Airports And Clear Bags: What's The Deal?

Many airports require passengers to put their liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in clear plastic bags for security screening. This allows security staff to easily see what liquids passengers have without rummaging through their cabin bags. Most airports allow passengers to bring their own bags, as long as they are made of clear plastic and measure no more than 20cm by 20cm. However, some airports, such as Bristol, charge a fee for these bags, while others provide them for free. While the rules may be enforced more strictly in some airports than others, it is always a good idea to be prepared and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and quick transit through security.

Clear bags speed up security checks

Clear bags are required for liquids at airport security. All liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, and the containers themselves must not exceed 100ml. The maximum amount of liquid allowed is 1 litre. These liquid containers must be placed in a clear plastic bag, separate from your hand luggage, to enable security staff to easily screen the contents. Most airports allow travellers to bring their own clear bags, but they must be made of clear plastic and measure no more than 20cm x 20cm. Airports will also provide clear bags for liquids, but some, like Bristol Airport, charge a small fee.

While the use of clear bags for liquids is standard, the enforcement of this rule may vary across airports. Some smaller airports, like DAL, tend to enforce the rule more strictly. On the other hand, larger airports with longer lines, such as JFK, may be more relaxed in their enforcement to avoid further prolonging wait times.

It is worth noting that the enforcement of liquid restrictions may also differ based on the departure airport's rules. For example, travellers departing from a "no liquids" airport like Lanzarote will not be allowed to bring duty-free liquids purchased at their destination through security on their return journey.

To ensure a smooth security screening experience, it is recommended that travellers prepare their clear liquid bags in advance and follow the specific guidelines provided by their departing airport.

Bag size and seal type matter

When packing your liquids for air travel, it's important to pay attention to the size of the bag you use and the type of seal it has. Most airports require that liquids be stored in a clear plastic bag with a seal that can be closed and secured. The bag should be no larger than 20cm x 20cm (or 1 quart) and should be able to fit comfortably inside your hand luggage. This size restriction is important, as some travellers show up with gallon-sized bags that are too large to fit in their carry-on luggage.

The seal on the bag is also important. The bag must be resealable and closed securely. It should not be knotted or tied at the top. This is because a resealable bag can be easily opened and closed for inspection by security staff, and it ensures that the contents of the bag are secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorised individuals. Some airports may be more lenient with the type of seal, but it's always best to err on the side of caution and use a proper resealable bag.

While the bag should be made of clear plastic, a small amount of writing on the bag is usually acceptable, as long as it does not obstruct the view of the contents. Some airports provide free plastic bags for liquids, but these may have writing or branding on them, so it's worth checking beforehand if this is something you want to avoid. If you're using your own bag, freezer bags or food storage bags with a zip or a resealable band are a good option.

In addition to the bag size and seal type, it's important to pay attention to the size and amount of liquids you're bringing. Each liquid container must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and all the liquids must fit comfortably in the bag. This is to ensure that security staff can easily see and inspect the contents of your bag.

Airports may or may not provide bags

When travelling with hand luggage, it is important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding liquids, aerosols, and gels. Many airports require passengers to put their toiletries in a clear plastic bag for security reasons. This allows security staff to easily see what liquids you have without searching through your cabin bag.

Most airports allow you to bring your own clear plastic bag, as long as it meets certain requirements. These include being made of clear plastic, measuring no more than 20cm x 20cm, and holding no more than 1 litre. Some airports may provide you with a bag before security if you don't have your own, but this is not always the case. For example, Bristol Airport in the UK charges £1 for four bags.

It is important to note that the rules and enforcement of these regulations can vary depending on the airport and the country. Some countries and airports enforce the "clear" language very strictly, while others are more relaxed as long as the contents of the bag can be easily seen. Additionally, some airports may provide free bags that have writing on them, while others may have vending machines where you can purchase bags for a small fee.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to bring your own clear plastic bag that meets the size and volume requirements. This will ensure that you are prepared and can easily navigate through security checks at the airport.

Rules vary across airports

Some airports, such as Bristol, charge a fee for the bags, while others provide them for free. Some travellers have reported that smaller airports tend to enforce the rule more strictly, while larger airports like JFK are more relaxed about it. However, it's important to note that not adhering to the rules may result in items being confiscated or even ejection from the airport, so it's always best to be prepared.

In the United States, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) sets the rules for liquids, aerosols, and gels. These rules include the requirement to use a 1-quart (about 1-litre) bag and to ensure that all items are clearly visible and comfortably fit in the bag. Any liquid, regardless of its amount, that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

While it may seem inconvenient, storing toiletries in a clear plastic bag helps reduce the risk of smuggled explosives and contraband items. It also makes it easier for security staff to see what liquids you have without rummaging through your cabin bag, thus speeding up the screening process.

Liquids must be under 100ml

Many airports provide clear plastic bags for liquids, but some charge a small fee for them. Most airports allow travellers to bring their own clear plastic bags, as long as they are made of clear plastic and measure no more than 20cm x 20cm.

Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. The container itself must be 100ml or less — you can't take 100ml of liquid in a larger container. All liquids must fit in the clear plastic bag and the bag must be sealed, not knotted or tied at the top. Each traveller is limited to one bag.

Liquids include all drinks, including water; liquid foods like soup; most spreads such as jam, honey, peanut butter, Nutella, and Marmite; toiletries including shower gel and hair gel; cosmetics such as creams, lotions, mascara, and lip-gloss; aerosols including deodorant, hair spray, and shaving foam; contact lens solution; and vape liquid.

There are some exemptions to the 100ml rule. Liquids of any size can be brought through security if they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or baby food/milk. Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or on a plane are also allowed if they are sealed inside a security bag.

Frequently asked questions