Michael Turner
Standard limits: Most security checkpoints enforce a maximum container volume of 100 ml / 3.4 oz and a clear resealable bag no larger than 1 litre / 1 quart (commonly about 20×20 cm). Expect to present this bag separately at screening. Airlines and airports follow the same baseline, though wording may differ slightly by region.
Packing guidance with concrete counts: Depending on shapes, you can typically fit 4–6 full-size 100 ml bottles or 8–12 travel-size containers of 30–50 ml into one 1-litre bag. Arrange flat, cap-side down, avoid overfilling tubes, and double-check that all caps are tightly closed; consider placing cottage or wrap tape across lids for extra leak protection.
Exceptions and special allowances: Medications and infant feeds may exceed 100 ml but must be declared and may require a prescription or proof. Duty-free purchases packed in a sealed tamper-evident bag with receipt are usually permitted through security even if over 100 ml, but connecting flights and some countries may still require additional screening–keep receipts visible and the seal intact until final screening.
Practical strategies: Consolidate toiletries into single travel bottles, switch to solid alternatives (soap bars, solid shampoo, balm perfumes), or buy larger containers after security. If you must carry larger volumes, transfer them to checked baggage or distribute purchases among companions so each person carries only one 1-litre bag through the cabin checkpoint.
Pack guideline: up to six 100 ml (3.4 oz) bottles in a standard 1‑liter clear resealable bag
Place a maximum of six typical 100 ml (3.4 oz) rigid bottles (approx. 35–45 mm diameter, ~10–11 cm height) to seal a standard 1‑liter clear resealable bag comfortably; slim squeeze tubes or soft pouches increase usable count to 8–12, while pump bottles and jars usually reduce capacity to 3–5.
Counts by shape and dimensions
Slim tubes (diameter ≤30 mm, flexible): 8–12 per 20×20 cm bag when flattened. Typical travel bottles (35–45 mm diameter, rigid): 6–8 in two staggered rows. Pump or wide jars (≥50 mm): 3–5 depending on base footprint. Short, squat containers can be stacked two across if heights allow, but avoid stacking more than one layer to keep the bag thin and sealable.
Packing technique and quick checks
Lay containers flat and align caps on the same side to reduce bulge; expel air from flexible pouches before sealing; use small pieces of tape over screw caps or place lids in a small zip pouch inside the main bag to prevent leaks. Leave a 1–2 cm margin at the zipper so the bag can close fully; perform a closure test before screening. If shapes are irregular, swap a rigid bottle for a flattened tube to gain space. For travel gear recommendations, see best umbrella for myrtle beach.
Which products are treated as fluids, aerosols, gels and pastes at airport security?
Place toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, liquid foundation, creams, sunscreen, spray deodorant, shaving foam, hair mousse and sanitiser together for screening – these are routinely classified under fluids/aerosols/gels/pastes at checkpoints.
Foodstuffs that are spreadable, semi-solid or pourable are included: yoghurts, soups, sauces, syrups, salad dressings, honey, jam, peanut butter, hummus and pouch baby food. Beverages, chilled drinks and liquid medicines also fall into this group unless declared as medically necessary.
Aerosol examples: aerosol deodorants, aerosol hair spray, spray perfumes, shaving foam and canned cooking sprays. Items explicitly prohibited in passenger cabins include personal defence sprays and many flammable aerosols; compressed gas cartridges and oxygen cylinders are subject to strict restrictions or bans.
Paste and gel examples: toothpaste, dental gels, hair gels, lip balm in pot form, ointments, some cosmetics (cream blush, liquid concealer), nail polish and nail polish remover. Powders above a threshold may face separate screening rules, while solid forms such as soap bars, solid shampoo bars, solid perfume and stick deodorant are usually treated as solids.
Exceptions and declaration: prescribed oral or injectable medicines, baby milk/sterilised water and baby food can be carried in quantities beyond standard screening allowances if declared at the checkpoint and accompanied by supporting documentation. Duty-free purchases sealed in tamper-evident bags are generally accepted even when the container size would otherwise exceed limits – retain the receipt and keep the seal intact.
Prohibited or restricted workshop and cleaning supplies: spray paints, solvent-based aerosols, butane refill cans, and pressurised abrasive containers are normally forbidden in the cabin and often restricted in checked baggage; ship or check such equipment instead. For non-flight workshop gear and sandblasting attachments consult specialist suppliers – for example best pressure washer sandblasting kits – and plan those items for checked baggage or freight.
Packing tips: replace liquids, gels and pastes with solid alternatives where possible (solid shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, stick deodorants), transfer necessary products into clearly labelled small containers, declare medicines and baby supplies at security, and verify airline and airport rules before travel to avoid seizure.
Packing prescription medicines, baby formula and special-diet fluids for carry-on
Keep all prescribed drugs in original labelled containers, plus a printed prescription and a brief doctor’s letter stating generic names, doses and clinical necessity; carry at least a 48‑hour spare supply and an emergency contact for the prescribing clinician.
Documentation and security screening
Present medicines and baby nutrition separately at the security checkpoint and declare them to the officer. Provide prescriptions, clinic letters or product labels in English where possible. For controlled substances (opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines) check embassy or airline import rules in advance and carry corresponding paperwork; some countries require prior approval.
Packing, temperature control and equipment
Use an insulated pouch with frozen gel packs for temperature‑sensitive preparations; frozen packs must be solid at screening – partially thawed packs can trigger extra checks. Carry oral syringes, measured bottles and spare feed sets in sealed bags; store needles and sharps in a puncture‑resistant case with documentation for injectable therapies. Keep all these items in your carry‑on bag within easy reach during travel and request crew assistance if onboard refrigeration is required (confirm airline policy before departure).
For powdered infant formula: pre‑measure single feeds into sterile resealable bags or original sealed tins; declare at security when transferring to sterile bottles. For ready‑to‑feed formulas and therapeutic nutrition drinks prescribed for metabolic or medical diets, keep factory seals or product labels and a clinician’s note; these are generally allowed in quantities matching medical need but will undergo screening.
Pack duplicates of critical items (spare inhaler, extra syringe, additional formula) and store a copy of prescriptions digitally (photo or secure cloud) and on paper. Dispose of used sharps at destination using local guidelines; many airports and airlines prohibit disposal in cabin waste bins, so plan for proper sharps containers at your endpoint.
Practical packing methods to keep toiletries under airline security limits
Store toiletries in refillable, leakproof containers and place them in a small, rigid pouch near the top of your carry-on for fast removal during security screening.
Prefer soft-sided silicone bottles with internal valves and pump dispensers; secure caps by wrapping a piece of cling film over the opening before screwing the lid on, then add a strip of tape around the thread for pressure changes during flight.
Use one consolidated pouch for all wet-care products so spills are contained; line the pouch with a thin absorbent cloth or a folded microfiber towel to catch leaks and protect garments.
Replace gels and creamy formulations with solid alternatives where possible: shampoo and conditioner bars, solid deodorant sticks, balm-based moisturizers, and compressed cleansing tablets reduce bulk and eliminate fluid restrictions.
For fragrances and serums, transfer only the amount required for the trip into travel atomizers with locking caps; label each bottle with waterproof stickers and a Sharpie to avoid mix-ups.
Pack full, rigid travel bottles upright inside a small hard-case or sunglasses-style shell to prevent crushing; fill any remaining space with socks or underwear to immobilize containers and absorb shock.
Carry single-use pump caps or spare O-rings tucked into a small zip pouch to repair a leak mid-trip; keep a few resealable plastic bags on hand for emergency double-bagging after a spill.
Opt for multi-use products (BB cream with SPF, conditioner that doubles as shave cream) to reduce quantity and free space for essentials such as a compact umbrella: best umbrellas cool.
What to expect and do if security finds oversized or excess fluid containers
Surrender any bottle over 100 ml (3.4 oz) for disposal or move it into checked baggage before screening; declare prescribed medicines and infant feeds and present prescriptions or receipts immediately.
At the checkpoint
- Follow the officer’s instructions and remove the container from your carry-on when asked.
- Present proof for medical or dietary exceptions: prescription, doctor’s letter, or purchase receipt.
- Options typically offered by staff:
- Dispose into the designated bin.
- Return to the check-in desk to place the container in checked baggage (allow extra time).
- Purchase an approved replacement after the security checkpoint (airside shops sell sealed products).
- If the product was bought duty-free and is in a tamper-evident bag with an intact receipt, present both; officers often allow transit through screening with that packaging.
- If you believe an exception applies and the officer disagrees, request a supervisor calmly for a second assessment.
After confiscation or retention
- Most oversized containers are destroyed or retained on site; refunds are rare. Ask whether the airport issues a disposal slip.
- Request a written note containing date, checkpoint name and officer ID if you plan to file a complaint or claim.
- Keep boarding pass, baggage tags and any receipts; airlines or insurers may require them for disputes.
- To contest a decision, use the airport authority’s official complaint channel (check the airport website for deadlines and required documentation).
Practical on-the-spot alternatives: transfer contents into permitted small bottles if available and inspected, add the container to checked baggage via the airline desk (possible fee), or buy a sealed replacement after screening. Quick pre-check checklist: carry prescriptions with original labels, keep duty-free in its sealed bag with receipt, and have spare small containers packed separately.
