Can you put liquids in your checked in luggage

Regulatory snapshot: TSA and many civil aviation authorities allow personal fluids in the aircraft hold with specific limits: alcoholic beverages under 24% ABV are typically unrestricted; 24–70% ABV are limited to 5 litres (1.3 US gallons) per passenger in unopened retail packaging; spirits above 70% ABV are prohibited. The 100 ml (3.4 oz) rule applies only to cabin bags; it does not constrain items placed in the hold.

Packing recommendations: Keep bottles in original, tamper-evident retail packaging when possible; seal caps with tape and place each container inside a zip-top or double-bag. Surround containers with clothing or bubble wrap and position them centrally inside the suitcase to reduce impact and temperature fluctuation risks. Leave a small air gap in refillable bottles to allow for thermal expansion at altitude.

Hazardous and restricted items: Fuels, paint thinners, bleach, corrosives, oxidisers, gas cartridges, and solvents labelled flammable or toxic are not permitted in hold baggage. Aerosols intended for personal care are often allowed if non-flammable and within manufacturer weight limits, but many pressurised or combustible sprays fall under dangerous-goods prohibitions. Alcohol over 70% ABV is banned from both cabin and hold.

Documentation and declarations: Present any large quantities or unusual chemical items at the check-in counter and declare them to the carrier; retain receipts for duty-free purchases and keep alcohol in sealed retail packaging if relying on the 5-litre allowance. Verify carrier-specific rules and destination import limits for beverages and regulated substances before travel.

Quick checklist: verify airline and destination rules; use original packaging or leakproof containers; double-bag and cushion bottles; declare hazardous items at check-in; avoid substances flagged as dangerous goods and alcohol above 70% ABV.

Storing Fluids in Hold Bags

Recommended: store toiletries, beverages and other wet items in sealed, leakproof containers, each wrapped in absorbent material, enclosed in a waterproof zip-top bag and placed in the centre of hold baggage; pressurised aerosols, industrial sprays and alcohol over 70% ABV are usually prohibited under dangerous-goods rules.

Regulatory limits and examples

Follow IATA dangerous-goods rules plus airline-specific policies. Typical quantitative guidance: alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% ABV are allowed in hold baggage up to 5 L per passenger when in original, retail-sealed packaging; beverages under 24% ABV generally have no DG volume limit for passenger transport; beverages above 70% ABV are not permitted. Personal-care aerosols are often permitted in small quantities; flammable aerosols and compressed gas cylinders are disallowed.

Packing practices and incident handling

Double-bag items, tape caps, use bubble wrap or clothing as padding and place bottles in the suitcase centre away from seams. For fragile or high-value glass containers consider a dedicated hard case. If a spill or break occurs, photograph damage immediately, keep receipts and file a damage claim with the carrier within the stated deadline; retain all pieces of packaging as evidence. Check destination customs rules for limits on alcohol and other controlled substances before travel.

Allowed container types and required labeling for fluids in hold baggage

Use rigid, leakproof containers made of HDPE or PET plastic, tempered glass with protective sleeves, or metal cans; retain factory-sealed caps and original retail packaging whenever feasible. Avoid decanting into unmarked or soft-sided containers; consumer aerosol cans must have valve protection and be designed for dispensing.

Volume and substance limits: Most carriers permit containers larger than 100 mL in the aircraft hold, but specific substance rules apply: alcoholic beverages above 70% ABV are prohibited; beverages between 24% and 70% ABV typically limited to 5 L per passenger in retail packaging; beverages below 24% usually unrestricted. Consumer aerosols commonly limited to 0.5 kg net per can and 2 kg total per passenger (check carrier policy). Paints, solvents, fuels, lighter refills and other flammable liquids are generally forbidden.

Labeling requirements

Keep original manufacturer labels showing product name, net volume (mL or L) and ingredient list or active concentration. Regulated items require a proper shipping name, UN number and hazard class pictogram; handwritten tags are not acceptable for dangerous goods. Prescription medicines should retain pharmacy labels with passenger’s name, dosage and prescribing clinician; include a doctor’s note for injectable or temperature-sensitive medications.

Packing and acceptance steps

Apply tamper-evident seals or shrink bands where available, bag each bottle in a sealed plastic sleeve and cushion to prevent breakage. Place hazardous consumer goods separately and be prepared to declare them at check-in when requested by the airline. Keep receipts for high-value products and note ABV for alcohol on any declaration forms required. Verify carrier rules and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations prior to travel to confirm acceptance criteria and any additional labeling or documentation required.

Per-item and total quantity rules airlines enforce for hold baggage

Recommendation: comply with IATA/FAA numeric limits – pressurised aerosol containers: maximum net mass 0.5 kg (500 g) per item and aggregate per passenger 2 kg; alcoholic beverages 24%–70% ABV: maximum 5 L per passenger in unopened retail packaging; beverages >70% ABV: prohibited from carriage in the aircraft hold; non-pressurised personal-care fluids have no universal per-item cap but remain subject to dangerous-goods rules and bag weight allowances.

Common numeric limits enforced by carriers

Aerosols (personal care/medical): ≤0.5 kg net per container; aggregate ≤2 kg per passenger. Alcohol: ABV & volume rules – <24% ABV generally unrestricted by special dangerous-goods limits (subject to bag weight); 24%–70% ABV: ≤5 L per passenger in unopened retail packaging; >70% ABV: forbidden. Compressed gas canisters (camping fuel, butane, oxygen): typically prohibited unless airline permits via advance arrangement or as cargo. Airline hold-bag weight thresholds that affect permitted wet-item totals commonly are 23 kg (50 lb) for standard international economy, 32 kg (70 lb) for higher class or excess-baggage allowance; per-bag maximum permitted by some carriers is 32 kg regardless of content.

Practical steps when planning quantities

Keep alcohol in original sealed retail packaging to meet the 5 L rule; tally aggregate aerosol net mass before travel to ensure it does not exceed 2 kg. For therapeutic fluids or infant formula that exceed routine amounts, carry supporting documentation and consider splitting between hold and carry-on allowances where permitted. Items that fall outside passenger limits must be consigned as air cargo or shipped by ground courier. Always check the specific carrier’s dangerous-goods page and declare any borderline items at check-in to avoid confiscation or fines.

How to pack toiletries and cosmetics to prevent leaks and damage

Pack fluid-based grooming and cosmetic items in double-sealed clear plastic bags placed inside a hard-sided toiletry case, then position that case in the center of the suitcase surrounded by soft clothing.

Containers and sealing

• Use bottles made from PET or HDPE for creams and shampoos; these plastics tolerate pressure and temperature swings better than thin PET blends.
• Leave roughly 10–15% headspace in refillable bottles to allow thermal expansion during ascent/descent.
• For screw-top bottles: place a layer of food-grade plastic wrap across the opening, screw cap down tight, then tape the seam with waterproof tape before bagging.
• Pump dispensers: remove the pump, replace with the screw cap if available, or secure the pump with a small elastic band and wrap the actuator in tape; alternatively, invert the bottle and test for drips for 15 seconds.
• Aerosol cans: keep the factory cap on and pack them upright inside a rigid container; never puncture or over-pressurize.
• Transfer high-volume products into certified travel bottles with locking valves; label them with permanent marker for quick identification.

Placement, cushioning and testing

• Wrap glass perfume and serum bottles in bubble wrap or thick socks; place them in the suitcase core, cushioned by rolled clothing on all sides.
• Place powders and pressed makeup flat between two soft layers (e.g., t-shirt and towel); secure compact closures with a small strip of medical tape to avoid accidental opening.
• Place toothpaste, gels and similar items in at least two zip-top bags (one inside another); replace the outer bag if a leak is detected during a pre-trip test.
• Stash highly absorbent material (paper towels, disposable diapers, or a microfiber towel) directly under toiletry containers to trap small spills and prevent staining of garments.
• Keep makeup brushes in a rigid brush roll or a travel tube; cap mascara and liquid liners tightly and store upright when possible.
• Test every sealed package at home by inverting and applying gentle pressure for 10–15 seconds; re-seal any container that shows seepage.
• High-value or irreplaceable items (expensive fragrances, prescription creams) are best carried in hand luggage rather than inside the main suitcase.
• Organizational tip for staging: use a stable freestanding organizer when packing at home, for example best outdoor umbrella stand with wheels, to keep bottles upright and accessible while prepping.

Final checklist before closing the suitcase: caps tightened, pumps secured or removed, all containers double-bagged, glass wrapped, and the toiletry case placed among soft items away from heavy objects.

Transporting flammable, pressurized, and hazardous fluids in aircraft hold: strict prohibitions and required cargo procedures

Do not stow flammable, pressurized or otherwise hazardous fluids in aircraft hold unless transported as declared dangerous goods via cargo channels with proper documentation and packaging.

Absolute prohibitions for hold carriage: gasoline, diesel, lighter fuel, paint thinner, solvent-based paints, flammable aerosols (marked “flammable”), butane/propane cartridges, camping-stove fuel, peroxide-based cleaners, battery electrolyte and oxidisers. Common regulatory identifiers: Class 3 (flammable liquids; examples UN1203 = gasoline, UN1993 = flammable liquid, n.o.s.), Class 2 (gases), Class 8 (corrosives). Items in these categories discovered in regular baggage are subject to immediate removal, confiscation and possible fines.

Limited passenger exceptions (hold baggage only if in original retail packaging): alcoholic beverages 24–70% ABV – maximum 5 L per person. Alcoholic beverages under 24% ABV are unrestricted by dangerous-goods limits but remain subject to customs and airline alcohol policies. Alcohol above 70% ABV is prohibited from both carry and hold transport.

Pressurised cylinders and cartridges: disposable gas cartridges (butane, propane, CO2) and refillable cylinders are banned from hold unless transported under a specific dangerous-goods cargo booking with UN-approved cylinders, valve protection and airline approval. Medical oxygen cylinders require advance airline approval and special handling; self-contained oxygen concentrators must be approved and stowed according to airline procedures.

When commercial transport as dangerous goods is required: arrange a cargo shipment with a carrier that accepts the substance; provide a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, the correct UN number and proper shipping name, appropriate packing group, UN-certified inner/outer packaging, absorbents for possible leaks, and clearly affixed hazard labels and handling marks. Follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and ICAO Technical Instructions for packing instructions and limits; airlines refuse undeclared hazardous shipments.

Immediate actions if a suspect container is found at check-in or the gate: do not attempt to seal or repack the item; alert airline ground staff or security; evacuate the area if instructed. Spillage in hold that becomes airborne can ground aircraft and trigger regulatory investigations; cooperation with ground handlers minimizes penalties.

Practical mitigation for travellers who require hazardous fluids for work or sport: ship via a specialist freight forwarder as dangerous goods, obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), label packages with UN numbers and hazard labels, and schedule acceptance with the airline’s dangerous-goods office at least 48 hours before planned movement. For fragile electronics and optics, consider carry-on transport whenever possible – for example, see best digital camera binoculars with night vision – but never combine such equipment with fuel or pressurized cartridges in the same bag.

Consequences for non-compliance: confiscation, fines, civil liability for damage, flight delays and potential criminal charges where deliberate concealment of hazardous fluids is proven. Confirm the airline’s dangerous-goods contact and national aviation authority guidance before attempting to move any flammable, pressurised or hazardous fluid by air.

How customs and import rules affect fluids in international hold baggage

Declare alcohol-containing products, medicines in liquid form and high-value fluid items on the customs declaration; failure to declare typically leads to seizure, fines and added import duties.

Typical personal allowances and tax treatment (examples)

• European Union (arrival from non-EU): common allowances include one litre of spirits (>22% ABV) or two litres of fortified/sparkling wine, or four litres of still wine, or sixteen litres of beer; amounts above these limits are treated as dutiable goods and require declaration.
• United States: one litre of alcohol per adult generally qualifies for duty-free entry; quantities beyond that must be declared and are subject to federal and state taxes and duties.
• Australia: a standard duty-free concession often cited is 2.25 litres of alcoholic beverages per adult; excess imports attract duty and GST.
• Canada: for absences of 48 hours or more, personal exemptions include, for example, 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of spirits, or 8.5 litres of beer; amounts exceeding the exemption incur duties and taxes.

Declaration, documentation and inspection procedures

• Always complete the arrival customs form truthfully and list any alcohol, medicinal solutions or high-value fluid items with their quantities and values.
• Keep original purchase receipts and ingredient labels accessible; proof of purchase and exact value speeds assessment and reduces disputes.
• Carry prescriptions and a physician’s letter for controlled medicines or liquid medical formulations; customs officers often require original packaging and prescription details.
• Original, factory-sealed containers ease clearance; homemade or unlabeled preparations frequently trigger additional inspection or refusal of entry.
• If allowances are exceeded, options typically include paying applicable duties and taxes, exporting the excess immediately, or surrendering items to customs – invoices or cash may be required for on-the-spot assessment.
• Agricultural-origin fluids (milk-based cosmetics, soups, animal-derived tonics) are commonly prohibited or restricted; declare these explicitly to avoid penalties and mandatory disposal.
• Commercial quantities (multiple identical bottles, bulk containers) are treated as import for resale and usually require commercial invoices, import permits and payment of duties; shipping via freight with proper customs clearance paperwork is recommended for such consignments.

Pre-travel actions that reduce clearance delays: review the destination’s official customs tariff for alcohol and medical exemptions, photograph receipts and labels, pack declared items where officers can inspect without unpacking the entire bag, and retain purchase documentation until final clearance and delivery of goods.

Steps to take when liquid items are damaged or spilled during transit

Photograph the damaged container and surrounding soiled contents from multiple angles immediately upon discovery, include baggage tag, boarding pass and a timestamped phone screenshot of arrival time.

At the airport

Bring the suitcase to the airline’s baggage service counter before leaving the terminal; request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent written record and obtain a reference number. Present photos, original packaging, receipts and damaged-item serial numbers. Keep the PIR copy and boarding documents; most carriers expect damage claims submitted within 7 calendar days of receipt of baggage and delay claims within 21 days.

Actions for salvage and evidence preservation

Isolate wet items in sealable plastic bags; move electronics to a dry, ventilated area, remove batteries and SIM cards when possible, place devices with silica gel or uncooked rice for 48–72 hours, and avoid powering on until dry. For garments, blot excess fluid with white paper towels (no rubbing), rinse in cold water if colorfast, then document both pre- and post-cleaning condition; obtain professional cleaning receipts if service is used. Retain all soiled items and the damaged container for inspection – airlines often require original evidence before issuing reimbursement.

If the spill involves strong solvents, aerosol propellants, fuel or other reactive substances, evacuate the immediate area, wear nitrile gloves, ventilate the bag outdoors and notify airline staff and airport operations so hazardous-material protocols are followed. Dispose of contaminated absorbents and PPE according to local hazardous-waste rules and keep disposal receipts for claims.

Submit a formal written claim to the carrier’s claims department referencing the PIR number, attach high-resolution photos, repair or replacement estimates and all original receipts. Expect an initial response within 14–30 days; follow up in writing and keep copies of every communication. For electronics, include an independent diagnostic report from an authorized service center to improve chances of full reimbursement.

For future trips consider travel gear with sealed compartments and rigid bottle sleeves; a travel pack with dedicated protective pockets reduces spill risk – see best backpack for study abroad for examples of models with organized storage.