Find out everything about the change, which reflects the European Union's commitment to ensuring greater safety during flights.

Until the new rules, in some European airports, passengers were able to carry liquids in their hand luggage with complete freedom, thanks to the innovative C3 scanners. This equipment allowed for a detailed inspection of bags, providing greater flexibility in the transport of liquids.

From 1 September: C3 scanners will be banned at all airports, as according to the Airports Council International, they do not meet the necessary security standards. In other words, there will be a return to the restrictions previously in force on placing liquids in transparent bags.

In practice, liquids carried in hand luggage may not exceed 100 ml (per container) and must be packed in a transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.

Do the new rules apply to hand luggage in Portugal? The change in hand luggage restrictions will be applied at all European airports, including Lisbon Airport, Porto Airport, and Madeira International Airport, some of the busiest in the country.

Therefore, it is essential to carefully prepare the plastic bag with the liquids essential for your trip, ensuring that each container is within the imposed limits. It is also recommended that each passenger only take one plastic bag, to make it easier to pass through security control.


What are the dimensions of hand luggage allowed?

The European Parliament recently approved a proposal to standardize the dimensions of hand or cabin luggage, so that it is free for all passengers. Even so, for the measure to go ahead, it needs the approval of the European Council.

While you wait with hope for this good news, you should respect the policies of the different airlines regarding the transport of hand luggage. It is important to note that some airlines have different measurements:


TAP Air Portugal: hand luggage must be a maximum of 55 x 40 x 25 cm, with a maximum weight of 10 kg. You are allowed to take one personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm and weighing a maximum of 2 kg, such as a backpack with a laptop;

EasyJet: small hand luggage must have a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm. Large cabin luggage requires an extra charge and the maximum size is 56 x 45 x 25 cm (including handles and wheels);

Ryanair: all fares include a small personal bag, such as a hand luggage or laptop backpack, measuring up to 40 x 20 x 25 cm. Additionally, you can add a 10 kg bag, with dimensions of up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm; Wizz Air: you can take one free piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm. You can add, for a fee, a cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

It is worth noting that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommends that the dimensions do not exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

What liquids can I take in my hand luggage?

The liquids permitted in hand luggage and which you must place in the transparent plastic bag are all liquids, aerosols and gels (LAG):

Toothpaste and other liquids for oral health;

Lotions, deodorants and perfumes;

Shampoo and shower gel;

Shaving foams and creams;

Moisturising creams, body, hand or face creams, among other similar products;

Jams, soups, pâtés and creamy cheeses;

Syrups.