TUKANLiquids on Planes and Security Check at Bratislava Airport: Rules 2026
How many milliliters of perfume can I have in carry-on luggage? Will toothpaste pass through security? And what about baby milk for an infant? Security check at the airport is the most stressful part of the journey for many travelers. Yet it's enough to know a few simple rules and you'll get through it in a couple of minutes without problems. In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about security check rules at Bratislava Airport in 2026.
Basic rule: 100 ml in a clear bag
The rule for liquids in carry-on luggage is simple. Every liquid, gel, paste, cream or aerosol must be in a container with a maximum volume of 100 ml. All these containers must be placed in one clear resealable bag with a maximum volume of 1 liter. One bag per passenger.
It's important to note that it's the container volume that matters, not the amount of liquid in it. If you have a 200 ml bottle of shampoo with only 50 ml left in it, it still won't pass security. The container must be maximum 100 ml.
What counts as a liquid?
Many travelers are surprised by what all falls under the category of liquids. Besides obvious things like water, drinks and perfumes, these are also toothpastes, sunscreens, spray or gel deodorants, shampoos and conditioners, contact lens solutions, honey, jams, yogurts and other foods with liquid or semi-liquid consistency. Butter, cheeses with liquid consistency (for example processed cheeses) and pâtés also fall into this category.
What doesn't count as a liquid?
Solid foods like bread, fruit, cookies or chocolate are not liquids and can go in carry-on luggage without restriction. Same goes for solid deodorant (stick), solid soap or cosmetic pencils.
How to prepare your liquid bag
It's best to prepare your bag at home before departure. Use a regular clear zip bag - you can get one at any supermarket. Some airport shops sell them right before security, but relying on that isn't ideal.
Put only what you really need during the flight or on the first day at your destination in the bag. Put the rest of cosmetics and liquids in checked baggage, where no volume restriction applies.
Practical tip for families
If you're traveling with family, every family member - including children - is entitled to their own liquid bag. This means a family of four can have four bags. When packing, distribute liquids among all family members so you have enough space.
Exceptions to the 100 ml rule
There are several exceptions when you can have liquids over 100 ml in carry-on luggage.
Prescription medicines
Medicines you need during the flight can be in original packaging regardless of volume. We recommend having a medical prescription or doctor's certificate with you, especially for insulin and other injectable medicines.
Baby food
Baby milk, porridge, water for food preparation and other nutrition for infants and small children are allowed in quantities needed for the journey. Security staff may verify them by tasting or testing. This applies only if you're traveling with a child.
Special dietary needs
Passengers with special dietary needs may have liquid food in reasonable quantities. We recommend having a medical certificate with you.
Duty-free purchases
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops after security check have no volume restrictions. A bottle of alcohol, 200 ml perfume, anything - everything is fine because you bought it after security. The only thing to watch out for is transit - if you're transiting through another airport, some countries may require going through security again and there they might confiscate large liquids. Keep your purchase receipt.
What you can and cannot take on a plane
Food
Solid food is allowed without restriction. Sandwiches, fruit, nuts, bars, chocolates - all of this can be in carry-on luggage. Liquid food (soups, yogurts, sauces) falls under the 100 ml rule.
Electronics
Laptops, tablets and larger electronic devices must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray during security check. Phones and headphones usually don't need to be removed.
Power banks must be in carry-on luggage - never in checked luggage. Maximum allowed capacity is 100 Wh (for most common power banks this isn't a problem). Power banks over 100 Wh up to 160 Wh require airline approval.
Sharp objects
Knives, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, razor blades, screwdrivers and other sharp objects belong exclusively in checked luggage. Scissors with blades up to 6 cm are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Lighters
One small lighter per person is allowed in carry-on luggage. You must have it on you (not in the bag) or in a plastic bag. Matches also one pack per person.
How security check works at Bratislava Airport
At Bratislava Airport, security check is standard according to European Union rules. After check-in and passport control (for flights outside Schengen) you come to security check.
Prepare while still in line - unbutton your jacket, take your laptop out of the bag, prepare your liquid bag. Put your coat, laptop in a separate tray, liquid bag in a separate tray and your bag on the belt. Walk through the metal detector frame. The whole process takes 2 to 3 minutes with good preparation.
During summer months and holiday season, the security line can be longer. Count on 15 to 30 minutes of waiting and adjust your airport arrival time accordingly.
Practical tips for faster security passage
Dress practically. Avoid belts with large buckles, lace-up shoes and layers of clothing that need to be unbuttoned. The fewer things you need to put on the belt, the faster you'll get through.
Put your laptop and tablet on top of your bag so you can quickly remove them. Same with the liquid bag.
Empty your pockets while still in line. Keys, coins, phone - everything into the bag or on the belt.
If you have a metal joint replacement or pacemaker, inform security staff before going through the frame. They will check you with a handheld detector.
What to do if something gets confiscated?
If security confiscated a liquid that exceeded the limit, you have two options. Either throw it away on the spot, or go back before security, give it to someone (if someone is seeing you off) or put it in checked luggage (if they haven't closed check-in yet). Most travelers simply accept it and lose the forgotten water bottle or large cream.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take homemade food on the plane?
Yes, solid food is allowed without restrictions. Sandwiches, fruit, cookies - no problem.
Will toothpaste pass through security?
Yes, if it's in a tube up to 100 ml and is in a clear bag together with other liquids.
Can I have medicines in carry-on luggage?
Yes. Prescription medicines can be over 100 ml. We recommend having a medical prescription with you.
How much time do I need for security check?
On a regular day 5 to 10 minutes. During season and holidays 15 to 30 minutes. We recommend being at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
Conclusion
Security check at Bratislava Airport is nothing to stress about. Prepare your liquid bag at home, take your laptop out of the bag and in a few minutes you're past security. The most important rule: 100 ml per container, one clear bag per person. If you follow this, you'll get through security without problems.
And if you're driving to the airport, don't forget - at TUKAN Parking you can leave everything in your car that won't pass security. Large water bottles, family-size sunscreens, scissors - simply leave it in your car trunk and pick it up after your return.