Liquids and Security Rules at Copenhagen Airport in 2026: What You Can Bring
The short answer
If you're flying from Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in 2026, pack as if the 100ml liquids rule still applies: liquids in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting inside one transparent, resealable bag of about 1 litre. New scanner technology is changing this across Europe, but the rules can differ by airport and lane and can change at short notice — so the 100ml limit is the safe assumption that will never get you stopped.
Before you fly, confirm the current rule on the official source: Copenhagen Airport's own website (cph.dk). Security rules are set by regulators and the airport, not by this site — always treat the airport's published guidance as definitive.
Why the liquids rule is in transition
For years, EU airports have used the familiar 100ml / 1-litre-bag rule. Airports have been installing new-generation CT (computed tomography) scanners, which produce 3D images and can, in principle, allow larger liquids and let you keep electronics in your bag.
The catch: the rollout has been uneven, and EU-wide rules have shifted more than once. Even where new scanners are installed, regulators have at times kept the 100ml limit in place. That's why you can't assume a bigger allowance just because you see modern equipment — what's permitted on the day is decided by the rules in force and the lane you're sent to.
At CPH specifically: the airport opened a rebuilt central checkpoint with new CT scanners on 19 May 2026. The practical change so far is that electronics, belts and shoes can stay in your bag — but the 100ml liquid limit still applies at CPH (larger liquids are pending EU approval, expected later in 2026). Always confirm the current rule on cph.dk.
Bottom line: travel ready for 100ml. If the larger allowance is active for your flight, that's a bonus, not a plan.
How to get through security faster at CPH
Whatever the liquids rule on the day, these habits keep you (and the queue) moving:
- Bag of liquids ready and accessible — don't dig for it at the belt.
- Laptops and large electronics — at CPH's new CT-scanner lanes (since May 2026) these can usually stay in your bag; just follow the signage at your lane.
- Empty your pockets into your bag before you reach the tray, not at it.
- No water through the checkpoint — empty your bottle first and refill after security.
- Sharp objects, tools, and oversized liquids belong in checked baggage.
A smooth tray is the difference between a 90-second screening and the one that holds up everyone behind you.
Time your trip around the queue, too
Rules aside, when you arrive shapes your experience as much as what's in your bag. Security at CPH is busiest during the early-morning departure wave and the late-afternoon peak.
👉 See the live CPH security wait time · Best time of day to pass CPH security
And if you have an early flight, check that the checkpoint is even open yet:
👉 When does CPH security open?
FAQ
Can I bring liquids over 100ml through security at Copenhagen Airport? Treat 100ml as the limit unless the airport confirms otherwise for your flight. New CT scanners can allow larger liquids, but the rule varies and can change — always check cph.dk before you travel.
Do I still need to put liquids in a clear bag at CPH? Yes, assume so: liquids of 100ml or less in one transparent, resealable ~1-litre bag is the safe default.
Do I have to take my laptop out at CPH security? At CPH's new CT-scanner lanes (since 19 May 2026) electronics can usually stay in your bag. Follow the signage at your lane, as guidance can vary.
How long is the security queue at CPH right now? Check the live, timestamped wait time before you leave for the airport.
This article is general guidance, not official regulation. Always confirm the current liquids and security rules with Copenhagen Airport before you fly. We track CPH's live operational data — security waits, delayed flights, passport control, and parking — so you can time your trip well. 👉 Check the live CPH security wait time