Can you pack liquids in your hold luggage

Cabin rules: containers must display their nominal volume (no greater than 100 ml each) and fit together in a clear resealable pouch with a total capacity not exceeding 1 L. Medicines and infant nourishment are allowed in cabin beyond the 100 ml limit when required for the journey; keep originals and be prepared for inspection.

Checked-bag policy: airlines and international dangerous-goods regulations permit larger quantities of non-dangerous fluids in checked baggage, but with specific limits for alcoholic products and hazardous items. Alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% ABV are restricted to a maximum of 5 litres per passenger in unopened retail packaging; beverages above 70% ABV are prohibited from both cabin and checked carriage. Flammable liquids, oxidizers and certain aerosols are either forbidden or restricted – consult the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for exact classifications and quantity thresholds.

Practical guidance: retain original packaging and receipts for duty-free purchases, seal bottles to reduce spill risk, place items in robust plastic bags inside checked baggage, and avoid carrying refill canisters, fuel, or loose pressurised containers. Prior to travel, verify the operating carrier’s policy and national aviation authority requirements; when in doubt, request confirmation from airline customer service or at check-in. Declare any item that might be classified as dangerous goods during the reservation or check-in process.

Permitted fluid types for checked baggage

Allowed in checked baggage: non-flammable personal-care fluids, commercially sealed alcoholic beverages (subject to ABV limits), medically required solutions and infant supplies, and certain toiletry aerosols that comply with dangerous-goods rules.

Alcoholic beverages – specific limits: beverages under 24% alcohol by volume face no transport-volume restriction from IATA but remain subject to customs/import laws; beverages between 24% and 70% ABV are limited to 5 litres per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging; beverages above 70% ABV are forbidden.

Personal-care items and aerosols: shampoos, conditioners, lotions and perfumes in sturdy, sealed containers are generally permitted. Aerosol products labeled non-flammable for personal use are commonly accepted if fitted with protective caps; pressurized flammable aerosols, spray paints and similar products are prohibited. Place containers in sealed plastic bags and cushion against impact to reduce leakage risk.

Medications and infant supplies: prescription medicines, saline, insulin, breast milk, infant formula and sterilized water are allowed in quantities necessary for the journey. Keep medicine in original containers with prescription or pharmacist labels and carry a physician’s note or prescription when available; declare large volumes at check-in if requested.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems and refills: many carriers require devices and spare batteries to travel in the cabin, not in checked baggage. Refill bottles and cartridges may be restricted by airline policy; verify carrier rules before stowing these items in checked baggage.

Prohibited substances: flammable solvents and fuels, paint thinners, lighter-refill containers, compressed gas cylinders, oxidizers, strong acids and bases, radioactive materials, and mercury-containing instruments are not permitted. Any container labeled flammable, corrosive, toxic or oxidizing must not be placed in checked baggage.

Storage recommendations: use original retail packaging for alcohol and hazardous-goods-compliant aerosol seals where applicable; wrap containers with absorbent material, place inside sealed plastic bags, and stow in the center of a hard-sided case to reduce rupture risk. Always check carrier and departure/arrival-country rules for additional restrictions.

Container size limits and packaging standards for checked fluids

Limit each container to sizes and packaging required by the carrier and destination: alcohol between 24%–70% ABV is normally restricted to a maximum of 5 L per passenger in checked baggage when in unopened retail packaging (U.S. TSA / IATA guidance); beverages over 70% ABV are generally forbidden.

Volume rules and regulatory highlights

Carry-on volume rules do not apply to checked items, but national and airline rules do vary–confirm limits before travel. Alcoholic beverages: 0–24% ABV usually allowed without strict volume caps; 24%–70% ABV limited to 5 L per passenger in unopened retail containers; >70% ABV prohibited. Pressurised aerosols, flammable sprays and other dangerous goods fall under IATA/ICAO dangerous-goods provisions and often require special handling or are banned from checked carriage.

Packaging checklist and best practices

Use original, sealed retail bottles whenever possible for any beverage or fluid-type item; if transferring, select rigid, shatterproof containers with screw caps and tamper-evident seals. Wrap each container in absorbent material (e.g., microfiber or paper) and place inside a waterproof zip-seal bag or secondary sealed pouch to contain leaks.

Position bottles upright in the suitcase center, surrounded by soft clothing for cushioning; avoid placing glass at the outer edges. Apply tape over threaded closures and add a heat-shrink band or shrink-wrap where available. For high-value or fragile bottles, use a hard-sided case or dedicated bottle protector.

Label contents and ABV clearly for customs/inspector review when transporting alcoholic beverages. For items subject to dangerous-goods rules (aerosols, certain solvents, large quantities of alcohol), consult the airline and the IATA/ICAO passenger restrictions–some items require declaration at check-in or are prohibited.

Verify country-specific import limits and duty rules for alcohol and other fluid commodities before departure; noncompliance can result in confiscation or fines. When in doubt, request carrier guidance and obtain written confirmation of acceptability for unusual volumes or container types.

How to stow toiletries, perfumes and aerosols in checked baggage

Store toiletry items and fragrances in sealed, leakproof containers and position them in the middle of checked baggage, cushioned on all sides by soft clothing to reduce impact and pressure changes.

• Containment: use heavy‑duty zip-top bags (1 L or 2 L sizes) and double-bag liquids prone to leaking (creams, gels, shampoos). Place an absorbent layer (paper towel or small microfiber towel) inside the bag to capture any seepage.
• Glass bottles: wrap each perfume bottle in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap or soft clothing, then place upright inside a padded compartment or a rigid toiletry case to prevent breakage and spray‑cap damage.
• Aerosol cans: keep factory safety caps on; secure nozzle with a short strip of plastic tape. Remove cans labeled “flammable,” “extremely flammable” or “contains gas under pressure” from checked carriage – such items are commonly restricted or forbidden. For non‑flammable personal aerosols, follow carrier limits and stow them at the center of the bag to avoid direct impact.
• Mechanical protection: place rigid items (e.g., shoe boxes, small hard cases) around bottles for a protective shell. For extra security, use a sealed toiletry pouch inside a secondary hard container.
• Leak prevention: close pump sprayers, insert an extra screw cap where possible, then wrap the top in plastic film and tape; place the wrapped bottle in a sealed bag to isolate any accidental leaks from clothing and electronics.
• Declaring and documentation: carry receipts for high‑value fragrances; declare large volumes or commercial quantities at check‑in or with the carrier to avoid customs or safety complications.
• Placement strategy: keep toiletries away from sharp objects and battery compartments. Place heavier, rigid items on the bottom; soft, absorbent items around bottles create natural suspension.
• Final check: weigh checked units if transporting multiple cans or large volumes–some carriers limit total aerosol/net amounts per passenger and refuse items exceeding dangerous‑goods thresholds. Verify the specific airline policy before travel.

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Alcohol in checked baggage: volume restrictions and customs declarations

Limit alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% ABV to a maximum of 5 litres per passenger in checked baggage; containers must remain in unopened retail packaging; beverages above 70% ABV are prohibited on passenger aircraft.

Standard aviation guidance (IATA, adopted by most carriers): under 24% ABV – no specific volumetric restriction imposed by air safety rules (subject to carrier weight/volume policies); 24–70% ABV – 5 L per person in unopened retail containers; >70% ABV – not allowed onboard in either checked or carry-on consignments.

Airline policies and national laws may be stricter. Carriage limits can be reduced for low-cost or regional carriers, and maximum allowed weight for checked bags may effectively limit how many bottles are transported. Always confirm with the operating carrier before travel.

Customs declaration rules vary by destination. Typical personal import allowances for adults (examples): United States – 1 litre duty-free; Canada – 1.5 litres duty- and tax-free (age and provincial rules apply); Australia – 2.25 litres duty-free for arriving travellers aged 18+. Amounts exceeding local allowances must be declared and are subject to duties, taxes or seizure.

Declare alcohol when arriving with quantities that exceed duty-free thresholds or when amounts suggest commercial intent (multiple cartons or dozens of bottles). Present receipts, retain original seals and keep purchases together to expedite inspection and assessment.

Transit and duty-free purchases: duty-free items obtained airside may still count toward final-entry allowances; amounts allowed at final destination depend on that country’s border rules rather than the point of purchase. Check both airline and destination customs requirements before travel to avoid fines, confiscation or unexpected charges.

Medicines, baby formula and medical fluids: documentation and stowage tips

Keep prescription medicines, infant formula and medical fluids in cabin baggage in original containers, accompanied by prescriptions and a clinician’s letter, and carry at least a 48-hour reserve.

Documentation required: dated prescription showing active ingredient, dose and prescribing clinician; a succinct medical letter describing condition and route of administration; original pharmacy labels; translated copies if destination language differs; import permit or controlled-drug authorization when handling opioids, certain stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate) or other scheduled substances.

Security screening and quantities: medical fluids and baby feeds are exempt from the 100 ml standard container limit but must be declared and presented separately. Typical allowance is enough for the journey plus a 24–48 hour buffer; large volumes will trigger additional inspection and possible sampling. Keep electronic scans of prescriptions to present on request.

Temperature-sensitive items: store insulin, biologics and vaccines in an insulated case with frozen gel packs and a temperature-indicator strip; maintain 2–8 °C where specified by manufacturer. Avoid transfer to checked compartments unless confirmed refrigeration is available. For long shipments, use a certified cold-chain courier or pharmacy delivery and obtain airline acceptance at least 72 hours prior.

Injectables and sharps: transport syringes and needles in a puncture-resistant sharps container with prescription and clear labeling. Declare sharps at security checkpoints; some jurisdictions require a physician’s letter for syringes and injectable medical supplies.

Controlled substances and destination rules: verify legality of specific medications at destination and through any transit countries. Examples of strict regimes: Japan, UAE and Singapore enforce tight controls on stimulants and certain painkillers; absence of authorization can lead to seizure or arrest. Contact the embassy or customs authority a minimum of seven days before travel for confirmation.

Leak prevention and containment: double-seal containers in zip-lock bags, add absorbent padding between layers, and place small bottles inside a rigid-sided travel case to resist crushing. For aerosolized medical products, confirm airline hazardous-goods policy; some aerosols are restricted or forbidden for air conveyance.

Airline coordination and onboard equipment: request special assistance for medical oxygen or onboard medical devices; approval procedures, battery-type limits and storage options differ by carrier. Notify the airline well before departure when devices require battery power or external oxygen supplies.

Record keeping and backups: retain paper and digital copies of all prescriptions, clinician letters and pharmacy receipts; store scans in cloud storage accessible offline. If a spare supply is placed in checked baggage, ensure documentation accompanies that container and refrigeration needs are met if applicable.

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Preventing leaks and steps to take if fluids spill or cause damage

Place fluid containers inside two independent leakproof layers (one heavy-duty resealable bag plus one sealed outer pouch), add absorbent padding (minimum two folded microfiber towels or 8–10 sheets of paper towel per item), then enclose in a rigid-sided toiletry case inside checked baggage.

Secure closures by applying a strip of waterproof tape across cap-to-neck and wrapping threads with PTFE plumber’s tape or self-amalgamating silicone tape; for pumps, activate the lock position and cover with a small piece of cling film before sealing. For glass bottles, add bubble-wrap (minimum 3 layers) and separate from electronics and garments with an additional rigid divider.

For high-risk contents (alcohol >40% ABV, corrosives, aerosols), place each into an inner hard plastic bottle carrier or molded foam cell to prevent impact-driven rupture. Pressure-sensitive containers should be depressurised where permitted and labelled as “pressure container – secured”.

If a spill is discovered at destination or during inspection, isolate the affected bag and open in a well-ventilated area wearing disposable gloves. Remove unaffected items first and place them in a clean bag. Place soaked textiles into a sealed secondary bag for laundering; do not place wet electronics into dryers or apply heat.

Keep originals of boarding passes, baggage tags and purchase receipts; insurers and carriers typically require those plus time-stamped photos and the PIR for compensation. For loss or damage claims, state the market value, repair estimate or replacement cost and retain discarded items until claim resolution.

When laundering or cleaning is required, treat stains with a dilute enzyme detergent and cold water prior to machine washing; for oil-based substances use a solvent-based spot remover on fabrics labelled washable. For metal corrosion, neutralise acidic residues with a mild baking soda solution, rinse, and dry thoroughly before storage or repair assessment.

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