Michael Turner
United States (TSA): the “3-1-1” rule applies – containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz), all containers must fit inside one quart-sized clear resealable bag, one bag per passenger. Remove the bag from your carry-on at security if requested. Items exceeding the size limit should go into checked baggage or be purchased after screening.
European Union / United Kingdom: most checkpoints enforce the 100 ml / 1 L restriction for liquids, gels and pastes; the same clear resealable bag requirement applies. Transit through countries with different baseline rules can change allowance for goods over 100 ml, so verify rules for every transfer airport before travel.
Types and screening behavior: solid products (pressed powder, lipstick, solid deodorant) are normally screened like other solids and do not need to be in the 1‑liter bag. Powder-form products larger than 350 ml (12 oz) may trigger additional screening in some jurisdictions and are often recommended to be placed in checked baggage. Aerosol personal care items are permitted in cabin only when within the size limit; pressurised or flammable aerosols can face extra restrictions for checked stowage – consult your airline.
Duty‑free exceptions: liquids bought after security and sealed in a tamper‑evident bag with a receipt may be permitted even if over 100 ml, but allowance depends on connecting airports and final destination rules. Keep the bag sealed and the proof of purchase accessible; if you have a transfer, reconfirm acceptance at the next security checkpoint.
Battery-powered beauty devices and spare cells: spare lithium batteries and power banks must be transported inside the cabin, not in checked hold. Typical limits allow items up to 100 Wh without airline approval; items between 100–160 Wh require prior airline permission. Devices with non-removable batteries are usually allowed in cabin.
Practical checklist before packing: decant liquids into ≤100 ml containers and label them; place all such containers in a single clear resealable 1‑liter bag; put powders over 350 ml and large aerosols into checked baggage where feasible; keep duty‑free sealed with receipt; carry spare batteries and power banks in your cabin bag; check both departure and transfer airport rules and your airline’s policy within 24–48 hours of travel.
Which liquid toiletries must comply with the 100 ml and 1 L clear-bag rule?
Place every liquid, gel, cream, paste, aerosol and spray intended for cabin baggage into individual containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and fit them all into one transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (approx. 20×20 cm); only one bag per passenger and it must be presented separately at security screening.
Included items
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid soap; moisturisers, sunscreens and after‑sun lotions; liquid foundations, BB/CC creams, concealers, liquid bronzers, liquid eyeliners, liquid lipsticks, lip glosses, and liquid mascaras; facial serums and ampoules; perfumes and colognes; toothpaste, mouthwash, contact‑lens solution; deodorant sprays and roll‑ons, shaving foam (aerosol/cream); hair gels, pomades, oils and serums; nail polish and nail‑polish remover; e‑liquids for vaporizers. Any product with a fluid, gel-like or spray consistency is covered by the rule.
Exceptions and practical rules
Prescription medicines and infant milk/food are exempt from the 100 ml limit but must be declared and may require supporting documentation or separate screening; essential medical liquids (e.g., insulin) are allowed in reasonable quantities above 100 ml with proof. Duty‑free purchases exceeding 100 ml are permitted if handed to you in a tamper‑evident bag with the receipt visible and if transfer rules between flights are met. Pressurised or flammable aerosols and solvent‑based products may face additional airline or airport restrictions–verify carrier policies before travel. Containers over 100 ml are not acceptable in the 1‑litre bag even if partially filled; use approved travel-size bottles and keep larger original containers in checked baggage when permitted.
How to pack aerosols, perfumes and spray makeup for cabin baggage screening?
Pack pressurised sprays and fragrances only in containers ≤100 ml (3.4 fl oz), group them inside a single transparent resealable 1 L bag and present that bag separately at security screening.
Preparation at home
- Confirm capacity marking on each bottle (ml or fl oz) and check for UN1950 or aerosol identification; self-defence sprays (pepper/mace) and industrial aerosols are prohibited in the cabin.
- Use leak-proof travel atomisers or transfer into purpose-made 100 ml refillable bottles; label transfers with product name to speed inspection.
- Seal nozzles: replace pumps with protective caps, tape around the nozzle with clear tape, or fit a small plastic cap and then place the container in a zip-top bag to contain any spills.
- Wrap glass perfume bottles in a soft cloth, neoprene pouch or between folded clothing; place wrapped bottles in the centre of your bag, away from zippers and electronics.
- For extra shock protection use a padded case or a compact item such as a folded umbrella to absorb impact – see best mini umbrella for travel for a compact padding option.
At security and inflight handling
- Place the 1 L clear bag in the security tray by itself; keep bottle labels visible to speed X-ray screening and manual checks.
- If an item exceeds 100 ml or appears to contain flammable propellant, security may confiscate it or require additional checks – purchase over‑size fragrances after screening (duty‑free sealed items with receipt are usually accepted).
- Do not operate aerosol triggers inside the cabin; accidental discharge must be reported to crew immediately.
- Check airline and national rules before travel for specific restrictions on flammable aerosols or quantity limits that differ from standard screening rules.
Quick checklist before leaving: all sprays ≤100 ml, all placed in one 1 L clear resealable bag, no self-defence aerosols, pumps taped or capped, fragile bottles padded and receipt for any duty-free purchases kept with the sealed bag.
Solid makeup, stick products and grooming tools allowed in cabin baggage
Pack solid sticks – lipstick, lip balm, solid perfume, deodorant bars, foundation and concealer sticks – without subjecting them to the 100 ml liquid restriction; pressed powders, compact blushes and solid highlighters also pass screening as solids.
Solid toiletry items that typically pass security: bar soap, shampoo bars, solid sunscreen sticks, solid deodorants, powder bronzers/finishing powders (compact or loose), cream-to-powder sticks, pencil eyeliners, brow pencils, solid concealers, and false lashes. Avoid bringing liquid-filled stick products unless their container volume meets the liquid rules handled elsewhere.
Grooming tools and sharp items
Allowed in cabin baggage in most jurisdictions: makeup brushes, sponges, cotton pads, tweezers, nail clippers, emery boards and disposable razors or razors with fixed cartridges. Electric shavers and battery-operated trimmers are permitted. Prohibited or restricted: loose razor blades and disposable blades (these usually must be checked); straight razors and safety razors with removable blades are typically forbidden in the cabin.
Scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) are usually permitted; longer blades are often rejected at security. Store sharp implements in a protective case and make them accessible for inspection to speed up screening.
Packing, screening and hygiene tips
Keep solid sticks and tools in an easy-to-open compartment so security officers can inspect items without unpacking the entire bag. Expect powder-type products larger than 350 ml (12 oz) to be subject to additional screening or to require placement in checked baggage in some countries. Clean metal applicators and sponge holders before travel; for guidance on stainless-steel maintenance see how to clean stainless steel scrubbers. Verify specific restrictions with your airline or departure airport prior to travel.
How to present prescription creams, medicated ointments and baby items at security?
Present prescription creams, medicated ointments and baby supplies separately from sealed liquids and place them in a dedicated bin for screening; declare them to the security officer before X‑ray.
Show original pharmacy labels or a physician’s note that includes patient name, medication name, dosage and prescribing contact. Electronic copies on a phone are accepted by most agencies but keep at least one printed label or note when possible.
Containers larger than 100 ml are normally allowed for medically necessary products and infant feeds, but must not be inside the 1‑litre clear resealable bag used for regular liquids; present these items outside that bag for separate inspection.
Expect additional checks: security staff may X‑ray, conduct a manual inspection, open a container, or perform a chemical swab. If a product is opened, cooperate promptly – officers will reseal or return the item after testing when permitted.
Frozen milk, formula and ice packs: if fully frozen solid at screening they usually pass as solids; partially thawed gels or slush may be treated as liquids and subjected to removal or disposal. Bring extra frozen packs if temperature control for feeds is required.
Syringes, needles, insulin pens and infusion devices should be accompanied by a prescription or clinic letter, sheath caps in place, and carried separately in a clear bag. Pumps and patches may need to be removed and scanned individually; request privacy if needed.
For aerosols or medicated sprays, retain original labeling and present separately; quantities that exceed standard limits are often permitted when medically necessary but will undergo inspection and possible additional screening.
Pack a small, clearly labelled travel kit for medications and baby items so it can be removed quickly at screening. Keep duplicates (prescription labels, doctor contact, and a digital photo of prescriptions) accessible in case of questions or if a paper copy is requested.
Check the specific rules of your departure airport and airline before travel: some countries require advance documentation for large medical supplies or have different allowances for infant feeds. When crossing borders, carry prescriptions in the traveling person’s name and keep receipts for pharmacy purchases.
