Liquids in hand luggage: What are the rules at German and Austrian airports?
For many years, small liquid containers and a transparent one-litre bag have been standard requirements for air travel. With the introduction of modern security scanners, these rules are increasingly changing. The new technology enables more detailed screening of hand luggage and its contents, paving the way for more relaxed restrictions on liquids.
Vienna Airport: Up to two litres in hand luggage
At Vienna Airport, the previous 100 ml limit was lifted in July 2026. Modern CT scanners are now in use at the central security checkpoints in all terminals. Passengers can therefore carry liquids in containers with a capacity of up to two litres in their hand luggage. Electronic devices such as laptops and tablets also no longer need to be removed separately during security screening.
Vienna Airport invested around €25 million in the transition and acquired a total of 35 new scanners. This places Vienna among the airports where the new technology is already being used across all central security checkpoints.
Munich follows suit
At Munich Airport, restrictions on liquids were also relaxed in September 2026. Since 18 September, liquids in containers with a capacity of up to two litres have been permitted at all security checkpoints. Liquids and electronic devices can remain inside hand luggage during screening.
The transition to modern CT technology at Munich Airport involved investments of around €45 million. The new scanners provide a three-dimensional view of the contents of hand luggage and enable more detailed analysis of the items being carried.
Different rules across Europe
Despite these technological advances, the relaxed rules do not yet apply at all airports. While Vienna and Munich have already lifted the 100 ml limit, some German and Austrian airports continue to apply the previous restrictions. At these airports, liquids may only be carried in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml, which must fit together in a transparent, resealable one-litre bag.
Different rules may also apply when connecting between flights. The regulations at the departure airport therefore cannot automatically be assumed to apply to subsequent security checks during a journey.
The developments demonstrate how modern screening technology is changing airport security procedures and making it increasingly easier for passengers to carry liquids in their hand luggage. While Vienna and Munich have already adopted the new technology, implementation at other airports is still progressing gradually.
