Why is Your 150ml Perfume Not Allowed on Domestic Flights? The 100ml Rule Explained

The rules for carrying perfume on domestic flights in India are clear but frequently misunderstood, leading to confiscation at security checkpoints. The key regulation is set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which governs all Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) in cabin baggage.

The Strict 100 ml Rule for Carry-On Baggage

The most common mistake travelers make involves the 100 ml rule carry-on. For all Indian domestic flights, any liquid, gel, or aerosol, including perfume, must be in a container with a capacity of 100 ml or less.

Container Size vs. Fill Level

Security personnel adhere strictly to the capacity printed on the bottle. A 150 ml bottle that is only half-full will still be rejected because its labeled capacity exceeds the limit. This is a non-negotiable part of the BCAS directive for all hand luggage.

All these small containers must fit into a single, transparent resealable plastic bag. This bag should have a maximum capacity of approximately one litre and must be presented separately for screening. This process is India's version of the international 3-1-1 carry-on liquid restrictions.

Perfume in Checked Baggage and DGCA Safety Norms

For bottles larger than 100 ml, the solution is to pack them in your checked luggage. There is no blanket 100 ml cap for liquids in checked baggage. However, the DGCA safety norms and airline policies impose limits on the total quantity of flammable items like aerosols and high-alcohol content perfumes.

For instance, airlines like IndiGo permit perfumes and deodorants in checked baggage up to a total net quantity of 2 kg or 2 L per passenger. Crucially, the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L (500 ml). This specific rule on aerosol perfume checked luggage is a vital detail for travelers with larger bottles.

• Maximum Checked Quantity: 2 L total per person.
• Maximum Single Bottle Size: 500 ml (0.5 L).

Travelers should ensure glass bottles are securely wrapped to prevent breakage during transit, a common issue with fragile items in the cargo hold.

Duty-Free and Airport Security Liquid Limit

While international flight rules allow duty-free liquids purchased after security to be carried onboard in a sealed, tamper-evident bag (STEB), this loophole is less common for domestic sectors. Most Indian domestic departure terminals do not feature duty-free alcohol or perfume shops after the security check. Therefore, travelers must plan to pack any large fragrance bottles in their checked bags before reaching the security screening area.

Understanding these specific BCAS liquid regulations is essential for a smooth airport experience. Confusion over the airport security liquid limit for both cabin and checked bags remains a primary reason for delays and item confiscation at screening points across India's major airports. For more updates and analysis on commercial aviation news, visit our dedicated section on flying.flights.

Key Takeaway: The 100 ml rule applies to the container's capacity in your carry-on, not the liquid's fill level. Larger bottles must be placed in checked baggage, adhering to the 500 ml per-item limit.