Michael Turner
Allowed when the original or travel container is ≤ 100 ml and stored inside a single transparent resealable plastic bag with a capacity of 1 litre (≈ 1 quart). Present that bag separately at security screening; most airports permit one such bag per passenger.
Exceptions: medically required liquids and infant nourishment may exceed 100 ml but must be declared and will undergo additional screening. Duty-free purchases placed in an airport-issued tamper-evident bag with receipt usually pass through security even if volumes exceed the limit, but connecting-flight rules and local authorities can override that – keep the sealed bag and proof of purchase.
Packing recommendations: if the original fragile bottle is larger than allowed, decant product into a purpose-made travel bottle labeled with volume. Cushion fragile containers with clothing or a padded sleeve and place the resealable bag on top of carry-on contents for quick removal. Keep prescriptions, medical notes and purchase receipts accessible.
If preserving the original heavy or breakable container is necessary, move it to checked baggage inside a hard-shell case with foam or clothing padding. Confirm departure airport security guidance and the carrier’s cabin-baggage limits before departure to avoid surprises at the checkpoint.
Confirm TSA, EU and other airport liquid limits for liquid makeup (100 ml / 3.4 oz rule)
Always carry each liquid cosmetic in a container of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less and place all such containers inside a single clear resealable bag with a capacity no greater than 1 litre (~1 quart); present that bag separately at security screening.
Key numeric rules by authority
- TSA (United States): 3-1-1 rule – containers ≤100 ml (3.4 oz), all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear resealable bag, one bag per passenger.
- EU / EEA: Containers ≤100 ml; all items in a single transparent resealable bag up to 1 litre. Member-state checkpoints apply the same limits, enforcement may vary slightly.
- UK: Same limits as EU – 100 ml containers inside a single 1 litre clear resealable bag.
- Canada and Australia: Follow the 100 ml / 1 litre format for cabin screening; medical and infant exceptions exist (see next section).
- Duty‑free purchases: Items bought airside in tamper‑evident sealed bags (with receipt) are generally permitted in the cabin, but retention of the sealed bag and receipt is required for connections – check transfer airport rules.
Exceptions and special cases
- Medications and medical liquids: Allowed in volumes greater than 100 ml when declared at security; additional screening and supporting documentation (prescription or letter) may be requested.
- Infant milk/food and special dietary liquids: Allowed in larger volumes for the journey; declare at screening for inspection.
- Powders and solid makeup: Different screening thresholds apply (e.g., large powder items may require extra checks on some US flights).
- Checked baggage: Larger quantities normally permitted subject to airline and dangerous-goods rules (aerosols, flammables restricted). Consult airline for exact limits.
Practical steps: verify container volume marked in ml/oz; decant into travel-size bottles when needed; keep duty‑free receipts visible with sealed bag; declare any meds or baby supplies at screening; consult the departure airport and airline webpages before travel for any local deviations.
Transfer only the trip amount into sterile PET or HDPE vials using single‑use pipettes or luer‑lock syringes
Use small, food‑grade PET, HDPE or anodized aluminium travel bottles with airtight screw caps or pump tops; choose opaque containers for light‑sensitive formulas. Select vial volume close to the itinerary length (5–30 ml typical) to avoid prolonged storage after decanting.
Tools
Required: 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, single‑use polyethylene transfer pipettes or disposable syringes (1 ml for precision to 10 ml for bulk), a small silicone funnel for thicker textures, sterile disposable spatulas, resealable clear plastic bag, permanent marker for labeling, tamper tape or heat‑shrink seals.
Step‑by‑step transfer to avoid contamination
Work on a clean, dry countertop. Wash and thoroughly dry hands, wipe the work area with alcohol, and open only the original container being decanted. Remove only the amount needed for the trip; reseal the source immediately between withdrawals to limit air and microbial exposure.
For thin, pumpable liquids: depress the source pump once into an alcohol‑cleaned collection vessel to prime, then insert a sterile syringe or pipette into the nozzle and withdraw the measured volume. Dispense into the travel vial, avoiding contact between the pipette tip and vial rim; cap immediately.
For viscous creams: place the sealed original bottle in a warm water bath (40–45 °C) for 3–5 minutes to lower viscosity–do not exceed 50 °C or submerge plastic caps. Use a sterile disposable spatula to lift product and transfer into the travel jar; level the surface to reduce trapped air and cap while surface is dry.
Always use single‑use transfer tools. Never reinsert a used spatula or pipette into the source container. If sampling multiple products, clean the work surface and change gloves or wash hands between each product to prevent cross‑contamination.
Sanitize reusable funnels or metal tools by washing with hot soapy water, rinsing, drying, then wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allowing full evaporation before use. For plastic travel vials, perform a hot soapy wash, rinse, air‑dry, then wipe inside once with alcohol and let evaporate completely.
Sealing, labeling and storage: apply tamper tape or heat‑shrink sleeve to the cap, place the vial in a sealed clear bag, and label with product name, lot number and decant date. Use decanted portion within the shorter of the product’s opened period or 3 months; for water‑rich emulsions, limit to the trip duration plus 7 days. Keep stored below 25 °C and away from direct sunlight; refrigerated storage may extend freshness for some formulas but avoid freezing.
Packing tips to protect a fragile cosmetic bottle from impact and pressure changes
Pack upright: tighten the cap, wrap the bottle in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap (total ≥10 mm), place it inside a hard-sided travel case and position that case in the center of the cabin bag away from seams and zippers.
Pressure control: leave about 10% headspace (~1 cm / 0.4 in) to allow trapped air to expand; most aircraft cabins are pressurized to roughly 6,000–8,000 ft (~750 hPa), about a 25% drop from sea level, which increases internal pressure on sealed containers.
Seal reliably: wrap the bottle neck with a square of cling film, apply PTFE (plumber) tape around the threads, screw the cap on, then add a layer of strong packing tape or a heat-shrink tamper band across the cap. After that place the item inside two nested zip-top bags and expel excess air.
Impact protection: add 20–30 mm of closed-cell foam or a neoprene sleeve around the wrapped bottle, surround the case with soft garments (rolled socks or t-shirts), avoid side pockets and hard edges, and keep heavy items away from the top of the case to prevent point loads during handling.
Test before travel: after sealing, invert the packed bottle over a towel for 2 minutes and apply light squeeze pressure; inspect for seepage. If any moisture appears, reseal and retest.
Redundancy: use a rigid outer container (metal tin or hard cosmetic box) plus inner cushioning; consider an inflatable bottle protector or foam insert for long transfers or checked carriage. If carrying small snacks or protein-rich travel food, consult which meat has the highest protein for compact options.
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Presenting a fragile liquid cosmetic bottle at security screening and handling inspector requests
Place the sealed bottle inside a clear resealable plastic bag, separate from other items, and set it on top of cabin baggage contents or directly into a screening tray with the label and cap clearly visible.
If an inspector asks about the item, state the contents briefly and produce a purchase receipt or prescription when available; offer to open the cap for on‑tray inspection or for an explosive‑trace detection (ETD) swab.
When an ETD swab is requested, allow exterior swabbing first. If an internal swab or sniff test is required, open the cap on the tray and present the bottle to the inspector. Request disposable gloves or a second clear bag before any opening if contamination or leakage is a concern.
If the officer requests transfer to an evidence envelope or separate container, accept the process but obtain the property’s tag number and a written receipt. Photograph the item and tag number if permitted before relinquishing possession.
If the inspector refuses return of the item or indicates seizure, ask to speak with a supervisor and request a written report; note the time, checkpoint location, and names or badge numbers shown. Retain copies of any paperwork provided.
Useful phrases: “This contains liquid cosmetic base; here is the receipt dated [MM/DD/YYYY].” “May I open the bottle for swabbing?” “Please provide the property tag number and written receipt if retained.”
Immediate options if a fragile cosmetic bottle is refused at security
If screening staff refuse the item, select one immediate action: decant into approved travel vials, give the item to airline staff for checked-bag tagging, or surrender it to security for disposal.
Quick transfer (decanting) – step-by-step
Required materials: 5–100 ml clear travel vials (match local limit), single-use syringe or pipette, alcohol wipe, permanent label, sealable clear bag. Steps: disinfect the bottle neck with the wipe; draw product with syringe/pipette while bottle remains upright; fill travel vials to ≤ declared limit (leave 1 cm headspace to allow pressure changes); label each vial with product name and volume; place vials inside the clear sealable bag and secure. Estimated time: 3–7 minutes. Risk: small spills and contamination – use single-use tools and wipe surfaces.
| Option | Typical time | Supplies/requirements | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decant into travel vials | 3–7 minutes | Travel vials, syringe/pipette, wipes, seal bag | Leakage, contamination |
| Give to airline for checked baggage | 5–20 minutes (may require returning to ticket counter) | Original container padded and protected, ID, willingness to check item | Breakage, delayed retrieval, additional fees |
| Surrender / dispose at checkpoint | Immediate | None | Loss of product |
Checking the item or surrendering – practical notes
If opting to have the item checked, notify the nearest airline agent or ticket counter immediately; request fragile tagging and ask for a note on the baggage receipt. If gate closure prevents checking, place the container in the provided disposal bin – liquid waste and recycling containers are commonly located inside or just past the screening area. Keep any paperwork from airline staff as proof if a claim for loss or damage is needed.
FAQ:
Can I bring a glass bottle of liquid foundation in my carry-on bag?
Yes. Security rules in many countries allow liquids in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, and all such containers must fit inside a single clear resealable bag with a capacity of about 1 litre. If your glass bottle is within this size it can go in hand luggage, but you must remove the resealable bag and place it in the screening tray when asked by security staff. If the bottle exceeds 100 ml it will not be allowed through security in carry-on.
My foundation is in a 150 ml glass bottle — what are my options for flying?
You cannot take a 150 ml bottle through security in hand luggage under normal liquids rules. Options are: put the bottle in checked baggage, transfer the product into a travel-size plastic container of 100 ml or less, or buy a travel-size replacement or a new bottle after passing security. If the liquid is prescribed or medically required, explain this at screening and have supporting documentation; some airports allow larger medical liquids after inspection. Buying from a duty-free shop past security is another route, but keep the purchase in the sealed bag with receipt if you have connecting flights.
How should I pack a fragile glass foundation bottle to avoid breakage or leaks in my carry-on?
Wrap the bottle in bubble wrap or several layers of soft clothing and place it inside a sturdy pouch or padded cosmetics case. Put the bottle into a zip-lock bag even if it meets the size limit so any leak is contained. Place it upright between soft items (socks, scarves) rather than near hard objects or the edges of your bag. Consider decanting into a small plastic travel container ahead of time if you want extra peace of mind. Be aware that security staff may need to open or test containers during screening, so keep the item accessible.
Do rules for glass foundation differ by country or airline?
Basic liquid rules are similar across many regions: containers must be 100 ml or smaller and fit in a single resealable 1-litre bag. However, enforcement details and exemptions vary by airport and airline, and some locations have additional restrictions. Duty-free purchases are handled differently because they are sold in sealed tamper-evident bags with receipts; if you have connecting flights, the seal and proof of purchase are important. Check the official website of your departure airport or airline before travel if you want the exact requirements for your route.
