Airport security rules outside the US
The TSA's rules only cover US airports. Here is how liquids, lighters, sharp items, batteries, food and medication rules differ in 7 other places, each checked against the government or airport's own pages.
- United KingdomThe UK has no single liquids rule any more. Heathrow and Gatwick allow containers of up to 2 litres that stay in your…
- European UnionEU liquid limits vary by airport. The default is still 100ml containers in one 1-litre bag, but airports with approved…
- CanadaCanada keeps the 100ml container and 1-litre bag rule. Unlike the US, it allows small knives (blades of 6cm or less)…
- AustraliaAustralia's limits apply only to international flights, and domestic flights have no liquid quantity limit. It adds a…
- New ZealandNew Zealand limits liquids only on international flights and adds a 350ml cap on inorganic powders. Unlike the US, it…
- SingaporeSingapore keeps the classic 100ml container and 1-litre bag rule, and liquid medicines are exempt only with a doctor's…
- JapanJapan applies the 100ml and 1-litre bag rule only on international flights, but bans knives of any size from the…
Liquids and lighters compared
The two rules that catch most travelers out.
| Where | Liquids | Lighters |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | The liquids rule now depends on the departure airport. Under the standard UK rule, each container can hold at most 100ml and all containers go in… | You can carry one lighter. It must be in a resealable plastic bag (the liquids bag works) and kept on your… |
| European Union | The standard EU rule is a 100ml maximum per container, with all containers in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airports with… | Under the ICAO dangerous goods rules applied in EU states, you may carry one small lighter or one small… |
| Canada | Liquids, aerosols, gels, non-solid food and personal items must be in containers of 100ml/100g (3.4oz) or less, all in one clear resealable bag of… | Transport Canada bans any device that can ignite from checked baggage. Look up carry-on lighter and match… |
| Australia | On international flights, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or 100g or less, packed in a resealable transparent bag of about… | One cigarette lighter per passenger, carried on your person only. Lighters cannot be checked in. |
| New Zealand | On international flights, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less, totalling no more than 1 litre, in a single resealable… | You may carry one lighter, on your person rather than in a bag. Blue-flame cigar lighters are banned even on… |
| Singapore | Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less, totalling no more than 1 litre, in one transparent resealable bag per passenger… | Safety matches or lighters are allowed only when carried on your person. A lighter may contain only absorbed… |
| Japan | On international flights, all liquids, gels and aerosols must be in containers of 100ml or less, inside one transparent zip-top bag of up to 1 litre… | One small lighter is allowed, carried on your person in the cabin. Lighters cannot go in checked baggage.… |