Michael Turner
Standard rule: most airport security authorities apply the 100 ml / 3‑1‑1 rule: containers ≤100 ml, one transparent resealable bag per passenger, and the bag must be presented separately at screening. Quantities beyond that threshold for non-medical cosmetic liquids are normally not allowed through the security checkpoint.
Products in solid form (balms, sticks, bars) are generally treated as solids and are not subject to the 100 ml limit; however, oversized powders and certain aerosols can trigger additional screening or restrictions, so check the carrier’s list before travel.
Medically necessary topical preparations: larger volumes are commonly permitted if accompanied by a prescription or a doctor’s note; declare these items at security and keep documentation and original packaging readily available.
Packing tips: transfer into clearly labeled travel bottles of ≤100 ml, place the resealable bag where it’s easy to remove, avoid overfilling to prevent leakage, and consider placing fragile containers inside a small padded case. For longer trips, plan to move bulk jars into checked baggage or buy replacement moisturizer after screening.
Bringing moisturiser in carry-on
Yes – travel-size moisturiser is allowed in carry-on when each container is 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller and all liquid-like items fit inside one transparent resealable bag no larger than 1 litre (1 quart).
- Official limits: 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz per container; one clear resealable bag per passenger; total bag capacity ≈1 litre (quart).
- Which formulations count as liquids: lotions, gels, oils, ointments and semi-solids are treated as liquids for screening purposes.
- Solid alternatives such as balm sticks typically aren’t subject to the 100 ml cap and can be carried without the bag.
- Prescription topical medications are usually permitted in larger quantities after inspection if accompanied by a prescription or doctor’s note; declare them at the security checkpoint.
Practical actions for hassle-free screening:
- Measure container volume; replace oversized bottles with travel jars labelled ≤100 ml.
- Keep the resealable bag accessible at security (top pocket or outer compartment) for quick removal.
- Use original caps and secondary sealing (tape or small plastic wrap) to prevent leaks; double-bag if the product is viscous.
- If carrying more than allowed, move excess to checked baggage or buy a travel-size at your destination.
- For flights departing from or arriving in different jurisdictions, verify local checkpoint rules and airline policies before departure.
If a container exceeds the permitted size during screening, security officers typically require disposal, transfer to checked baggage, or surrender; compliance avoids delays and confiscation.
Is my facial moisturiser container under the 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz liquids limit?
If the container is marked ≤100 ml (or ≤3.4 fl oz) it complies; when only ounces are shown multiply by 29.5735 to convert to millilitres. Labels showing net weight in grams can be converted using 1 g ≈ 1 ml for water-based formulas and ~0.9 g/ml for oil-heavy formulas – choose the smaller resulting volume when uncertain.
How to verify actual capacity
Fill test: empty the vessel, fill with water using a syringe or measuring cup, then pour into a metric jug and read the ml. Scale test: weigh the empty container, fill to typical level with the product, weigh again; difference in grams ≈ millilitres for most emulsions. Manufacturer markings such as 15 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml are reliable if visible.
Special cases and handling
Airless pumps and multi-chamber dispensers sometimes state total package volume rather than current content; check level or perform a fill/scale test. Balms and pastes are treated as liquids/gels by many security checkpoints and must fit the 100 ml rule inside a single clear 1-litre resealable bag. If you need to clean containers before decanting, refer to practical cleaning guides like best angle for pressure washing car.
How to transfer moisturizer into travel-size containers and seal them for security
Use new travel containers made of PET, HDPE or silicone sized 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller; transfer with a disposable syringe or mini funnel, leave 5–10 mm headspace, seal the opening with a small square of cling film and a cap liner, then apply a tamper-evident band.
Tools and materials
New 15–100 ml PET/HDPE/silicone jars or squeeze tubes; 5–20 ml disposable syringes (no needle) and a narrow funnel; stainless spatula for thick products; isopropyl alcohol 70% and lint-free wipes; thin cling film or foil liner; permanent waterproof marker and adhesive labels; tamper-evident bands or heat-shrink seals; small resealable clear bag and an absorbent paper towel.
Step-by-step transfer and sealing
Wash containers with hot soapy water, rinse, then wipe interior with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let air-dry; do not boil plastics (may deform). For high-viscosity products, place the original jar in a bowl of warm water (30–40°C) for 20–30 seconds to soften; avoid temperatures above 40°C to prevent preservative breakdown. Scoop with a clean spatula or load a syringe directly from the original container. For runnier lotions, draw into a syringe and dispense slowly through a funnel into the travel vessel.
When filling, stop with 5–10 mm headspace to allow for pressure changes during flight. Smooth the product level so the cling film makes full contact with the opening; press the film down, then place any screw-cap liner and tighten the cap firmly. For pump dispensers, depress the pump fully and twist-lock if available; for roll-ons, ensure the ball is seated and cap is secure.
Add a tamper-evident band or heat-shrink sleeve over the cap and neck; if those are unavailable, wrap a strip of strong tape across the lid and body threads. Label each container with product name and fill date using a waterproof marker. Place containers inside a 1‑litre resealable clear bag with an absorbent paper towel to catch leaks; keep that bag accessible in your cabin baggage for inspection. For prescription or medicated items keep original packaging and documentation nearby.
Present moisturizer at airport security to avoid delays
Keep the moisturizer in an outer pocket of your carry-on with the cap fully tightened and the container wiped clean; place it in the tray with the label facing upward for quick visual inspection.
At the security tray
Group cosmetics, liquids and gels together and position jars and tubes flat and centered so X-ray images are clear. Place prescription topical products and sealed duty-free bags on top with receipts visible and within reach for the officer.
If an officer requests a closer look, remove the lid and allow a swab or visual check only when instructed. For recent in-store purchases inside a tamper-evident bag, show the receipt and the sealed bag before screening begins.
If additional screening is requested
Request a private screening area if you prefer privacy; offer the item without resistance and ask for a written note if a sample is retained. If a leak occurs, present a paper towel or tissue to clean the rim and show the sealed cap to reduce secondary checks.
| Action | How to present | Why it speeds processing |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible placement | Outer pocket or top of carry-on | Less time searching at the checkpoint |
| Cap secured & rim cleaned | Tighten lid; wipe threads | Prevents spill checks and odor-based sampling |
| Duty-free purchases | Seal and receipt visible | Limits need to open sealed bag |
| Prescription topicals | Original packaging or medical note | Immediate verification |
| Consent to inspection | Open only when asked; allow swab | Avoids confrontation and repeat screening |
Options for containers over 100 ml: checked baggage, samples, or airport purchases
If the container exceeds 100 ml, the most reliable choices are to place it in checked baggage, replace it with travel-size samples, or buy an equivalent after security – select by value, leak risk, and whether you have connecting flights.
Checked baggage: air regulations do not apply the 100 ml cabin rule to checked hold contents, but airlines and carriers may restrict aerosols and flammable substances. Pack bulky liquid skincare products in a sealed plastic pouch, cushion with clothing, and keep them near the suitcase core to reduce crushing. For high-value items consider declared coverage or additional insurance such as a best quote umbrella policy; for fragile bottles use rigid toiletry cases and a strip of tape across caps to reduce leakage.
Samples and travel-size replacements: obtain manufacturer trial pots, 30–50 ml travel jars, or single-use sachets before departure. Cost for ready-made travel kits typically ranges $3–$15; boutique counters will often provide free tester vials if requested. Use small quantities for trips under a week to avoid carrying spare bulk; for multi-leg itineraries, keep bottles under 100 ml each to avoid secondary screening issues at intermediate checkpoints.
Airport and duty‑free purchases: products bought after security and sealed in a Security Tamper‑Evident Bag (STEB) with an itemized receipt are usually permitted in the cabin even if over 100 ml, but the STEB must remain sealed until final destination. If you have an international connection that requires passing through security again, unopened STEB items with receipts are more likely to be accepted; items removed from the bag or lacking proof of purchase risk confiscation. Prices at airport shops often exceed street rates, while duty‑free can be cost‑effective for luxury bottles.
Alternatives and contingencies: ship bulky items ahead via courier, purchase substitute products at destination pharmacies, or switch to solid formats (balms, bars) that are exempt from liquid rules. For long trips, factor replacement cost, sentimental or allergic considerations, and loss/theft risk when choosing between checked hold and carry alternatives.
Where and how to check airline and country-specific carry-on rules
Check the carrier’s official baggage and security pages first, then confirm with the departure and arrival national aviation/security authorities and airport security pages for the exact screening and permitted-item rules.
Primary official sources to consult
Airline website: Look for sections titled “baggage policy”, “cabin baggage”, “security screening” or “restricted items”. Use the specific flight number or booking reference when available; that often surfaces route‑specific restrictions. If a code‑share is involved, review the policy for the operating carrier.
Airport security pages: Search the departing and connecting airports’ websites (terms: “security”, “screening”, “cabin rules”). Connecting hubs may reapply local screening; check each transfer point.
National authorities and agencies: Consult the national aviation authority and the government security regulator for the country of departure and arrival (examples: TSA for the United States, UK Civil Aviation Authority, European Commission Aviation Security pages, Transport Canada). For transit through regions, check that jurisdiction too.
IATA and official travel tools: Use the IATA Travel Centre and government travel apps (e.g., MyTSA) to verify standard screening practices and links to local rules.
Practical verification steps and documentation
Search using precise queries like “[airline name] cabin baggage liquids policy”, “[airport name] security screening”, or “[country] customs restricted items”. Save screenshots or PDFs of the policy pages and email confirmations; carry a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy if possible.
Contact the carrier’s customer service by phone or official social channels for ambiguous cases; request written confirmation (email) when you receive an exception or special instruction. For international routes, also check the destination country’s customs site for import restrictions (alcohol percentage, medicinal classification, duty‑free allowances).
Verify units and conversions: many rules list metric (ml) or imperial (fl oz). Use 1 fl oz = 29.5735 ml to convert precisely if the source uses different units. Recheck rules within 48–72 hours before departure, and again at online check‑in if your itinerary changed.
