Jazmin Li
Airport security has strict rules about the type and amount of liquids passengers can carry in their hand luggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers smaller than 100ml and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Some liquids, like medications or baby food, are exempt from these rules. Liquids bought at duty-free shops at the airport or on a plane are also allowed if sealed in a security bag with the receipt inside. To avoid delays, it's recommended to pack liquids in checked baggage instead of carry-on luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | Containers must be 100ml or smaller. |
| Container type | Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. |
| Container capacity | The plastic bag should hold no more than a litre and measure around 20cm by 20cm. |
| Container contents | Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag and be sealed. |
| Exemptions | Exemptions include essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, baby food, and liquids bought at an airport or on a plane. |
| Screening | Airport staff may need to open containers to screen liquids at the security point. |
| Documentation | For medical equipment, you must show documents from a qualified medical professional. |
| Frozen liquids | Frozen liquids are not allowed, except for baby food, medicines, and dietary requirements. |
| Receipts | For duty-free purchases, the receipt must be sealed and visible in the security bag. |
| Unopened containers | Containers must remain sealed until you reach your final destination. |
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What You'll Learn
Containers must be under 100ml
Liquids in containers larger than 100ml are generally not allowed through airport security. This is a security measure to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto the plane. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening. This rule applies to all carry-on luggage and checked baggage.
There are, however, some exemptions to this rule. Liquids in containers larger than 100ml can be taken through security if they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk. In these cases, it is recommended that you inform airport staff so that they can screen the liquids separately. Additionally, if you are travelling with a baby, you are allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk, and sterilised water for the journey, with no legal limit on the amount.
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops at the airport or on a plane are also exempt from the 100ml rule. These liquids must be sealed inside a security bag when purchased and the receipt must be sealed and visible inside the bag. The security bag must remain unopened until you reach your final destination. It is important to note that countries outside the UK may have different rules regarding carrying liquids, so it is always best to check with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.
Another exception to the 100ml rule is for live fish. As long as they are in clear, transparent containers and properly inspected by an officer, live fish in water are allowed through security. Live coral in water and live lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container are also permitted. Additionally, non-infectious specimens in preservative solutions, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, can be carried through security for scientific research purposes. However, these must be packed specifically, with up to 30ml of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and no more than one litre in the outer packaging, marked with "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies."
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Exemptions for medicines and baby food
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are restricted items at airport security. Typically, passengers are only allowed to bring small quantities of these items onto the plane in their carry-on luggage. This restriction was implemented in 2006 after a group of terrorists attempted to smuggle liquid explosives onto flights.
However, there are exemptions to this rule for medicines and baby food, which are considered "medically necessary liquids". These items are allowed in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to fit within a single quart-sized bag. This includes liquid and cream medications, breast milk, formula, baby food, and toddler food, such as puree pouches. Ice packs, freezer packs, and other cooling accessories are also permitted in carry-on luggage to keep these items cool.
It is recommended that these items be transported in clear, translucent containers to expedite the screening process. Passengers should also declare these items to the TSA agent and may be asked to separate them from their bags for X-ray screening. Keeping prescription medications in their original containers with appropriate labelling is also advised, as this can facilitate the screening process and reduce the likelihood of additional questions or screening.
While these items are generally exempt, they may still be subject to additional screening if they trigger an alarm or raise security concerns. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer regarding whether an item is permitted through the security checkpoint.
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Screening and opening containers
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are subject to strict security screening at airports. Most airports have a standard set of rules for screening and allowing liquids through security. Containers must be screened at the security point, and airport staff may need to open them to screen the liquids. This is a standard procedure and passengers should not open the containers themselves once they are sealed inside the security bag.
The screening process for liquids varies slightly depending on the country and airport. In the UK, containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures around 20 cm by 20 cm. The contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed. Liquids in containers larger than 100 ml generally cannot go through security, even if the container is only partially full. However, there are some exemptions. For instance, containers larger than 100 ml are allowed for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or baby food and milk.
In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on baggage. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item. Liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres must be packed in checked baggage. Any liquid, regardless of volume, that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
It is important to note that countries outside the UK and the US may have different rules regarding carrying liquids. Passengers should always check the rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling, especially when travelling through multiple airports.
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Buying liquids at the airport
Liquids bought at an airport or on a plane can be taken through security if they are sealed inside a security bag when purchased. The receipt for the items should be sealed in the security bag and visible, and the bag must not be opened until you reach your final destination. Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.
Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security, even if the container is only partially full. However, there are some exemptions. You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk.
If you are travelling with medication, you do not need to show proof if it is in tablet form or liquid in a container that is 100ml or smaller. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. There are different rules if you are travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug. You can take medical equipment with you if it is essential for your journey. The equipment will be screened separately, and you must show documents from a qualified medical professional, such as a letter from your doctor.
It is recommended that you check the rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling, as these may vary depending on the country and airport. For example, some airports may allow containers of liquid up to two litres in hand luggage. Additionally, there may be different rules for transfer or transit passengers travelling through countries outside the UK.
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Solid makeup and toiletries
When packing makeup and toiletries for air travel, it's important to familiarise yourself with the relevant rules and restrictions to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience at airport security. One of the most effective strategies is to separate your liquids from your non-liquids. By keeping liquid products together in a clear, quart-sized bag, you can easily access them during security checks. This speeds up the screening process and ensures compliance with TSA regulations.
It's important to note that some items that may seem like solids, such as lip gloss or lipstick, might be considered liquids by TSA standards if they have a moist or creamy consistency. If you're uncertain about whether a product qualifies as a liquid, it's best to include it in your quart-sized liquids bag to avoid confiscation.
Additionally, certain solid items like tweezers, nail clippers, and scissors might be subject to confiscation due to security concerns, so it's advisable to pack them in checked luggage or store them in the hotel safe when not in use.
To further streamline the security process, consider using a clear or transparent makeup case that clearly displays your products and easily fits within your hand luggage. This allows for easy recognition of items and can make clearing airport security more seamless and stress-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Containers carrying liquids must be no larger than 100ml to pass through security. This rule applies to all liquids, gels and aerosols.
You are allowed to carry liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance if it is needed during the flight. You must carry documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or a letter from a medical practitioner.
Yes, you can carry duty-free liquids in your hand luggage as long as they are sealed inside a security bag with the receipt sealed inside and visible.
