keep duty-free sealed when changing planes
- Empty drinking bottle instead of a full one
Liquid souvenirs and gifts
Olive oil from Greece, wine from South Africa, spice pastes from Asia: many holiday souvenirs are liquid. For the return flight they belong in your checked luggage, well packed in plastic bags and padded between clothes. In hand luggage they are usually confiscated at security at your holiday airport. If you buy in duty-free, keep the goods sealed. And when entering Germany, the customs allowances apply to alcohol – more in the guide Customs and entry at Frankfurt Airport.
Liquids for children
The exception for the duration of the journey applies to baby food. For older children, however, juice and water fall under the normal rule. Take empty drinking bottles and fill them after security. Wet wipes are not a liquid within the meaning of the rule, but sun cream is. More tips in the guide Travelling with children at Frankfurt Airport.
What happens to confiscated liquids?
Containers that don’t comply with the rules are disposed of at security. As a rule, they cannot be stored until your return. If you haven’t checked in yet, you can sometimes repack items into your checked luggage. If you have already handed over your car for valet parking or the shuttle is already on its way back, the car is no longer an option either. So always pack expensive cosmetics and perfume correctly beforehand.
Travelling with hand luggage only from Frankfurt
For short business trips or city breaks, many travellers fly from Frankfurt with hand luggage only. Then the liquids bag is your only space for toiletries – plan carefully. Travel sizes, solid care products and small samples help. You can often buy missing items at your destination. Also pay attention to the size and weight of your hand luggage, which are limited differently depending on the airline and fare. Especially when connecting with different airlines, the strictest rule applies.
Contact lenses, insulin and the like
If you depend on contact lens solution, insulin or other medical liquids, don’t pack them in your checked suitcase. Temperatures in the hold can fluctuate, and if your luggage is delayed you will be left without them. Medically necessary liquids for the journey are usually allowed; a certificate helps at security.
Conclusion: new technology, the old rule as a safeguard
In Frankfurt, more liquids are allowed at some lanes than before. But because you can’t be sure of either the lane or the rules at your return or transfer airport, the 100 ml rule remains the best basis. A parking space booked in advance ensures a relaxed journey – all options on the page Parking at Frankfurt Airport.
