Liquids up to 100 ml
Liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes in your cabin bag must be in containers of up to 100 ml, packed in one clear resealable bag of up to 1 litre.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
Airport security
How to get through security at Sofia Airport quickly and calmly
Every departing passenger and their cabin bag goes through security screening. Most time is lost by people who start digging out laptops and liquids only once they reach the belt. Get ready while you’re still queuing and you’ll be through in a few minutes.
What to do while you queue
Have your boarding pass open on your phone or in your hand – it’s scanned at the entrance. While waiting, take off your watch and belt and put your phone, keys and coins into your bag. Coats and jackets go through the scanner separately, so it’s easier to take them off before you reach the trays.
What comes out of your bag?
Laptops, tablets and e-readers come out and go flat in a separate tray, not stacked on other items. Your liquids bag (containers up to 100 ml, 1 litre in total) also comes out and goes where staff can see it. If signs at your lane say devices can stay in the bag, follow the staff’s instructions.
The walk-through detector and your shoes
Step through the metal detector when the officer waves you on. If you’re wearing heavy boots or shoes with metal parts, you may be asked to take them off and send them through the X-ray. If the arch beeps, expect a quick hand search – it’s routine.
Implants, medical devices and medication
If you have a pacemaker, insulin pump, metal implant or other medical device, tell the officer before the detector and show any documentation you have. You can ask for a hand search instead of the scanner. Show liquid medication for the flight separately from your liquids bag.
When is it busiest?
Queues tend to be longest early in the morning and in the evening, when many flights leave close together. Allow extra time in those windows rather than cutting it fine.
Afterwards: collect everything
Before you leave the belt, glance over the trays once more: phone, laptop, passport, belt, watch, jacket. Passports and chargers are the things most often left behind. Then check the screens for your boarding gate.
Quick checklist
- Boarding pass ready to scan at the entrance
- Belt, watch and pocket contents in your bag
- Laptop and tablet in a separate tray
- Liquids bag (100 ml containers) taken out
- Medical device or implant mentioned before the detector
- All belongings collected from the trays
SECURITY
Reviewed 12.09.2026Liquids and getting ready for security
Medicines and baby food
Medicines, baby milk and food, and special dietary products you need during the journey may exceed 100 ml. Staff may check them or ask you to show they are needed.
Duty Free liquids
Duty Free liquids can stay in your cabin bag if they remain in the sealed shop bag with the receipt and the bag has not been opened.
Get ready for screening
Take out your bag of liquids and put it in the tray separately. Coats and metal items also go in separately if staff ask you to.
Practical rule: Prepare the transparent liquids bag and any medicine/baby-food exceptions so they can be presented separately at screening. Follow on-site security staff instructions.
Official sources: European Commission - Information for air travellers ↗ · Bulgarian CAA - Aviation security requirements ↗
Last editorial review: 16.10.2026