Ruth Haines
Plastic bags are a common requirement for travellers passing through airport security. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be carried in a clear, resealable plastic bag, typically measuring 20cm by 20cm and holding up to one litre. Each liquid container must not exceed 100ml. This rule is in place to prevent the smuggling of illegal chemicals and facilitate security screening. Powders, lighters, and certain electrical items may also need to be placed in separate plastic bags. It's important to check with the relevant airport and airline for specific restrictions and requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Clear, resealable plastic bag (e.g. makeup bag, freezer bag) |
| Container Size | Approximately 20cm x 20cm, holding no more than 1 litre |
| Contents | Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, aerosols, duty-free liquids, medicines, food items, powders, lighters |
| Container Requirements | Containers within the bag must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less |
| Security Measures | Mitigates the risk of chemical weapons, facilitates screening, ensures nothing falls out |
| Additional Rules | Only one bag per person, bag must be separated from carry-on baggage, electronic devices must be charged |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels and aerosols must be under 100ml
Liquids, gels and aerosols are classified as LAGs by airports and are subject to strict regulations. These regulations were introduced following terrorist attempts to blow up aircraft using liquid explosives in 2006.
LAGs must be in containers that hold no more than 100ml of the substance. This includes items such as juices, soups, sauces, shower gels, hair sprays, contact lens solutions, creams, balms, lotions, mascara, and even lip gloss. The containers should be travel-sized and must not exceed 100ml, even if the container is not completely full.
These items must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, separate from your carry-on baggage. The bag should be approximately 20cm by 20cm and must not exceed one litre in volume. The bag should be able to seal comfortably, meaning it must not be overfilled.
Any LAGs in containers larger than 100ml should be packed in your checked baggage. However, there are some exemptions for essential items, such as medicines, baby food and drinks, and dietary requirements. These items may be permitted in larger containers, but they must be declared at security checkpoints and may require additional screening.
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Containers must be transparent and resealable
When packing liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on luggage, it's important to remember that these items must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres. These containers must then be placed into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. This bag should be approximately 20cm by 20cm in size and must hold no more than a litre.
The bag must be transparent so that screening officers can easily see the contents. This facilitates the screening process and allows for a quicker and easier security experience. It is important that the contents fit comfortably inside the bag and that it can be sealed. If the bag is too full to seal, you may be asked to remove some items.
Non-solid foods, such as yoghurt, pudding, peanut butter, and jam, are also subject to these rules and must be in containers of 100ml or less. They must be packed into the same clear, resealable plastic bag as your liquids and other personal items. Food that is normally a liquid or gel but has been frozen solid is not permitted to pass through security in your carry-on luggage. To be considered a solid, food must be solid at room temperature.
There are some exemptions to these rules. For example, if you are travelling with a baby under two years old, you are allowed to bring baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, and juice in quantities greater than 100ml. Breast milk is also permitted in quantities exceeding 100ml, regardless of whether the passenger is travelling with their child. Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines are also allowed in quantities above 100ml, but you must declare these items to the screening officer for inspection.
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Only one plastic bag per person
When travelling by air, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on hand luggage. Most airports have a strict one plastic bag per person policy for liquids, gels, and aerosols. This means that each traveller is limited to carrying one such bag containing their liquids, gels, and aerosols. The bag must be clear, resealable, and no larger than 20cm x 20cm. It should hold a maximum of one litre and must be able to seal comfortably, meaning it should not be overfilled.
The one plastic bag per person rule is in place to facilitate the screening process and enhance security. It is important to note that this rule applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols specifically, and other items such as lipsticks, lip balms, and stick deodorants are exempt and do not need to be placed in the plastic bag. Additionally, some items such as medicines, baby food, and liquids purchased at duty-free shops may be exempt from the size restrictions but must still be placed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
It is recommended that travellers pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in their hold luggage (checked baggage) whenever possible, as this can help reduce delays during security screening. Any liquids, gels, or aerosols that are over 100ml or not in a secure, tamper-evident bag should be packed in checked baggage. This includes items such as food items and powders that can block x-ray images, as well as liquids in containers larger than 100ml, even if they are only partially full.
While the one plastic bag per person rule is standard, it is always advisable to check with your airline and the specific airport for any variations in restrictions. Some airports may have different rules regarding the amount of liquid allowed or the need for separate plastic bags. Being prepared and aware of the restrictions can help ensure a smoother journey through airport security.
Travellers should also be mindful that airport security staff have the authority to disallow any item they consider dangerous, even if it is typically permitted. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the prohibited items list for the specific airport and country you are travelling to or from. This includes certain electrical items that may need to be removed from hand luggage and screened separately.
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The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm
When packing for a flight, it is important to keep in mind that all baggage items, including hand luggage, will be screened by airport security. This means that anything considered dangerous will not be allowed through, even if it is typically permitted. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is recommended that you check with your airline before travelling to understand their specific restrictions and requirements.
If you are bringing any liquids, gels, or aerosols, these must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag that measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. This includes items such as water, drinks, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, sun cream, moisturiser, perfume, aftershave, makeup, shaving foam, aerosols, and food items like jam. Each passenger is limited to one bag, which must be able to seal comfortably without being overstuffed. The bag should hold no more than a litre, and the containers inside must be 100ml or less.
Some exemptions apply for liquids that are essential for medical purposes, baby food or milk, special dietary requirements, or liquids purchased from duty-free shops. For medical liquids, a doctor's letter or prescription may be required. Duty-free liquids must remain sealed inside a secure, tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible.
In addition to liquids, certain electrical items may also need to be removed from your bag if they exceed the size of A5 (20cm x 20cm). These items will be screened separately and include tablets, iPads, laptops, hair appliances, e-cigarettes, cameras, chargers, speakers, and electric shavers. It is important to ensure that all electronic devices are charged before travelling, as those that cannot be turned on will not be permitted onboard.
By following these guidelines and preparing your liquids bag in advance, you can ensure a smoother journey through airport security and a more enjoyable travel experience.
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Medical liquids need a prescription or doctor's letter
When travelling with liquids in hand luggage, most airports require that they are in containers no larger than 100ml. These containers must be placed inside a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm by 20cm. The contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so that it can be sealed.
However, if you are travelling with medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols, you may be allowed to carry containers larger than 100ml, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. These medical liquids must be accompanied by a prescription or a doctor's letter. The letter should state that the medication is essential for your journey.
It is important to note that different countries and airports may have specific restrictions on the amount of liquids you can carry in your hand luggage. Hence, it is always recommended to check with your airline before travelling. Additionally, any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on bag.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is advisable to pack all liquids that are over 100ml in your checked baggage, even if they are medically necessary. This will help you avoid potential delays at airport security. Remember that airport security staff have the discretion to not allow any item they consider dangerous, even if it is typically permitted.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about the specific regulations of your departure and arrival airports, you can confidently navigate airport security with your medically necessary liquids.
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Frequently asked questions
Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes are allowed in plastic bags at the airport. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.
You can use any type of clear, resealable plastic bag, such as a makeup bag or a freezer bag. The bag should hold a maximum of one litre and measure approximately 20 cm by 20 cm.
No, lipsticks, lip balms, and stick deodorants are not considered liquids, so they do not need to be placed in a plastic bag.
