Michael Turner
Rule summary: Each liquid or gel container must not exceed 100 millilitres (100 ml). All such containers belonging to a single traveller must fit inside one clear resealable plastic bag, capacity limited to 1 litre (typical dimensions ~20 x 20 cm). Only one bag permitted per passenger; present that bag separately at security screening for inspection.
Exceptions: Medications, baby milk and special dietary liquids may exceed 100 ml when clinically required; those items must be declared at security and may require supporting documents such as a prescription or a child’s boarding pass. Duty-free liquids purchased airside are permitted provided they remain sealed in a tamper-evident bag and are accompanied by a receipt dated the day of travel.
Packing tips: Transfer personal-care products into travel-sized containers clearly marked 100 ml or smaller, use leakproof caps and secondary sealing (for example wrap caps with cling film). Place the transparent bag at the top of the cabin carry-on for fast removal at checkpoints. Containers exceeding limits should be packed into checked baggage or disposed of before screening; alternatively opt to buy replacements after security.
Allowance and fees: Low-cost carriers commonly include one small personal item free while larger cabin bags require priority status or a paid add-on; verify booking details for permitted dimensions and weight and purchase an upgraded cabin allowance if extra capacity is needed to avoid gate check charges.
Cabin rules for personal care products on this carrier
Pack liquids, gels and creams in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or less and place all such containers into one transparent resealable 1‑litre plastic bag; present that bag separately at security screening.
Solid personal-care items (bar soap, solid deodorant, solid shampoo bars, makeup sticks) are exempt from container-size limits and may be stored inside the cabin bag. Aerosol sprays count as liquids: each aerosol must be ≤100 ml and fit inside the 1‑litre bag.
Prescription medicines and baby milk/formula are exempt from the 100 ml rule but require supporting proof (prescription, doctor’s note or a baby item). Declare these at security and keep them accessible for inspection.
Items exceeding 100 ml should be placed in checked baggage; if no checked allowance booked, purchase larger liquid items after security or replace with solid/refillable travel-sized versions before departure.
Duty‑free liquids bought airside are permitted in sealed tamper‑evident bags (STEB) with the receipt clearly visible; keep the STEB sealed until the final destination to avoid removal at transfer security.
Packing recommendations: use leakproof travel bottles with secure caps and label contents; double-seal caps with small strips of tape; store the 1‑litre bag in an outer compartment of the cabin bag for fast removal. For cabin-sized bags and weight-conscious options see best luggage for light traveler.
Powdered supplements (protein powders, meal replacements): quantities above roughly 350 ml (about 12 oz) may trigger additional screening and possible swab or separate inspection. Keep powders in original sealed packaging where possible and pack them in an accessible pocket; for product choice guidance see which is better whey protein or weight gainer.
Sharp items (scissors, razors with removable blades) and flammable liquids are prohibited in the cabin; verify any borderline product against airport security rules before travel to avoid seizure and delay.
Which items count as liquids, gels or aerosols under airline and airport rules?
Store all liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or less and place them together in a single transparent resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre; one such bag per passenger must be presented separately at security screening.
Common items classified as liquids, gels or aerosols
Creams (face moisturiser, sunscreen, body creams), gels (shower gel, hair gel), liquid cosmetics (foundation, mascara, lip gloss), toothpastes and mouthwashes, liquid perfumes and aftershaves, spray deodorants and shaving foam, aerosol hair products (hairspray, dry shampoo), liquid medicines administered orally or via syringe, and bottled drinks all fall under the liquid/gel/aerosol category.
Exceptions, special cases and packing tips
Medications and special dietary liquids for infants are allowed in volumes greater than 100 ml but must be declared at security and may require proof (prescription, medical note, or formula packaging). Duty-free purchases packed in tamper-evident bags with a receipt are accepted even if over 100 ml, provided the seal remains intact for connecting flights that enforce the same rule. Solid items such as bar soap, solid deodorant sticks and most powder cosmetics are not classed as liquids (note: US-bound flights restrict powders over 350 g from cabin carriage). Electronic nicotine devices should be carried in cabin baggage and kept unused during the flight; batteries rules still apply. For aerosols, explosive or highly flammable pressurised cans prohibited by airline safety regulations must be avoided; small cosmetic aerosols compliant with the 100 ml rule are permitted in cabin carriage. If a larger volume is necessary, transfer permitted liquids into compliant containers or place oversized items in checked baggage subject to the carrier’s checked-baggage hazardous goods rules.
How to comply with the 100 ml container rule and transparent bag requirements
Place all liquid, gel and aerosol containers of 100 ml or less inside a single clear resealable plastic bag (maximum 1 litre capacity; commonly about 20 x 20 cm) and present that bag separately at security screening – one bag per passenger.
Verify volumes before packing: use containers clearly marked ≤100 ml or transfer contents into purpose-made travel bottles stamped with capacity. Tighten caps, use leakproof travel bottles, and seal caps with tape or a small inner stopper to prevent spills. Consolidate multiple small items so the single 1-litre bag closes easily; excess items will be removed by screening staff.
Medications, infant formula/milk and special dietary liquids are exempt from the 100 ml limit but must be declared at the checkpoint and remain accessible for inspection; carry prescriptions, a doctor’s note or proof of purchase when applicable. Duty-free liquids must remain in a sealed tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt visible; do not open the STEB before passing through transfer security checks or arrival screening or items risk seizure.
Aerosols count as liquids under security rules: each aerosol must be ≤100 ml and comply with dangerous-goods regulations (non-flammable where required, total net quantity restrictions may apply). Personal care creams, gels, pastes, sprays and perfumes are treated the same way at screening checkpoints.
Packing workflow for faster passage: measure and label containers at home, place the resealable bag in an outer pocket or top of the cabin bag so it is easy to remove, present the bag separately on the tray, and replace it into the cabin bag immediately after the scanner. For leak protection, double-bag fragile items or place absorbent material inside the zip bag. For larger garden or spray equipment needs, consider alternative solutions such as a best backpack sprayer for lawn rather than attempting to carry oversized aerosol containers through security.
What toiletries are exempt from liquid limits: medicines, baby milk and duty‑free items
Medicines and medical devices
Medicinal liquids and medical devices needed for the journey may exceed the 100 ml container limit if presented separately at security and clearly identified. Keep pharmaceuticals in original containers when possible, carry prescription labels or a dated doctor’s note specifying dosage and medical need, and place syringes, insulin pens and other injectable items in a rigid case. Expect additional screening: security staff may perform X‑ray, visual inspection or swab testing; allow extra time at the checkpoint. Quantities should match the duration of travel plus a reasonable contingency (typically quantity for the trip plus 24–48 hours).
Documentation checklist: original prescription or pharmacy label, clinician letter for injectable medications, list of active ingredients and dosage, and a backup supply packed to prevent leaks.
Baby milk, infant formula and duty‑free liquids
Baby milk, sterilised water, expressed breast milk and ready‑mixed formula are permitted above standard container limits when intended for immediate use during travel. Present these items separately for inspection; expect possible opening or testing. Carry reasonable quantities aligned to flight duration and any planned delays.
Liquids bought in the airside duty‑free zone must remain in the tamper‑evident security bag (STEB) with the receipt visible inside. Keep STEB sealed until final destination; transit through another airport may require rescreening and could invalidate the seal, so retain purchase receipts and allow transfer security additional time. If making an international connection, check the transfer airport’s rules before departure to avoid confiscation of duty‑free items.
Packing tips: store medicines and infant liquids in an easily reachable compartment for security checks; place syringes in protective cases; keep duty‑free receipts inside sealed bags; allow extra time at security for separate screening of exempt items.
Aerosols and pressurised products: permitted limits, packaging and airline restrictions
Recommendation: limit each aerosol or pressurised container to 100 ml or less for cabin carriage and place all such items together inside a single transparent resealable 1‑litre plastic bag presented separately at security.
- Classification: propellant-driven sprays and foams (deodorant sprays, shaving foam, hairspray, spray sunscreen, insect aerosol, pressurised whipped-cream chargers) are treated as aerosols; pump sprays and non‑propellant foams count as liquids/gels.
- Cabin rules: individual container volume must not exceed 100 ml; all containers must fit comfortably inside one transparent resealable 1‑litre bag; only one such bag permitted per passenger at security screening.
- Hold (checked) rules: larger pressurised cans are sometimes allowed in checked baggage if intended for personal use and not labelled as flammable or otherwise hazardous, but carrier and international dangerous‑goods regulations apply – verify carrier policy before packing.
- Hazard labels: products marked “flammable”, showing flame pictograms, or carrying UN hazard numbers for compressed gases often face stricter controls or bans; do not pack such items in cabin unless explicit approval exists.
- Packing and protection: keep items in original retail packaging when possible, ensure actuator/nozzle is covered with its cap, tape the actuator or place the can inside a sealed plastic pouch to prevent accidental discharge, and cushion cans to avoid crushing or puncture.
- Temperature and pressure risk: avoid storing pressurised cans in environments subject to high temperatures or extreme pressure changes (risk of rupture); secured placement upright reduces accidental activation.
- At security and check‑in: oversized or damaged pressurised containers will be confiscated; leaking items will be refused; declare unusual compressed‑gas items to check‑in staff if unsure about permissibility.
- Practical alternatives: use solids (bar shampoo, stick deodorant) or non‑pressurised pump/roll‑on formats to eliminate aerosol restrictions and reduce risk of disposal at security.
What to expect at security: common causes of confiscation and practical packing tips
Place liquids, gels and aerosols in a single transparent resealable 1‑litre pouch and keep that pouch accessible in cabin carry-on for separate presentation at security checkpoints.
Oversized containers: bottles clearly labelled above 100 ml are routinely removed during screening. Decant products into approved 100 ml containers and label them if original markings are missing.
Opaque or overstuffed bags slow inspections and increase seizure risk; use one clear pouch per passenger, avoid stuffing that pouch, and present it alone on the belt.
Leaking containers cause cross-contamination and disposal; use leakproof bottles, screw caps tightly, seal threads with a small square of clingfilm then tape, and place pouches inside a secondary ziplock for spill containment.
Unlabelled jars, homemade mixtures and repackaged cosmetics attract extra scrutiny and are often taken; keep items in original packaging or attach clear adhesive labels listing product type and ingredients.
Aerosols that lack protective caps or exceed allowed size or pressure may be confiscated; store full-size spray cans in checked hold if labels exceed permitted carriage limits and ensure valve covers remain intact.
Duty‑free liquids must remain in tamper‑evident, sealed bags with the receipt visible; during transfers a broken seal frequently leads to confiscation at subsequent security points.
Powdered substances above ~350 ml are subject to enhanced screening and occasional refusal; place large volumes in checked hold or split into smaller transparent containers for carry-on screening.
Electronics stacked on top of liquid pouches increase risk of bottle rupture and additional checks; keep liquid pouch in an outer compartment or top of cabin bag for quick removal, and place laptops/tablets in a separate tray when requested.
Medications and infant formula should remain accessible and accompanied by prescriptions or labels; present these items separately for inspection to avoid delays and unnecessary disposal.
Last‑minute repacking at the security belt wastes time and often results in confiscation; prepare a dedicated pouch, verify container markings before leaving for the airport, and allow an extra 10–20 minutes at the screening point for rechecks.
