Skip to content
Australia Travel EscapesAustralian travel and wellness escapes, revived for a new editorial era

Guide · Flying ·

Liquids in hand luggage: the 100ml rule explained

By the Australia Travel Escapes editorial team · Who we are

Liquids in hand luggage must each be in a container of 100 millilitres or less, and all of them must fit in one clear, sealed plastic bag that holds up to one litre. That is the rule for every international flight in or out of Australia since 31 March 2007. Domestic flights are not covered.

This guide explains the rule in plain terms. It covers what counts as a liquid, how to pack the bag, what is allowed as an exception, and what to do with duty free shopping.

Sources for this section: Australian Embassy, Jakarta, media release on new airport rules, 28 March 2007

The rule in one minute

The Australian Government rule has two parts. First, every container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on bag must be 100 ml or less. Second, all of those containers must be sealed together in a transparent plastic bag that holds up to one litre.

The limit applies to every container in your carry-on bag. Bigger items such as perfume and cosmetics can go in your checked baggage instead, so check the size printed on each bottle or tube before you leave home.

QuestionAnswer
Which flights?International flights in and out of Australia
Domestic flights?Not covered
Largest container100 ml
BagOne transparent plastic bag, sealed, up to one litre
Start date31 March 2007

Sources for this section: Australian Embassy, Jakarta, media release on new airport rules, 28 March 2007

What counts as a liquid

Think of anything you can pour, squirt, spray or spread. The Australian passenger guide lists drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, lipstick, lip balm and similar substances. It also names liquid foundation, lip gloss, mascara, deodorants and hairspray. Solid foods such as sandwiches and fruit are not liquids for this rule.

New Zealand brought in the same limits from the same day, 31 March 2007, so a trip across the Tasman follows one set of rules at both ends.

Sources for this section: Australian Government, Department of Transport and Regional Services, passenger poster "Are your liquids, aerosols and gels 100ml or less?"; New Zealand Government, "Flysmart" announcement of new aviation security measures, 15 February 2007 (published on Scoop).

Why the rule exists

The rule is a response to a plot in Britain. In 2006, people were arrested there on suspicion of planning to take liquid explosives on board aircraft, disguised as water bottles. Governments then tightened what passengers could carry through security.

Small containers limit how much liquid any one person can bring on board. The clear bag lets screeners see what you are carrying.

Sources for this section: New Zealand Government, "Flysmart" announcement, 15 February 2007 (published on Scoop).

How to pack the bag

  1. Buy or find the bag first. Use a clear, resealable bag that holds up to one litre. A small freezer bag is common.
  2. Check each label. Every container must say 100 ml or less, or be clearly that size.
  3. Decant if you need to. Pour shampoo or sunscreen into small travel bottles. Keep the bottles in the bag.
  4. Make sure the bag closes. If it will not seal, take something out. A full, bulging bag is slow to check.
  5. Keep it on top. Put the bag where you can pull it out fast at the security point.
  6. Move the rest. Put bigger bottles in your checked bag before you leave home.

Pack the bag the night before. The queue at security is a poor place to find a 200 ml tube of cream.

Sources for this section: Australian Embassy, Jakarta, media release on new airport rules, 28 March 2007; New Zealand Government, "Flysmart" announcement, 15 February 2007 (published on Scoop).

Exceptions: medicines and baby items

Some items are allowed on board even if they are not covered by the 100 ml rule. The Australian release lists prescription medicines, baby products, and non-prescription medicines that you need during the flight. Take only what you need during the flight.

New Zealand's version of the rule also mentions baby food and essential dietary supplies, and says these get extra checks from security staff. If you carry medicine or baby items, keep them handy and tell the screener before they start.

This is general information, not medical advice. For medicine in your carry-on bag, your doctor and your airline are the people to ask before you fly.

Sources for this section: Australian Embassy, Jakarta, media release on new airport rules, 28 March 2007; New Zealand Government, "Flysmart" announcement, 15 February 2007 (published on Scoop).

Duty free shopping

Duty free is where most travellers get confused. Draft details reported in February 2007 said that duty free liquids over 100 ml could be carried on an Australia-bound flight if they were delivered to the gate in a sealed bag. The same report said the draft still needed industry consultation and that retailers were asking for clarification.

Because details can change, keep any sealed bag shut and do not open it until you reach your final stop. Ask the shop staff at the till how the rule works for your route. If you change planes in another country, ask your airline too.

The government also said it was sending information brochures to 340 duty free and tax shops and 4,500 travel agents, so staff in both should be able to help.

Sources for this section: Moodie Davitt Report, "New Australian duty free regulations set to have big impact on liquor sales", 13 February 2007; Australian Embassy, Jakarta, media release on new airport rules, 28 March 2007.

Quick checklist before you leave

Check that nothing in your hand luggage is bigger than 100 ml. Make sure the clear bag seals. Keep medicines and baby items handy for the screener. Put anything bigger in checked baggage. The government printed 14 million brochures in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indonesian, so ask your travel agent or airport for a copy if you want the rules in print.

Following these steps keeps the line moving and keeps you from handing over a favourite bottle at the screening point.

Sources