Confused about the liquid rules when you fly? Want to know what exactly counts as a liquid (does peanut butter count?!), how much you can take and what the exceptions are?
All your questions will be answered in this complete guide to hand luggage liquid allowances!
What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
This may seem like it would have an obvious answer, but there are some items that you might not even realise are liquids!
Liquids include:
- All drinks (including water)
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods such as soup, jam, honey, syrups, soft spreads (Nutella, jam, peanut butter, Marmite etc.)
- Cosmetics & toiletries (creams, lotions, perfume, lip gloss etc.)
- Toothpaste, gels, contact lens solution
- Aerosols (deodorant, shaving foam, hair spray)
- Any similar consistency product or food item
How Much Liquid Can I Take in My Hand Luggage?
You can take as much liquid as you like in your checked luggage, but there’s a limit for hand luggage.
All hand luggage liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. You can’t take 100ml of liquid in a larger container (i.e. a water bottle).
If the idea of buying a load of expensive travel toiletries is off-putting, you can buy some travel-size bottles and decant your favourite toiletries into them. This is a much cheaper option, and the bottles can be reused.
The maximum amount of liquid you can take in hand luggage is 1 litre.
Why Do Liquids Have to Go in Clear Plastic Bags?
By putting all your liquids in a clear plastic bag and carrying it separately from your hand luggage, this enables security staff to easily see what liquids you have without having to root through your cabin bag.
Most airports will allow you bring your own bag ahead of time if you wish, and the only rules are it has to be made of clear plastic measuring no more than 20cm x 20cm.
If not, the airport will provide you with a bag before security, although some airports such as Bristol actually charge £1 for four bags! You can book your airport parking for Bristol here.
As long as all your liquids fit into this bag, you’re golden. But remember that the bag has to be closed and sealed — you can’t just tie the top in a knot!
Any Hand Luggage Liquid Life Hacks?
We recommend buying toiletries before you go, and keeping them in your checked luggage in a sealed bag. Shampoo and shower gel from home will always be more reliable than hotel toiletries. More expensive items like fragrances and face creams should be packed in checked luggage too. Cheaper items can be left in the hotel bathroom when you leave, if you wish to save space or weight.
If your terminal has a Boots, it’s also possible to utilise their Order & Collect service. Simply pay the online price for the toiletries you want (rather than the inflated airport terminal price), select the day of your flight as your collection date, and pick up your shopping after security.
This is a great life hack if you like certain brands but don’t want to overpay. Order the items at least five days before you fly to avoid disappointment. Remember also that on the way home, you must carry these items in checked luggage.
What Are the Rules About Buying Liquids from Duty Free?
Liquids such as alcohol and perfume can be bought from Duty Free, even if they’re over 100ml.
However, they must remain sealed until you get through security at your destination. So no swigging that lovely red to get you through the flight, unfortunately!
If you’re thinking about purchasing alcohol as a present for someone back home, remember to buy it on your return journey, not on the way out (unless you have checked luggage you can stash it in).
Otherwise, they won’t let you through security on the way back as you’ll have a liquid that’s over 100ml!
What Are the Rules for Liquid Medications?
In your hand luggage, you can bring medicines of more than 100ml, including dietary consumables and inhalers. Be mindful that if you bring more than 100ml, you will need to bring proof in the form of a doctor’s letter or prescription.
- Inhalers.
- Hypodermic syringes and needles (usually with a doctor’s note).
- Cooling gel packs or ice packs for medical use.
- Medical equipment that’s essential (e.g., CPAP machines). Check with your airline ahead of time for any special procedures.
Always declare your medication at security to avoid delays.
Can I Bring Baby Food & Milk Through Security?
You can bring as much baby milk, sterilised water and food as you need for the journey, which can be more than 100ml. As with other liquids you’ll need to show these items to security.
Soy, formulas and cow’s milk can be brought through security in containers of more than 100ml, but you must have your baby with you. The same goes for baby food and sterilised water, as long as it’s in a baby feeding bottle.
You can also carry breast milk in your hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby.
The only additional rule for breast milk is that each container can hold a maximum of 2,000ml. Frozen breast milk is permitted in checked luggage, but not hand luggage.
Main image: Steve Johnson – Unsplash
