What counts as a liquid (LAG)
BCAS applies the international LAG rule to all flights from Indian airports. "Liquid" includes anything pourable, sprayable, or gel-like: water, juice, perfume, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, foundation, mascara, nail polish, hand sanitiser, aerosols (shaving foam, hair spray), gels (hair gel, contact lens solution), and pastes (peanut butter, jam, hummus).
The 100 ml / 1-litre rule
| Rule component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Container size | Maximum 100 ml each |
| Total bag size | 1 transparent zip-lock, ~20 × 20 cm = 1 litre |
| Bags per passenger | One only |
| Half-empty containers? | Container LABEL matters. 200 ml bottle with 50 ml is still NOT allowed |
| Where to put the bag | Remove from hand baggage, place in security tray separately |
Note (2026): no Indian airport has relaxed the 100 ml limit — the UK/Ireland relaxations do not apply here. At new CT-scanner lanes (e.g., some BLR/DEL terminals) you may be told to leave the pouch inside your bag — follow lane signage; the 100 ml limit itself still applies everywhere in India.
Exceptions to the 100 ml rule
1. Baby food, formula, breast milk
For infants (typically up to 2 years), you may carry baby food, formula, breast milk, and sterilised water in reasonable quantities — the BCAS exemption asks only for "proper justification". A zip-lock is not required, though some carriers ask that even exception items go in a clear bag. Inform security; they may swab or ask to open the container for testing.
2. Prescription medicines
Liquid medicines (insulin, eye drops, asthma inhalers, syrups, ointments, diabetic gel packs) are exempt. Carry prescription, doctor's letter, or original pharmacy label.
3. Duty-free liquids in STEB
Liquids bought airside (after security) are exempt if sealed in a Sealed Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) with the receipt visible inside. The STEB must remain unopened until your final destination.
Common mistakes
- Full-size shampoo/conditioner from hotel toiletries
- Coconut oil / mustard oil in 500 ml-1L bottles (common Indian travel item)
- Pickle jars / homemade chutneys / curd >100 ml
- Drinking water from outside the airport
- Hand sanitiser > 100 ml
What to do with oversized liquids
- Pack in checked baggage. No 100 ml limit there — but note BCAS caps: cooking oil/ghee max 5 litres per passenger, alcohol (24-70% ABV) max 5 litres in retail packaging, and flammable liquids are banned entirely.
- Decant into ≤100 ml travel bottles. Pharmacies sell these for ₹100-300.
- Buy at destination.
- Surrender at security. Last resort — items not returnable.
Frequently asked questions
How much liquid can I carry in hand baggage in India?
Each container must be ≤100 ml, all containers must fit in one transparent 1-litre resealable bag (approximately 20 × 20 cm), and only ONE such bag per passenger. This is the BCAS LAG rule applied at every Indian airport security checkpoint.
What is the 100 ml liquid rule in flights from India?
BCAS follows the international LAG rule: liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of 100 ml or smaller, all fitting in one clear 1-litre zip-lock bag. Container size counts — even a half-empty 200 ml bottle is not allowed.
Can I carry water bottle in flight India hand baggage?
No — water bottles brought from outside cannot pass security if larger than 100 ml. On domestic flights you can buy water AFTER the security checkpoint and carry it onboard. On international flights (especially US/UK-bound), a secondary gate check may disallow open airside bottles — duty-free in a sealed STEB is the safe route. Empty reusable water bottles pass security and refill airside.
Is baby food and milk allowed in hand baggage India?
Yes — baby food, formula milk, and breast milk in reasonable quantities for infants up to 2 years are exempt from the 100 ml LAG rule. You do not need a separate zip-lock bag for these.
Can I carry liquid medicine in flight India?
Yes — prescription liquid medicines (insulin, eye drops, syrups, ointments) are exempt. Carry your prescription or a doctor letter. Diabetic supplies including insulin pens and ice packs are allowed.
Can I carry duty-free liquids on connecting flights from India?
Yes, in a Sealed Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) with the original purchase receipt visible inside — the STEB must remain unopened until your final destination. One caveat (Air India): when transferring from an INTERNATIONAL arrival to a DOMESTIC onward flight in India, STEB liquids over 100 ml may not be allowed in cabin on the domestic leg — allow time to move them to checked baggage.
What about perfume bottles 200 ml in hand baggage India?
A 200 ml perfume bottle is NOT allowed in hand baggage from India, even if more than half empty. Container SIZE determines admissibility, not the liquid volume inside.
Can I carry cosmetics in flight cabin baggage India?
Yes, subject to the 100 ml rule. Foundation, liquid lipstick, mascara, nail polish, lotion, sunscreen all count as LAGs. Solid cosmetics (lipstick stick, powder, eyeshadow) are not LAGs and have no limit.
Sources
- BCAS AVSEC Circular No. 06/2020 — Security procedure for Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (supersedes the 2006/2008 LAG circulars)
- BCAS AVSEC Order No. 02/2022 — Handling of Restricted Articles (checked-baggage caps)
- IATA Travel Centre — Liquid Restrictions
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