SWISS Liquid Allowance: Hand Luggage & Toiletries
SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure. Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter. Check the airport where you pass security and the operating airline before you pack.
At a Glance
Yes — ordinary toiletries are generally allowed when they meet airport security screening and airline dangerous-goods conditions.
SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure.
A 1-litre transparent resealable bag is the safest arrangement for a multi-airport journey under SWISS’s published rule; follow the actual checkpoint’s process.
Permitted personal-care sprays count as liquids at standard cabin security; separate dangerous-goods restrictions and valve protection still apply.
Larger ordinary toiletries generally belong in checked baggage where your fare includes it; aerosol and perfume limits still apply.
SWISS liquid allowance: which rules apply?
SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure.
Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter. Airline baggage entitlements and airport security are different questions. Use the linked baggage guide for bag sizes, fares and fees.
SWISS liquids in hand luggage: toiletries and security
Shampoo, toothpaste, moisturiser, sun cream, mascara, roll-on deodorant and shaving gel are liquids, gels or pastes at a standard checkpoint. A permitted personal-care aerosol also counts as a liquid at security and is subject to separate dangerous-goods rules.
SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure. A 1-litre transparent resealable bag is the safest arrangement for a multi-airport journey under SWISS’s published rule; follow the actual checkpoint’s process. A bottle over 100ml is not accepted at a standard 100ml checkpoint just because it is partly empty.
SWISS permits urgently needed liquid medicines and baby food in the cabin subject to the applicable screening procedure; check supporting-document advice before departure. Pack necessary items where you can present them for screening. Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter.
Your cabin-bag size and fare allowance are separate from the liquids screening rule; use the full SWISS baggage guide for those details.
SWISS liquids in checked baggage: full-size toiletries
Larger ordinary toiletries can generally be placed in checked baggage if your fare includes it. Personal-care aerosols, perfumes and aftershaves can have separate aviation dangerous-goods quantity and valve-protection conditions in both cabin and hold. Do not pack flammable industrial sprays, fuel or paint as if they were toiletries.
For SWISS, check the product and the airline’s current dangerous-goods conditions before placing sprays or perfume in the hold. Your ticket may not include checked baggage, and partner-operated sectors can have different baggage allowances. Keep essential medicines with you in the cabin, subject to screening.
Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter.
For cabin bag sizes, fare-specific allowances, checked baggage and fees, see our full SWISS baggage guide.
Practical toiletries packing tips for your SWISS journey:
Start with the route — Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter.
Follow the airline guidance — SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure.
Prepare the liquids bag — A 1-litre transparent resealable bag is the safest arrangement for a multi-airport journey under SWISS’s published rule; follow the actual checkpoint’s process.
Keep medical items accessible — SWISS permits urgently needed liquid medicines and baby food in the cabin subject to the applicable screening procedure; check supporting-document advice before departure.
Read the printed capacity — At a standard 100ml checkpoint, the container size matters even if a larger bottle is almost empty.
Count pastes and sprays — Toothpaste, cream, gel, roll-on deodorant, mascara and permitted aerosols can all count as liquids.
Protect duty-free purchases — Keep qualifying purchases in the sealed security bag with the receipt and check transfer screening before purchase.
Consider solid alternatives — Solid soap and solid deodorant can free space in the liquids bag; always check an unusual product.
Secure aerosol valves — Use protective caps and check that the particular personal-care spray is permitted in the cabin or hold.
Separate larger products — Place larger ordinary toiletries in checked baggage when included, subject to the product’s dangerous-goods rules.
Check your airport’s liquids rules before flying SWISS
Airport security, the airline’s carriage rules and dangerous-goods restrictions are separate checks. SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure.
For UK departures, most UK airports ordinary liquids remain limited to containers of 100ml, while some airports permit containers up to 2 litres. Check your exact departure airport, any transfer checkpoint and the return airport; one airport’s process does not govern the whole itinerary. Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter. SWISS permits urgently needed liquid medicines and baby food in the cabin subject to the applicable screening procedure; check supporting-document advice before departure.
How common toiletries are treated at airport security
Many everyday toiletries are treated as liquids, gels, pastes or aerosols when you pass through airport security. This isn't determined by the airline you're flying with, and the exact restrictions can vary depending on the security rules and screening equipment used at your departure airport. Here's how some of the most commonly packed toiletries are generally treated:
Deodorant
Roll-on and aerosol deodorants are generally treated as liquids for airport-security purposes. Solid stick deodorants are normally treated differently and can be a useful option if you want to reduce the number of items in your liquids bag.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste counts as a paste and is treated as a liquid at airport security. Where the traditional 100ml restrictions apply, the size of the toothpaste container therefore needs to comply with the applicable liquids limit.
Shampoo and conditioner
Shampoo and liquid conditioner are treated as liquids. This also applies to similar hair products such as gels, serums and liquid styling products. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are generally not treated as liquids.
Shaving foam and gel
Shaving gels and foams are subject to liquid-security requirements. Aerosol shaving foam may also be subject to dangerous-goods restrictions, so larger products need particular consideration if you're packing them for a flight.
Hairspray
Hairspray is an aerosol and is treated as a liquid for cabin-security purposes. Aerosol toiletries can also be subject to airline dangerous-goods limits, so check your airline's requirements as well as the security rules at your departure airport.
Sun cream
Sun creams, lotions, gels and sprays are treated as liquids for cabin-security purposes. This includes products such as after-sun lotion and moisturising sun protection. Solid sun-protection products are generally easier to accommodate when travelling with limited liquid allowance.
Make-up and cosmetics
Liquid foundation, mascara, creams, gels, lip gloss and similar products are generally treated as liquids. Solid and powder cosmetics are generally not subject to the same liquid restrictions, although they will still pass through normal security screening.
Perfume and aftershave
Perfume, aftershave and other liquid fragrances are treated as liquids at airport security. They may also fall within dangerous-goods limits applying to toiletry and medicinal articles, particularly when larger quantities are carried.
Remember: airport-security procedures are changing as new screening equipment is introduced. Some airports may allow larger liquid containers or have different requirements for removing liquids from your cabin bag. Always check the current rules for the airport you're departing from — and any airport you'll use on a connecting or return journey — before you travel.
What is the SWISS liquid allowance in hand luggage?
SWISS publishes a general hand-baggage rule of containers up to 100ml in a transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Airport-specific screening may be different at the point of departure. A 1-litre transparent resealable bag is the safest arrangement for a multi-airport journey under SWISS’s published rule; follow the actual checkpoint’s process. Follow the checkpoint on your route.
Can I take toiletries on a SWISS flight?
Yes, ordinary toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen and roll-on deodorant can generally travel if they meet the applicable security and dangerous-goods rules. Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter.
Do SWISS liquids have to go in a clear bag?
A 1-litre transparent resealable bag is the safest arrangement for a multi-airport journey under SWISS’s published rule; follow the actual checkpoint’s process. A different airport scanner process may apply, so check the particular checkpoint.
Can I take a 2-litre liquid container when flying SWISS from Zurich?
Zurich Airport permits containers up to 2 litres for local departing passengers using its central Security Control Building. That does not extend to Zurich transfer screening or later airports, so confirm the route and SWISS carriage conditions before packing.
Can I put full-size toiletries in SWISS checked baggage?
Usually for ordinary products, if you have a checked-bag allowance. Larger ordinary toiletries can generally be placed in checked baggage if your fare includes it. Personal-care aerosols, perfumes and aftershaves can have separate aviation dangerous-goods quantity and valve-protection conditions in both cabin and hold. Do not pack flammable industrial sprays, fuel or paint as if they were toiletries.
Are spray deodorant and perfume allowed on SWISS?
Permitted personal-care aerosols and perfumes are subject to both airport screening and aviation dangerous-goods conditions. Protect spray valves; check the particular product and airline limits before flying.
Can I take liquid medication over 100ml on SWISS?
SWISS permits urgently needed liquid medicines and baby food in the cabin subject to the applicable screening procedure; check supporting-document advice before departure. Present it separately if required and check every airport on your journey.
Will duty-free liquids be accepted on a connecting SWISS flight?
Zurich Airport has allowed containers up to 2 litres for passengers starting their journey there and screened in its central Security Control Building since 26 June 2026, without a separate liquids bag. Zurich transfer screening still uses 100ml/1-litre limits, and a return or connecting airport may also be stricter. A sealed security bag and receipt can be essential, but acceptance at one checkpoint does not guarantee acceptance at the next.