Can you take liquids in checked luggage on a plane

Store personal-care fluids, gels and bottled beverages in the aircraft hold when containers exceed the carry-on 100‑ml/3.4‑oz cabin limit; most airlines allow larger containers in the hold but prohibit flammable, pressurised or otherwise dangerous items.

Alcohol specifics: beverages under 24% ABV are normally unrestricted in the hold; beverages 24–70% ABV are commonly limited to 5 litres per passenger and must be in original retail packaging; beverages over 70% ABV are usually forbidden from transport. Declare high-value bottles and verify destination import allowances to avoid seizure or duty charges.

Aerosols and hazardous items: personal toiletry sprays and shaving foam are generally accepted if retail-packaged, while spray paint, butane canisters, lighter refills and other flammable aerosols are prohibited. Corrosives, oxidisers, infectious substances and most compressed gas cartridges are also disallowed. Installed lithium batteries in devices may be permitted if safe and powered off, but spare lithium cells must remain in the cabin.

Packing recommendations: close and tape caps, double-bag glass containers in sealed zip-locks, wrap bottles in clothing and place them upright in the centre of the suitcase cushioned by soft items; add an absorbent towel to contain leaks. Keep prescriptions and critical medication in carry-on rather than solely in the hold.

Duty-free and transfers: duty-free sealed tamper-evident bags can often be stowed in the hold, but transit rules on retaining those bags in the cabin until final connection vary by carrier and airport–keep receipts and check transfer policies. Before departure consult the airline’s dangerous-goods guidance and the departure/arrival aviation authority for carrier-specific limits and current prohibitions; ship strictly forbidden items via approved freight services.

Allowed Fluids in Hold Baggage for Air Travel

Place personal-care fluids, gels and full-sized beverages in the aircraft hold; exclude containers with alcohol content above 70% ABV.

Alcohol specifics: beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume are restricted to 5 litres per passenger in unopened retail packaging; products under 24% ABV are generally unrestricted for passenger stowage, while over 70% ABV is prohibited by most national and airline rules.

Dangerous-goods list: flammable solvents (e.g., paint thinner, lighter fuel), many oxidizers and corrosives, and certain aerosols are either forbidden or require airline approval and special packaging under IATA/ICAO dangerous-goods regulations; verify carrier guidance for items like spray paint, fuel canisters and industrial cleaners.

Packing recommendations: place bottles inside sealed polyethylene bags with absorbent material; tape pump heads and screw caps, keep products in original retail packaging when possible, and position containers centrally surrounded by soft clothing to minimize impact and pressure stress.

Documentation and declarations: declare large volumes of alcoholic beverages or industrial chemicals at check-in when requested; regulations differ by departure/destination country and airline, and commercial quantities should be shipped as cargo rather than as passenger stowage.

Access-sensitive items: store critical medications and infant feeds in cabin hand baggage to avoid loss, temperature exposure or delayed access during the journey; hold stowage exposes contents to greater temperature and rough-handling risks.

Permitted fluid types and volume limits in hold baggage by country and airline

Recommendation: place non-dangerous toiletries, unopened retail spirits within allowed ABV bands, and sealed aerosols in hold baggage only after confirming carrier-specific rules; keep spare batteries and hazardous items out of the hold.

Global baseline (IATA/ICAO-derived): alcoholic drinks 24–70% ABV – maximum 5 L per passenger in unopened retail packaging; alcoholic drinks under 24% ABV – no DGR quantity limit for passenger baggage; alcoholic drinks over 70% ABV – forbidden. Flammable solvents, corrosives, oxidizers, and many compressed gases are prohibited in hold baggage. Personal-care aerosols and pressurized toiletries are permitted when not classified as flammable, but some carriers limit net quantity per person or require protective caps. Medical and baby nutrition fluids allowed in reasonable quantities with documentation if required at check-in. Devices with installed lithium cells may be accepted in the hold when allowed by carrier; spare lithium batteries must be transported in the cabin, not in the hold.

Packing recommendations: seal liquids in original retail packaging when possible; limit concentrated alcohol purchases to below 70% ABV; place aerosols upright with valve protection; put high-value perfumes and essential medicines in cabin if risk of breakage or loss is a concern; consult both the departure country’s security authority and the chosen carrier for final acceptance rules.

How to pack toiletries, cosmetics and prescription medications to prevent leaks and damage

Place toiletries, cosmetics and prescription medications into a three-layer protection system: original container → sealed plastic barrier → padded, upright compartment surrounded by clothing.

• Required materials:
  • Heavy-duty zip-top bags (1L and 2L sizes), multiple layers
  • Small screw-top travel bottles with internal stoppers and O-ring seals
  • Rigid travel cases for glass or breakable containers (pillbox-style or molded plastic)
  • Absorbent wraps: paper towels, microfibre cloths or disposable sanitary pads
  • Insulated pouch and frozen gel packs for temperature-sensitive medications
  • Clear packing tape and cling film (plastic wrap) for secondary sealing
• Sealing technique for pumps, screw-caps and jars:
  1. Remove pump head and fill pump neck with a small piece of folded cling film; replace pump and screw cap over film to create a wax-tight seal.
  2. For screw-top bottles, apply a single layer of medical-grade tape across the cap-to-neck junction, then place in a zip-top bag. For extra security, wrap cap threads with a length of plumber’s PTFE tape before closing.
  3. Place creams or gels in plastic jars with a piece of wax or oil-absorbing paper between lid and product to reduce suction and shifting.
• Packing order inside a suitcase:
  1. Rigid containers or boxed items in the centre, upright where possible.
  2. Surround with soft garments (socks, underwear, rolled T-shirts) to absorb shock.
  3. Fragile glass bottles placed in individual padded sleeves or wrapped in several layers of clothing; place them near the suitcase spine for extra protection.
  4. Place zip-top bags with potential spillers on top of packed clothing but still inside the main compartment–this limits pressure from outer compression.
• Cosmetic-specific advice:
  • Pressed powders: add a thin sheet of tissue or cotton between pan and lid; secure with a small strip of tape around the case hinge.
  • Cream concealers and foundations: transfer to sturdy, screw-top jars and overwrap lids with cling film; store upright in a zip-top bag.
  • Perfume bottles or high-value fragrances: place inside a rigid box, then inside a padded sock; keep near clothing layers to moderate temperature shifts.
  • Switch to solids where feasible: solid shampoo bars, balm deodorants, and solid perfumes eliminate risk of seepage entirely.

Prescription medication handling

• Pack essential daily medications in a clearly labeled, original pharmacy container; include a printed prescription and physician contact on paper stored with the meds.
• Keep a minimum of 48–72 hours’ supply in a carry-on or personal bag; bulk supply can be placed elsewhere but stored using the same triple-layer protection.
• Temperature-sensitive drugs (insulin, certain biologics): transport inside an insulated pouch with frozen gel packs and a small digital thermometer; avoid direct contact between gel packs and vials by using cloth barriers.
• Needles or sharps: use a rigid, puncture-resistant container labelled appropriately and follow local transport rules for medical sharps.

Damage-prevention and last-minute checks

• Conduct a quick pressure test: after sealing, squeeze each bag gently to check for bulges or leaks; re-seal if any dampness appears.
• Place a single sheet of absorbent material at the base of each zip-top bag to catch small seepage and reduce staining.
• Attach a small checklist to the inside of the suitcase lid listing medication names, doses and emergency contact numbers.
• Creative tip: wax from a crayon can temporarily plug tiny cap cracks or be used as a cushion layer around glass necks – more ideas at how can a crayon save your life.

Final verification: lids taped and wrapped, all items double-bagged, medications labeled and accessible, fragile containers cushioned and positioned upright within a hard-sided case wherever possible.

Alcohol allowances and duty‑free rules: permitted volumes, proof and age restrictions

Always declare duty‑free alcohol at arrival, keep the receipt visible and retain the tamper‑evident retail bag sealed until all transfer security checks are complete.

European Union: Personal import allowances from non‑EU countries commonly accepted by customs: 1 L of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 L of fortified wine (e.g., port), or 4 L of still wine, or 16 L of beer. These allowances apply to travellers aged 17 or older; individual member states may enforce stricter minimum purchase ages for retail sale.

United Kingdom: Standard duty‑free concession for arrivals from outside the UK: 1 L spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 L fortified wine, or 4 L still wine, or 16 L beer. Age limit for import is 18+. Excess quantities must be declared and duty paid.

United States: General de minimis allowance is 1 L of alcohol per person aged 21 and over for duty‑free treatment; larger volumes may be brought in but must be declared and are subject to duties and state restrictions. State rules can prohibit or restrict possession of imported alcohol regardless of federal allowance.

Canada: Typical personal exemption examples: 1.5 L wine, or 1.14 L spirits (40% ABV), or 8.5 L beer. Legal age for import follows the province/territory drinking age (either 18 or 19). Declare over‑limit amounts to Canada Border Services and expect taxes and duties.

Australia: Adult travellers (18+) receive a duty‑free concession of 2.25 L of alcoholic beverages. Quantities beyond that must be declared; customs will assess duty and GST.

Maximum alcohol strength accepted for carriage through passenger channels: no more than 70% ABV; beverages above 70% are widely prohibited from passenger carriage and from most duty‑free allocations. Many carriers and airports also have separate restrictions on high‑strength products–review carrier policies if carrying spirits close to 70% ABV.

Documentation and proof: passport or government photo ID is required to verify age; retain all purchase receipts and proof of origin for duty‑free bottles. For onward connections, ensure the tamper‑evident bag and receipt comply with transit security rules–otherwise items may be seized at transfer security checkpoints.

If allowances are exceeded, declare immediately on arrival forms. Expect assessment of duties, possible seizure or fines where local law prohibits import by age or resident status. When in doubt, consult the destination country’s customs website for exact numeric thresholds and legal drinking‑age rules before travel.

Restricted, hazardous and aerosol fluids: declaration, carrier approval and packaging requirements

Declare aerosols, flammable solvents, oxidizers and corrosive fluids at check‑in; obtain written carrier approval for any container larger than 100 mL or for aggregate hazardous content above 2 kg per passenger.

What must be declared and when to get airline approval

All items classified under IATA/ICAO dangerous goods classes (Class 2 gases, Class 3 flammables, Class 5 oxidizers, Class 6 toxic/irritant, Class 8 corrosives) require declaration prior to acceptance into the hold. Request approval at least 48 hours before departure when total net quantity per shipment exceeds 100 mL per item or when pressurized cartridges, fuel cells or oxidizing agents are present. Written confirmation (email or stamped acceptance on travel documentation) is required by most carriers for acceptance on the aircraft.

Packing and marking standards

Use UN‑tested inner packaging for hazardous fluids; for aerosols ensure valve protection caps and place each can upright inside sealed polyethylene bags with absorbent material. Surround inner packages with a strong rigid outer box rated for impact; secure with tape and add cushioning to prevent movement. Screw caps and pump heads must be taped or have protective collars; pressure‑release vents must remain unobstructed where permitted by the airline’s acceptance terms.

Labeling: attach a clear declaration tag: “HAZARDOUS GOODS – ACCEPTED” plus carrier reference or approval number. Include the item description, net quantity per unit and total net quantity. Keep manufacturer Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in hand at check‑in and put a copy inside the outer box.

Prohibited items for carriage in the hold include: oxidizing agents with free oxygen >5%, consumer fireworks, refillable lighter fuel containers, and most compressed oxygen cylinders. Small aerosol toiletries for personal use may be accepted subject to airline limits; paint thinners, solvents and large containers of adhesives typically require cargo handling as dangerous goods or shipment by specialized courier.

When uncertain about acceptance, ship via a regulated courier using a dangerous goods declaration or purchase replacement product at destination; for sun protection and minimal bulk packing consider purchasing a travel sunshade after arrival – see best beach umbrella for kids – and choose a visible bag color to reduce handling errors, see best luggage colors.

FAQ:

Are perfumes, toiletries and aerosols allowed in checked baggage?

Yes, personal toiletries and perfumes are usually permitted in checked bags, but aerosols and pressurized items are subject to limits. Many airlines follow standards that limit the net capacity of a single aerosol item (for example around 0.5 kg or 0.5 L) and impose a maximum aggregate quantity per passenger (often about 2 kg), though exact figures can vary. Pack glass perfume bottles in sealed plastic and cushion them. Always confirm the carrier’s policy and any country-specific restrictions before packing.