Lois Larson
Liquids are permitted in carry-on luggage, but only in small quantities. Liquids, including gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes, must be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml), and they must fit inside a clear, resealable plastic bag. Any liquid containers larger than 100ml must be packed in checked baggage. Exemptions are made for essential medicines, baby food and drinks, and liquids purchased at the airport or on the plane, such as duty-free items, which must remain sealed in a security bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less |
| Container type | Travel-sized |
| Bag type | Clear, resealable plastic bag |
| Bag capacity | 1 quart or 1 litre |
| Bag contents | Must fit comfortably inside the bag |
| Duty-free liquids | Allowed if sealed inside a security bag with a visible receipt |
| Medication | Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines are allowed |
| Food | Non-solid food must be in containers of 100ml or less; food over 100ml that is normally a liquid or gel, even if frozen, is not allowed |
| Baby food/drink | Allowed in quantities greater than 100ml for infants under 2 years old |
| Prohibited items | Liquors, wine, beer, snow globes, cans of condensed soup, maple syrup, perfume, lotion, etc. |
| Screening | Any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening |
| Electrical items | Items larger than A5 size must be removed from hand luggage and screened separately |
| Lighters | Only 1 disposable lighter is allowed in a clear resealable plastic bag |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids bought at the airport or on a plane
Firstly, the liquids must be sealed inside a security bag at the time of purchase. Secondly, the receipt for the items must be sealed inside the security bag and remain visible. It is important to note that the security bag must not be opened until you reach your final destination.
Airport staff may need to open sealed items to screen the liquid at the security point. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the receipt is visible and that the security bag shows no signs of tampering.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that liquids over 3.4 ounces (100ml) be packed in checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. This is because any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in carry-on baggage.
Some exemptions to the 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit include baby food/drink, breast milk, and prescription medicines. These items are allowed in quantities greater than 100ml when travelling with an infant younger than two years of age.
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Liquids in carry-on luggage
There are some exemptions to the above rules. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in your carry-on bag if you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. These liquids must be in secure, tamper-evident bags, and the purchase must have been made within 48 hours. Additionally, if you are travelling with an infant younger than two years of age, baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, juice, and breast milk are allowed in quantities greater than 100ml. Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines are also exempt from the volume restrictions.
It is important to note that food items that are normally liquids or gels, even if frozen solid, will not be allowed through security in your carry-on luggage. Only solid foods with less than 100ml of liquid are permitted, such as canned goods with solids and liquids that clearly contain less than 100ml of liquid. These items must be placed in the same clear, resealable plastic bag as your other liquids.
To speed up the security screening process, it is recommended to prepare your liquid bag before arriving at the airport. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on bag.
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Liquids in checked luggage
To prevent leaks, it is recommended to wrap the top of your bottle or container with tape so the cap stays on. You can also put the container into a zipper-top plastic bag and seal it closed before placing it into a larger bag. If the container is breakable, wrap it in bubble wrap or cloth, and then in a towel or clothing. Place the wrapped bottle in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items and clothing.
Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening. If the item cannot be cleared, it will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. Therefore, it is recommended to pack such liquids in your checked baggage. Liquids that are over 3.4 ounces (100 ml) should also be packed in checked baggage, preferably in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
It is important to note that food items and powders can obstruct images on X-ray machines, so you may want to pack these items in your checked luggage to minimize delays. Additionally, you cannot usually carry frozen liquids, such as liquid food or ice packs, in your carry-on luggage.
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Exemptions for medicines and baby food/drink
Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams are allowed in carry-on luggage and are exempt from the 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit imposed on other liquids. This includes prescription liquids, water, juice, liquid nutrition, and gels required during the flight. It is recommended that medication be clearly labelled, and you may be asked to open the containers for additional inspection and testing. If the liquid cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will likely be asked to undergo a pat-down screening.
Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are also considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces (100ml). You do not need to have your child with you to bring these items, but they must be removed from your carry-on luggage and screened separately. Accessories such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are also allowed in carry-ons, regardless of whether they contain breast milk.
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Liquids in electrical items
Liquids in electronic items are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids when passing through airport security. Most airports and airlines allow you to carry a limited quantity of liquids in your hand luggage. These liquids must be in containers that hold 100ml or less (3.4 ounces) and must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable bag. This includes liquids in electronic items such as e-cigarettes/vapes, hair appliances, and electric shavers.
Any liquids in electronic items that exceed the specified limit (100ml or 3.4 ounces) must be packed in your checked baggage. These liquids should be packed separately from your carry-on baggage to facilitate the screening process.
It is important to note that some electronic items may have specific restrictions or requirements. For example, batteries may have certain restrictions, and larger electronic devices may need to be removed from your hand luggage and screened separately.
Additionally, duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or on the plane are allowed through security if they are sealed inside a security bag with the receipt visible. However, these liquids must not be opened before reaching your final destination, and airport staff may need to open them for screening.
It is always advisable to check with the relevant airlines, airports, and authorities for the most up-to-date and specific guidelines regarding liquids in electronic items and other restricted items.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. All containers must fit in a clear, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre.
Any containers larger than 100ml must be placed in your checked baggage.
Yes, baby food/drink, breast milk, prescription medicines and essential non-prescription medicines are allowed in quantities greater than 100ml.
Yes, but they must be sealed inside a security bag with the receipt sealed and visible inside. Do not open the security bag until you reach your final destination.
No, food that is normally a liquid or gel but has been frozen solid is not allowed through security in your carry-on.
