Michael Turner
Allowance overview: The airline accepts most fluid products inside checked baggage; the 100 ml restriction applies only to cabin bags. Forbidden in any bag are highly flammable, corrosive, oxidising or toxic fluids and aerosols propelled by flammable gases. Alcoholic beverages above 70% ABV are not permitted for transport.
Alcohol specifics: Beverages below 24% ABV have no special quantity limit for checked carriage. Bottles between 24% and 70% ABV are limited to a maximum of 5 litres per passenger and must remain in unopened retail packaging. Anything above 70% ABV must not be carried.
Packing recommendations: Use screw‑top bottles with seal tape, place each container inside a zip‑lock or sealed plastic pouch, surround with clothes for cushioning and pack centrally to reduce impact. For perfumes and fragile toiletry bottles consider an additional rigid case. Keep high‑value or medically essential fluids in cabin baggage when possible.
Medical and duty‑free items: Prescription liquids should be accompanied by medical documentation and ideally carried in the cabin; if checked, label clearly and declare at check‑in if required. Duty‑free purchases in tamper‑evident bags should retain the receipt and sealed packaging until transfer procedures at the airport are complete.
Final step: Check the carrier’s official baggage and dangerous‑goods pages before departure and declare any questionable items at check‑in to avoid delays or confiscation.
Checked baggage – rules for fluids and gels
Recommendation: store toiletries, gels and other fluid-type items in checked baggage when individual containers exceed 100 ml; small containers intended for cabin carriage must follow the 100 ml / 1 litre rule.
Cabin-rule summary: each container for hand carriage must be 100 ml or less, all containers must fit into a single transparent, resealable bag with maximum capacity of 1 litre, and only one such bag is permitted per passenger; containers larger than 100 ml are not allowed in the cabin even if partly used.
Checked-bag guidance: there is no universal 100 ml cap for checked baggage, but dangerous-goods restrictions apply. Alcoholic drinks between 24% and 70% ABV are limited to 5 litres per passenger when in unopened retail packaging; beverages above 70% ABV are forbidden in both cabin and checked bags.
Restricted items: flammable solvents, petrol-based perfumes and aerosols with flammable propellants can be refused at check-in; pressurised containers require protective caps and may be limited. Compressed gases and oxygen generally need airline approval and documentation.
Medication and baby supplies: prescription medications, baby milk, formula and sterilised water may be carried in the cabin in reasonable quantities; declare items at security if they exceed 100 ml and keep prescriptions or clinical notes available for inspection.
Packing recommendations: double-seal caps with tape, place bottles inside sealed plastic bags, surround them with clothing and position in the suitcase centre to reduce breakage; use a rigid toiletry case for extra protection and weigh checked items to avoid excess fees. For better protection of bottles and cans consider sturdy wheeled cases such as best luggage sets spiner.
Final check: confirm carrier-specific baggage and dangerous-goods rules before departure; airport security and the operator at check-in retain final authority to accept or remove any item.
Size, volume and container requirements for fluids in checked baggage
Place all fluid products inside checked bags in sturdy, leak‑proof containers with secondary protection: screw caps with inner seals, taped closures and each bottle inside a sealed resealable plastic pouch or dedicated toiletry roll.
Alcoholic beverages: bottles between 24% and 70% ABV are commonly limited to 5 L per passenger when in original retail packaging; beverages above 70% ABV are generally forbidden. Beverages under 24% ABV are rarely volume‑restricted by safety rules but remain subject to overall weight limits and customs allowances.
Aerosol sprays intended for personal care are normally allowed in checked consignments only if non‑flammable and undamaged; many carriers follow a practical limit of about 0.5 kg net mass per canister with a modest aggregate per passenger, though exact totals vary–flammable aerosols, spray paints and industrial propellants are prohibited.
Containers made of thin plastic or cheap caps present highest leak risk during pressurisation; choose PET or HDPE bottles with tamper‑evident seals, avoid glass unless wrapped and cushioned. Leave a small air gap (a few millimetres) in refillable bottles to accommodate expansion. For fragile or high‑value bottles, use a hard‑sided compartment or a padded toiletry case; see recommended designs at best luggage for air force.
Prohibited items include fuel, lighter refills, corrosive solvents, bleach and laboratory reagents; battery‑wet cells and loose lithium batteries with liquid electrolytes require airline approval. Final acceptance and quantitative limits depend on the carrier’s dangerous‑goods policy and the destination’s customs rules–check the carrier’s manual before travel and label any large or unusual fluid consignments clearly.
Packing methods to prevent leaks and protect other items in checked bags
Store small bottles upright inside double-sealed freezer bags; expel excess air and press seals fully.
Sealing and container choices
Prefer screw-cap containers with an internal gasket or silicone O-ring; wrap the cap joint with a single layer of waterproof tape, then overwrap the entire cap-and-neck area with cling film. For pump dispensensers, remove the pump, invert the head and secure it with tape or replace with a screw cap. Group containers inside a rigid plastic box (food-grade or travel toiletry case) with a snap or locking lid to prevent crushing and pressure changes from opening valves. Fragile glass bottles should stay in original cartons or be cocooned in bubble wrap and foam sleeves.
Placement and cushioning inside checked baggage
Place the sealed plastic box at the suitcase center, surrounded by soft clothing layers to absorb shocks; keep it away from electronics, chargers and shoes. Lay an absorbent layer (paper towels or microfiber) under and around containers to capture small spills. Avoid over-compressing sealed bags or cubes; compression can force caps to loosen. For multi-item spills, pack a spare resealable bag and a small towel in an exterior pocket for immediate containment during transit.
Duty‑free bottles and sealed bags in checked baggage – rules
Keep duty‑free purchases inside the original tamper‑evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible; broken seals or missing proof of purchase usually lead to seizure at additional security checks or refusal to board connecting sectors.
Alcohol categories and carriage limits
| Alcohol by volume (ABV) | Allowed in checked baggage? | Typical max per passenger |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 24% ABV | Yes | No specific DG limit (subject to customs/import allowances) |
| 24%–70% ABV | Yes | 5 litres (retail packaging) – per IATA Dangerous Goods guidance |
| Over 70% ABV | No (forbidden) | Not permitted in passenger baggage |
Transit screening, receipts and declarations
Transit through airports that perform a second security screening requires STEB integrity and the original receipt; items with an intact STEB and matching receipt are normally allowed to pass, but if the bag is opened at transfer or receipt is absent, removal will occur.
Customs allowances and duty status vary by destination and point of purchase; duty‑free bottles may be subject to import taxes or limits on arrival. Present purchase receipts at customs or at boarding when requested.
Certain categories of retail products remain prohibited regardless of packaging (e.g., flammable solvents, fuel‑type aerosols, high‑ABV spirits). Verify point‑of‑sale staff certification for transit requirements when buying, and retain the STEB and receipt until final arrival.
Alcohol, aerosols and pressurised containers: limits and labeling for checked baggage
Passengers must not include alcoholic beverages with alcohol by volume (ABV) above 70% in checked baggage; beverages between 24% and 70% ABV are restricted to a maximum of 5 L per person and must remain in unopened retail packaging; beverages below 24% ABV are permitted without a specific per‑item volume limit but remain subject to airline weight and packing limits.
Flammable aerosols and consumer aerosols – quantity and status
Personal care aerosols (deodorant, hairspray) classified as consumer non‑dangerous items are usually allowed in checked bags if protected against accidental discharge; common carrier/DGR practice limits each aerosol to 0.5 kg (500 ml) net content and a total of about 2 kg (2 L) per passenger. Aerosols containing flammable propellants, spray paints, insecticides or self‑defence sprays are prohibited from checked and cabin baggage and must not be transported.
Pressurised gas containers – allowed, limited and forbidden items
Compressed gas cartridges (butane, propane, camping gas), refillable cylinders and aerosol gas cartridges for stoves are generally forbidden in checked baggage. Small non‑flammable cartridges specifically designed and fitted for medical devices or life‑saving equipment may be permitted only when manufacturer guidance and carrier/DGR approvals are met – these must be in original packaging, with protective valves, and declared at check‑in. CO₂ cartridges for tyre inflators and similar accessories are usually prohibited unless explicitly accepted by the carrier.
Packing and labeling rules: keep alcohol 24–70% ABV in original sealed retail packaging with visible ABV marking; attach a clear description (product name + ABV) to the outer package if contents are not obvious; secure aerosols with caps, place inside a sealed plastic bag, and pad with absorbent material to prevent rupture. If any item falls under Dangerous Goods Regulations, present it to the check‑in agent for inspection and complete any required declarations.
For alternatives to transporting pressurised cleaning equipment, consider purchasing equipment at destination – see best car pressure washer for home use for options that avoid carriage restrictions.
What to do if fluids are damaged, confiscated or cause a claim with the airline
Report damage or seizure at the airport service desk immediately and obtain a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent before leaving the airport premises.
- Immediate actions at the airport:
- Present the damaged item, original packaging and baggage tag at the airline’s desk; request a signed, dated incident report.
- If a security officer confiscates a product, request an official receipt or notice from airport security/police detailing reason and retention period.
- Photograph the item, packaging, surrounding contents and bag interior with timestamps or preserved metadata; retain fragments and any leaking residues.
- Keep boarding pass, ticket reference and checked-baggage tag stubs; these are required for any formal claim.
- How to submit a formal claim with the carrier:
- Use the carrier’s official claims portal or dedicated baggage-damage form; do not rely on social media for formal notification.
- Submit within the legal deadlines: damage must be reported within 7 days of receiving the baggage; delays should be reported within 21 days from delivery date.
- Attach evidence: PIR, timestamped photos, boarding pass, baggage tags, proof of purchase/value (receipts, serial numbers), and any repair estimates or disposal receipts.
- State a clear remedy request: repair cost (with quote), replacement cost (with receipts), or a specific monetary refund; include bank details for settlement if requested.
- Documentation checklist (attach to initial claim):
- Completed PIR or airport incident report.
- Ticket/boarding pass and bag-tag number.
- High-resolution photos showing damage, packaging and affected contents.
- Original purchase receipts or certified valuations for high-value items.
- Correspondence with security authority when confiscation occurred.
- Liability, limits and timelines:
- International carriage is governed by the Montreal Convention; carriers apply statutory limits and depreciation rules when assessing compensation.
- Claims for damaged items require prompt written notice; failure to meet the 7‑day window risks reduction or rejection of compensation.
- Confiscations by security authorities are generally outside airline liability; seek documentation from the authority for any recovery or appeal.
- If the claim is rejected or settlement is unsatisfactory:
- Request a final written decision from the airline’s claims team and a full explanation of the assessment method used.
- Escalate to the national aviation authority or designated alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service if available; include all original documentation and the carrier’s final response.
- Consider filing against the carrier in small-claims court where evidence supports the claimed value; track statutory limitation periods for civil actions.
- Activate third-party travel insurance where applicable: submit the airline claim reference, insurer forms, and receipts for interim purchases caused by delays.
- Practical tips to strengthen any claim:
- Do not discard damaged items or packaging until the claim is closed or the airline authorises disposal.
- Use tracked delivery for any physical evidence sent to the claims office and retain copies of all correspondence.
- Obtain independent repair estimates for electronics or fragile bottles; include serial numbers and manufacturer warranties where available.
- For confiscation appeals, request a written explanation from the security body specifying regulation cited and contact details for retrieval or appeal.
