Direct guidance: Fragile drink containers, mirrors or brittle tableware should go into checked bags whenever practicable. When retained in a carry-on, every liquid container must not exceed 100 ml (3.4 fl oz), and all such containers must fit inside a single transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Security staff must be allowed to inspect suspicious or poorly packed items.
Concrete numbers and exceptions: The 100 ml / 1 litre rule applies on flights departing EU/UK and many international airports; duty-free purchases placed in a sealed tamper-evident bag with receipt are usually permitted in the cabin even if over 100 ml, but transit through another country or re-screening can void that exemption. Typical cabin-bag size limits for low-cost carriers are around 56 × 45 × 25 cm (plus a small personal item ~45 × 36 × 20 cm), so confirm the operator’s measurements before travel.
Packing recommendations: Use padded wine sleeves, inflatable bottle protectors or double-layer bubble wrap; cap tightly, place each container into a leakproof zip-lock, then surround with clothing. Store fragile items centrally in the bag rather than at edges. For high-value or irreplaceable items, arrange checked carriage with professional packing or consider courier service to avoid in-cabin damage.
Security and carrier interaction: Declare oversized or unusually shaped fragile items at check-in; accept that final permission rests with airport security officers. For route-specific rules, transit screening, or questions about duty-free exceptions, contact the airline’s customer service and the departure airport security office before travel.
Fragile containers in cabin bags on budget carriers
Do not pack fragile bottles or jars larger than 100 ml in cabin carriage; place them in checked baggage or buy sealed duty-free items after security to bring onboard.
Liquids, gels and pastes: each container must be 100 ml or less and all containers must fit inside a single transparent resealable bag with a maximum volume of about 1 litre; present that bag separately at security screening.
Duty-free purchases made airside or onboard are permitted in the cabin even if over 100 ml provided they remain in the tamper-evident bag with the retailer’s receipt clearly visible and unbroken.
Packing recommendations for fragile containers under the liquid limit: wrap each item in bubble wrap or clothing, seal bottle caps with tape and an inner layer of cling film, place items upright in a padded sleeve, and position them near the top of the personal bag for less shifting and easier inspection.
If larger fragile pieces must travel in checked baggage, use a hard-sided case, surround items with multiple layers of soft clothing, place them centrally away from case edges, and use dividers or foam inserts to prevent contact with other contents.
Security notes: empty vessels and non-liquid décor items pass screening but may be subject to additional inspection; sharp-edged objects, mirrors with exposed edges or containers that could be used as weapons may be refused carriage.
For high-value or irreplaceable fragile items consider specialist packaging services, a separate courier with insurance, or purchasing suitable in-airport packing materials and declaring value on travel insurance policies.
Which types of fragile transparent items are permitted in cabin baggage (drinkware, cosmetics, mirrors)
Carry empty beverage vessels and small toiletry bottles in the cabin, following security liquid rules: each liquid container must be 100 ml or less and all containers must fit inside a single 1‑litre clear resealable bag; duty‑free liquids in sealed tamper‑evident bags with receipt are acceptable even if over 100 ml.
Drinkware & beverage containers
Empty refillable bottles, stainless or fragile drinking tumblers, and compact stemware are normally allowed through security and onboard if emptied before screening. Filled containers brought from outside the secure area must meet the 100 ml limit or be purchased airside in a sealed tamper‑evident bag. Bulky or ornate items (large decanters, boxed sets) are often refused at the gate for space or safety reasons and should be placed in checked baggage/hold.
Cosmetics and mirrors
Liquid cosmetics (perfume, lotion, liquid foundation) must follow the 100 ml/container + single 1‑litre resealable bag rule; solid cosmetics (powder, lipstick, solid deodorant) are unrestricted by that limit. Compact mirrors and small makeup mirrors are accepted in cabin bags if edges are protected; large framed mirrors or heavy decorative mirrors should be packed into checked baggage/hold or wrapped thoroughly and declared at the gate to avoid damage. Use bubble wrap, clothing padding, or rigid protective cases and position fragile items centrally to minimize impact.
How to pack and wrap fragile items to pass airport security and avoid breakage
Place each fragile object inside a rigid protective case or a double-layer system: soft inner wrap + hard outer shell; provide at least 5 cm of padding on every side.
Materials to prepare
- Microfiber or cotton cloths (no abrasive fabrics).
- Bubble wrap: 3–4 layers around curved surfaces; use 6–10 mm bubble size for shock absorption.
- Corrugated cardboard sleeves or a small hard case (Peli-style or camera case).
- Resealable clear plastic bags (1-litre size) for any liquids and to contain shards if breakage occurs.
- Gaffer tape (won’t leave residue) and masking tape for mirrors.
- Foam inserts or clothing rolls to fill voids and maintain 5 cm clearance.
Step-by-step wrapping and placement
- Clean and dry the item; secure lids with tape; pour out excess liquid if volume exceeds allowed screening limits (containers >100 ml belong in checked baggage).
- Wrap the surface with a soft cloth layer to prevent scratches; secure with a small piece of tape.
- Apply 3–4 layers of bubble wrap, overlapping seams; tape wrap to prevent unraveling.
- For flat mirrors or picture glass: apply a single sheet of clear packing tape in an X pattern over the face to hold fragments together if broken.
- Insert the wrapped item into a rigid box or corrugated sleeve; add foam or clothing rolls to create a minimum 5 cm buffer on all sides.
- Place bottles upright when possible; stemware and delicate shapes are best kept in individual padded pouches with divider inserts.
- Seal any liquid containers inside a resealable clear bag to contain leaks; label the exterior “fragile” for handlers.
- Position the protected item in the center of a carry container, surrounded by soft garments; avoid proximity to hard, pointed objects such as umbrellas or trekking poles.
- Keep fragile items in an easily accessible compartment on top of the bag so removal for inspection is quick and handling is minimal; for frequent access choose a padded daypack – best backpack for travel womens.
- When transporting an umbrella or similar frame, stow it separately to prevent punctures; for care tips consult best time to prune umbrella tree.
If multiple fragile objects are carried, use individual compartments or foam dividers to prevent contact; aim for immobilization rather than padding alone (movement causes most failures during handling and screening).
Rules for bottles with liquids: size limits, resealing and duty‑free exceptions
Keep individual containers at or below 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and place all of them inside a single transparent, resealable 1‑litre plastic bag; present that bag separately at security.
Size limits and ordinary screening
Each container must display a capacity marking ≤100 ml (3.4 fl oz). The transparent bag should not exceed about 20 x 20 cm and only one bag is permitted per passenger. Containers that exceed 100 ml will be removed at security unless they qualify for an exception described below. Liquids include beverages, creams, gels, aerosols and toiletries; perfumes follow the same limits unless sold duty‑free and sealed.
Resealing, duty‑free purchases and other exceptions
Duty‑free items purchased airside are acceptable in the cabin when supplied in an official Security Tamper‑Evident Bag (STEB) with the receipt placed inside. The STEB must remain sealed and unopened from point of sale until arrival at final destination; tampering or opening invalidates the exemption. Homemade resealing of a bag or bottle is not accepted by security. If onward travel requires an additional security screening after transfer, the STEB may not guarantee passage – verify transfer‑airport rules in advance.
Medicinal liquids and infant formula/food are allowed in quantities greater than 100 ml but must be declared at screening and may be subject to separate inspection; carry prescriptions or proof of necessity. For larger bottles that are not permitted in the cabin, place them in checked baggage according to airline and customs allowances (alcohol limits vary by destination).
When presenting duty‑free purchases at security, show the STEB and the point‑of‑sale receipt together; security staff will confirm the seal and purchase time. If the seal is broken or no receipt is available, expect the item to be surrendered or placed into checked baggage.
What to do if a fragile item is denied or breaks at security: options for checked baggage, disposal and declarations
Request assistance from security staff immediately; do not touch fragments; secure the area and obtain first‑aid if cuts occur.
Option 1 – move to checked baggage at the airline desk: present the item to check‑in staff for transfer into hold. Use a hard case, double cushioning (bubble wrap plus soft clothing) and immobilise with tape. Confirm carrier weight and dimension limits (common free allowances: 20–23 kg per bag; oversize fees vary) and ask staff to note fragile contents on the bag tag.
Option 2 – ship via courier from the airport: buy airport packing supplies or request a protective box at the post office/parcel desk. Insure shipment for declared value, select tracking and signature on delivery, and complete customs paperwork for international consignments (antique or high‑value items often require provenance documents).
Option 3 – disposal at security: if destruction is mandated, request a written confirmation or disposal receipt from security staff. For items of value, insist on an official statement describing the item and reason for disposal; retain boarding pass and ID used at the checkpoint to support later claims.
If breakage occurs: photograph the scene and damaged goods before any removal; obtain a signed statement from security personnel and an incident number. Collect any personal property fragments only with explicit permission from staff; if allowed, place fragments in a sealed container and label for transport.
Declarations and claims: report damage or forced disposal to the airline desk immediately and obtain a Property Irregularity Report or equivalent. File a claim with the carrier and travel insurer using photos, receipts, incident report and ticket details; many insurers require notification within 7–14 days and carriers base liability on contract of carriage or international conventions.
Hazardous or leaking contents: alert staff at once; containment and cleanup will be handled by trained personnel. For textile stains from spills after containment, follow remedial cleaning guides such as how to clean cats chin for spot treatment suggestions.
Preventive checklist for future trips: procure heavy‑duty travel cases, pre‑purchase courier insurance if item is irreplaceable, photograph items and keep valuation paperwork, and verify carrier policies on fragile articles before arrival at the airport.