The end of the 100ml limit at Gdańsk Airport? New EU regulations will change the rules for transporting liquids.
- Damian Brzeski
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
For years, carrying liquids in hand luggage was a nightmare for travelers. Liquid limits forced passengers to pour their cosmetics into miniature bottles, stuff everything into a one-liter, transparent bag, and then remove it when checking their hand luggage. Now, new EU regulations on liquids are set to change that—and radically.
The European Commission has decided to lift liquid limits at some European airports—only where modern C3 security scanners are in operation, of course. What does this mean for Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport? Let's take a step-by-step look.
Why were fluid restrictions introduced?
The liquid volume limit was introduced in 2006 after an attempted attack in the UK in which liquid explosives were planned to be used.
These rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage still apply today – with a maximum capacity of 100 ml per container, and all liquids carried must fit in one one-litre bag.
These liquid capacity restrictions were effective from a baggage safety perspective, but they became a huge inconvenience for passengers.
Taking liquids and laptops from hand luggage onto the security belt prolonged the check-in process and created a tense atmosphere.
New EU regulations: revolution thanks to new technologies
In 2025, new EU regulations on the carriage of liquids introduced the possibility of carrying larger quantities of liquids —up to 2 liters in a single container—in passengers' carry-on luggage. The condition? The airport must have modern CT hand luggage scanners installed.
These next-generation devices, known as advanced C3 scanners , create a 3D image of passengers' bags, allowing security operators to detect threats faster and more effectively.
Thanks to the new scanners, there is no longer a need to remove liquids or electronics from suitcases – which means faster check-in at airports and shorter queues.
Gdańsk Airport: when will the liquid limit be lifted?
Unfortunately, it looks like we'll have to wait a while longer . For now, Gdańsk Airport remains among the Polish airports where the current rules apply to carry-on luggage.
The lack of modern security scanners means that carrying liquids in hand luggage still follows the old rules: 100 ml per container, a one-litre bag and the obligation to remove it during inspection.
Airport spokeswoman Agnieszka Michajłow admits that implementing the new regulations in Gdańsk requires the purchase and installation of modern baggage scanners, a costly and time-consuming investment. There is no date yet for when liquid limits will be lifted in Gdańsk.
Poland: some airports have already undergone changes, others are still waiting
Some Polish airports have already switched to the new security control system equipped with C3 scanners:
Lublin Airport – from February 2025, larger quantities of liquids can be transported.
Poznań-Ławica Airport – C3 standard control has been in operation since April 2025.
Kraków Airport – scanners installed, certification pending.
Warsaw Chopin Airport plans to install modern security scanners by the end of 2025.
Katowice and Rzeszów – preparations in progress.
This means that at Polish airports, two systems of liquid transport rules will apply for some time - in some airports the limit will be lifted, in others it will remain.
Europe: Where have liquid limits been lifted?
Some European airports are already using the new technology. In Birmingham and Edinburgh , liquid limits have been lifted , allowing passengers to bring up to 2 liters of liquid per container on board. Similar solutions are in place at some airports in Germany, Ireland, Finland, Italy, Sweden, Lithuania, Malta, and the Netherlands.
Many European airports already have new technology in place, but the implementation of new solutions is gradual – not all airports yet have modern baggage screening lines.
Tips and tricks for travelers
Check the applicable rules for carrying liquids at each port of your trip.
In Gdańsk, there is still a limit on liquid carry-on luggage – pack according to the old rules.
Be careful when returning – if you are flying from an airport where liquid restrictions have been lifted, you may be returning to an airport where the liquid restrictions are still in effect.
Duty free with caution – at airports without modern security scanners, purchases over 100 ml may be confiscated during transfers.
If you're unsure about the regulations, pack as before . This will help you avoid problems when your carry-on luggage is checked.
What will the new fluid limit bring?
The abolition of the liquid volume limit in hand luggage is one of the most important changes to the security control system in two decades.
The implementation of modern security scanners in other Polish airports in the coming years – including Gdańsk – will allow passengers to travel more comfortably, faster and without the stress of packing hand luggage.
For now, however, liquid restrictions remain in effect at Gdańsk and most Polish airports. To avoid problems, practice caution: mini-packs, a one-liter bag, and a no-surprise hand luggage check.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the new rules for transporting liquids
Has the limit on carrying liquids in hand luggage been lifted in Gdańsk?
No. For now, at Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, the current rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage apply: a maximum of 100 ml in one container, all containers in a one-liter, transparent bag, which must be removed during hand luggage inspection.
What will change after the fluid limit is lifted?
Once the liquid volume limit is lifted, it will be possible to carry larger quantities of liquids – up to 2 liters in a single container – without having to remove them from carry-on luggage during security checks. This is contingent on the implementation of modern CT hand luggage scanners.
When will the new EU regulations on liquids apply in Gdańsk?
New EU regulations on the transport of liquids will only come into effect in Gdańsk after the installation of modern security scanners. No specific implementation date has yet been announced.
Have liquid transport limits been lifted at other Polish airports?
Yes, some Polish airports, such as Lublin Airport and Poznań Airport, have already lifted restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage thanks to the implementation of modern C3 scanners. In Krakow, the scanners are installed but await certification. Warsaw Chopin Airport plans to install modern security scanners by the end of 2025.
How do modern hand luggage scanners work?
The new generation of C3 scanners utilizes computed tomography technology, which allows for 3D scanning of passenger luggage. These new scanners allow security operators to see a precise image of the bag's contents and more effectively detect threats without having to remove liquids or electronics.
What about carrying liquids in checked baggage?
The same liquid capacity restrictions apply to checked baggage as to carry-on baggage. Larger quantities of liquids can be carried there, provided they are properly secured to prevent spillage. However, it's worth being aware of customs regulations and regulations for transporting alcohol or cosmetics.
Do the new EU liquids rules apply to all European airports?
No. The new liquids regulations only apply to European airports with modern baggage screening lanes equipped with C3 scanners. At other airports, the old 100ml limit still applies.
What should I do if I have a connecting flight at an airport where the liquid limit still applies?
If your trip includes a layover at an airport with liquid restrictions, it's best to pack liquids in your checked luggage or limit the amount in your carry-on to 100ml. Otherwise, you risk having your liquids confiscated when your carry-on baggage is re-screened.
Can I carry liquids purchased in the duty-free zone when transferring?
Yes, but if you're transferring at an airport without modern security scanners, they may be confiscated if they exceed the 100ml limit and aren't packed in a special STEB bag with proof of purchase. Therefore, it's worth being cautious during the transition period.
How to prepare for travel during the transition period?
Check the regulations at all airports on your route, stay up-to-date with airport announcements, and pack according to the strictest liquid regulations. This will help you avoid problems and delays when checking your carry-on baggage.
Comments