Munich Airport Abolishes 100-Milliliter Liquid Rule for Hand Luggage
Munich, September 18, 2026 – Travelers departing from Munich Airport can now carry beverages, shampoo, perfumes, and other liquids in larger quantities in their hand luggage. The previously partial 100-milliliter rule has been completely abolished, as announced by the Bavarian Ministry of Transport.
Modern CT Scanners Enable New Regulations
For many years, air travelers were generally only allowed to carry liquids in containers of up to 100 milliliters in their hand luggage. This regulation, introduced EU-wide 20 years ago, was a response to a terrorist plot in the UK involving liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks. However, advancements in technology have led to the deployment of modern computer tomographs (CT scanners) that can automatically detect liquid explosives and process larger liquid volumes.
At the start of the holiday season, 40 control lanes at Munich Airport were already equipped with these new scanners. All 60 control lanes have since been upgraded, paving the way for the complete abolition of the 100-milliliter rule, effective Friday, September 18, 2026.
Up to Two Liters Now Permitted
The Bavarian Ministry of Transport stated that this change will make travel even more comfortable, especially in time for the start of Oktoberfest. Passengers can now carry containers of up to two liters in their hand luggage. Larger containers, however, must still be checked in with regular luggage. The upgrade to CT technology cost approximately 45 million euros, according to the ministry.
Nuremberg Airport Led the Way, Memmingen to Follow
Nuremberg Airport had already lifted its liquid restrictions in May. Memmingen Airport plans to implement CT technology as part of its next terminal expansion. However, travelers with connecting flights should still check the regulations at their transfer airports, as different rules for liquids in hand luggage may apply, potentially causing issues despite the relaxed regulations at their departure airport.
This article was first published on September 14, 2026, on BR24 and has been updated due to its continued relevance.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/flughafen-muenchen-strenge-fluessigkeiten-regelung-aufgehoben,VVBsPX9
