Michael Turner
Security rule: Gels, creams and liquids – including liquid lash products and liquid eyeliners – follow the 100 ml per-container limit and the 1‑litre bag rule. Present that bag separately at the security checkpoint for X‑ray screening.
Solid or wax-based lash formulations and pencil liners are normally exempt from the liquids allowance and may remain packed with other items. Containers larger than 100 ml should be moved to checked baggage; medically necessary eye solutions over 100 ml require declaration and supplemental screening or documentation.
Minimise leak risk by tightening caps, sealing tubes inside small resealable pouches and keeping applicators capped. Carry a travel‑size spare in cabin baggage and the full‑size item in checked baggage to avoid loss of access during the flight.
Regulations vary by jurisdiction and carrier – examples: TSA enforces the 3‑1‑1 rule, EU checkpoints apply similar 100 ml limits – so check the departure and transit airports’ current rules and allow extra time at security when transporting multiple liquid cosmetics.
Is an eyelash cosmetic classified as a liquid under the 100 ml/3.4 oz carry-on rule?
Treat eyelash cosmetics presented in tubes, wands or pump bottles as liquids/gels: each container must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller and placed inside a single clear resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre (1 quart) for cabin carriage.
Regulatory basis
Security rules from ICAO/TSA-style regimes list “gels, creams, pastes, lotions, oils, aerosols and items of similar consistency” as subject to the 100 ml / 3.4 oz limit. Products applied with a wand or in a liquid reservoir are treated under that category; solid-stick or pressed formulations are normally treated as solids and not counted toward the liquid allowance.
| Form | Classification | Cabin limit | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tube or wand (typical eyelash product) | Liquid / gel | ≤100 ml (3.4 oz), inside single 1 L resealable bag | Containers >100 ml–even if partially used–are not permitted in cabin under the liquids rule |
| Pressed/solid stick | Solid | Not subject to 100 ml limit | May be inspected separately at the checkpoint |
| Sample vials ≤100 ml | Liquid / gel | Allowed in 1 L bag | Keep original labeling for faster screening |
| Aerosol or pressurised spray | Aerosol | Subject to airline and national restrictions | Check airline policy; some aerosols restricted or banned in checked baggage |
Packing steps
Place eligible containers in a single clear resealable bag and present separately at screening. Keep products in original, labelled packaging when possible. Move larger bottles to checked baggage if cabin limits are exceeded, and verify airline rules for aerosols or pressurised items before travel.
For compact non-liquid items and weather protection options, consider packing a foldable umbrella such as a best portable golf umbrella or a sturdier choice like the best scottish umbrella.
How to pack lash product in a clear plastic liquids bag for airport security
Place the sealed tube upright inside a single clear resealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre (quart-sized, approximately 20 × 20 cm / 7 × 8 in) and close the seal completely.
Tighten the cap until it clicks; wipe the wand on the bottle rim before reinsertion to remove excess product; wrap the cap-thread junction with a short strip of medical tape or a layer of cling film to reduce the chance of leaks.
For extra spill protection, enclose the tube in a small secondary zip-top pouch or transfer product into a travel-size screw-top container labeled “eye cosmetic” before placing it in the main clear bag.
Position the clear bag near the top of the carry-on for quick access at screening and present the bag separately when requested by security staff.
If the tube shows cracks, sticky residue, or pressure-related bulging, place it in checked baggage or dispose of it prior to screening; carry multiple spare tubes only in secure, leak-proof secondary containers.
Keep the number of containers low to speed inspection, ensure each container complies with the size limit, and reseal the clear bag fully to prevent accidental openings during transit.
Which lash formats (tube, wand, solid) are allowed in carry-on?
Place liquid-format lash products (tube with built-in wand, pump, cream or foam formulas) inside the 100 ml/3.4 fl oz liquids allowance; solid sticks, pencil-style and pressed-wax lash items may be carried outside the liquids bag.
Liquid/creamy formats (tube + wand, pump, foam)
Typical retail tubes contain 6–12 ml and normally fit the liquids limit; any container over 100 ml must go into checked baggage or be purchased in duty‑free and issued in a sealed tamper‑evident bag with receipt. Aerosol or pressurised lash primers are subject to airline restrictions and the 100 ml rule; some carriers forbid certain aerosol propellants, so check the carrier before travel. Single‑use vials and travel samples under 100 ml are permitted inside the liquids allowance.
Solid and pencil formats (sticks, crayons, pressed wax)
Solid-format lash applicators, pencils and solid wax bars are treated as solids and can remain outside the liquids bag. Typical weights run 2–7 g for sticks or pencils; no liquid declaration required, though final acceptance rests with the security officer. Devices with an internal liquid reservoir or refillable cartridge (including heated applicators with liquid chambers) are treated as liquids and follow the 100 ml rule.
Quick checklist: liquid/cream/wand = pack within 100 ml limit or buy duty‑free in a sealed bag; aerosol/pump = check carrier rules; solid sticks/pencils = allowed outside liquids bag; items over limits = checked baggage.
What to do if security flags an open or leaking lash product during screening
Surrender the leaking tube for inspection and follow the steps below to limit contamination, speed processing, and preserve evidence for potential disposal or complaint.
- Containment: place the item upright inside a resealable clear plastic bag immediately; double-bag if leakage is significant. Use absorbent material (paper towel) between layers to limit spread.
- Request secondary screening if the initial officer does not offer one; allow a chemical swab test or X-ray recheck. Compliance speeds resolution and reduces gate delays.
- If disposal is required, request written confirmation or an incident receipt from security staff. Photograph the damaged product and packing position before surrendering to create a record for insurance or airline complaint forms.
- Protect electronics and documents: isolate affected devices and papers in a sealed bag; do not power on wet electronics. Inform security staff about any exposed devices so they can log them for potential further checks.
- On-site cleaning: blot excess product with dry paper towels first, then use disposable alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl) to remove residue from non-porous surfaces. For fabrics, avoid rubbing; blot and carry the item in a sealed bag for professional cleaning later.
- Temporary repairs for continued travel (only if permitted by staff): seal the cap with waterproof tape, wrap the container in plastic wrap, or transfer content into an approved travel-sized leakproof jar (label contents). Present any transfer to security for approval.
- Documentation for complaints or refunds: record date, time, airport and checkpoint, officer badge number (if available), and any disposal receipt. Keep boarding pass and flight details to attach to claims submitted to the airline or retailer.
- Time planning: allow an extra 15–45 minutes at security when a secondary inspection or incident report is likely; arrive earlier at subsequent departures to avoid missed flights.
- Packing recommendation for future trips: store liquid eye products in upright, leakproof containers inside a rigid case or checked bag to prevent recurrence and limit screening interventions.
How rules differ between common international airports and airlines
Recommended: store any lash cosmetic container no larger than 100 ml / 3.4 oz inside a single transparent resealable bag and keep duty-free items in their sealed Tamper Evident Security Sealed Bag (TESS) with receipt for transfers.
Airport-specific procedures and exceptions
Schengen/UK airports (Heathrow, Schiphol, Frankfurt): standard 100 ml single-bag policy applies; duty-free purchases are accepted in sealed TESS for direct international transfers but may be subject to additional screening at final departure if leaving the sterile zone.
United States (JFK, LAX, TSA checkpoints): liquids limited to 3.4 oz / 100 ml; medically necessary liquids permitted in larger volumes with documentation; expect mandatory removal of the transparent bag at security lanes.
Middle East hubs (DXB, DOH): follow ICAO/IATA-aligned limits, accept sealed duty-free bags for international connections, but security staff may perform targeted checks on cosmetic containers during transit.
Asia-Pacific hubs (Changi, Narita, SIN): generally align with the 100 ml rule; some terminals perform extra random checks on liquids during transfer between terminals – keep receipts and sealed packaging accessible.
High-security airports (Ben Gurion): additional screening layers are common; allow liquids within standard limits but plan for trays and possible hand-inspection, and allocate extra time at security.
Airline policy differences that affect cabin packing
Full-service carriers (Emirates, British Airways, Delta): cabin policies mirror airport security limits; duty-free items usually accepted if presented sealed with receipt on connecting flights. Airlines rarely impose stricter per-container size limits, but cabin baggage size/weight rules can force cosmetics into checked bags.
Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet): strict carry-on size and quantity enforcement–liquids must still meet 100 ml rule, and only the permitted number/size of bags will be allowed in the cabin; gate-checking due to excessive cabin items is common and may separate cosmetics from the passenger.
Interline and codeshare transfers: a TESS-sealed duty-free purchase may be invalidated if transferring between airlines that require re-screening outside the sterile zone; always confirm transfer screening with both the airport and connecting carrier.
If a container leaks inside cabin baggage, immediate cleaning reduces staining; see how to make coconut husk scrubber for a quick, travel-friendly cleaning solution.
FAQ:
Can I take mascara in my hand luggage?
Yes. Mascara is treated as a liquid/gel by airport security, so a tube that holds 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less is allowed in carry-on baggage if it fits inside your single clear resealable plastic bag for liquids. Most standard mascara tubes are well below that limit.
If my mascara tube is larger than 100 ml, can I bring it on board?
No, containers larger than 100 ml are not permitted in hand luggage under the common liquids rule. Even a partially used tube that originally held more than 100 ml must go in checked baggage or be left behind. If you buy mascara in a duty-free shop after security, it may be carried in a sealed tamper-evident bag with the receipt; rules for connecting flights can vary, so keep the receipt and ask the shop staff about restrictions for your itinerary.
Are the rules the same in every country?
Major regions such as the US, EU and UK apply the 100 ml / 3.4 oz limit for liquids in carry-on luggage, but enforcement and small details can differ by airport and carrier. Security officers have the final decision at the checkpoint, so checking the departure airport and airline guidance before travel reduces surprises. If you travel internationally, allow extra time at transfer points where additional screening might occur.
Is it safer to pack mascara in checked luggage?
Yes, placing a larger or extra tube in checked baggage avoids the carry-on liquids restriction. Keep in mind checked baggage is exposed to pressure and temperature changes, which can sometimes cause leakage or cap failure. To reduce the risk of a mess, tighten the cap, place the tube inside a sealed plastic bag or wrap it in clothing, and put it in the center of your suitcase away from sharp objects.
Any tips to prevent mascara from being rejected at security or spilling during the flight?
Put mascara and other liquid cosmetics in your required clear resealable bag so they are easy to present at screening. Use travel-size tubes under 100 ml and ensure caps are secure. For purchases made after security, keep them in the sealed bag with the receipt until you reach your final destination. If you worry about pressure changes, store the product upright and consider packing an extra small disposable applicator instead of carrying multiple full tubes. If security staff ask, follow their instructions; they can confiscate items that do not meet local rules.
