Ruth Haines
When travelling through an airport, you may be required to comply with specific security measures, such as restrictions on the types and quantities of liquids, gels, and aerosols you can carry in your hand luggage. These restrictions vary across different countries and airports, so it is essential to check the regulations of your departure and destination airports. Generally, liquids must be in containers of no more than 100ml or 3.4 ounces, and they should be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a maximum dimension of 20cm by 20cm. Some airports may allow larger containers or have advanced imaging scanners that permit liquids in hand luggage. It is advisable to pack liquids in checked baggage whenever possible and to declare any medical liquids or electronic devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bags allowed | 1 bag per person |
| Bag type | Plastic, transparent, resealable |
| Bag size | 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) |
| Bag capacity | 1 litre |
| Container size | 3.4 oz (100 ml) |
| Container fill level | Less than 100% full |
| Container type | Travel-sized |
| Container contents | Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes |
| Container state | Securely closed |
| Exemptions | Baby food/milk, medicines, special dietary foods, duty-free purchases |
| Prohibited items | Frozen liquids, explosive/flammable liquids, toxic liquids |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids must be under 100ml
When going through airport security, it's important to remember that any liquids you wish to take with you must be in containers that hold no more than 100ml. This rule applies to all liquids, including drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, and toiletries. Each liquid must be in its own container, and they must all fit comfortably inside a single, transparent, resealable bag. The bag should be airtight and must not be knotted or tied at the top. The bag itself should not exceed 20cm x 20cm in size and should have a total capacity of approximately 1 litre.
It is recommended that any liquids over 100ml be packed in your checked baggage. However, there are some exceptions to the 100ml rule. For example, if you are travelling with essential liquid medical supplies, you can carry more than 100ml, but you will need to provide an official medical letter from your doctor. Another exception is for baby food or milk, which can be carried in the cabin in clear, transparent containers or bags.
Liquid medicines are also treated with some flexibility. You are permitted to carry liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance if it is needed during your flight. Again, this should be accompanied by documentary proof, such as a prescription or a letter from your doctor. Any liquid medication not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage.
It is worth noting that some airports have installed advanced imaging scanners that allow you to leave liquids in your hand luggage when going through security. However, this varies by country and airport, so it is always best to check the local rules before you fly. For example, when travelling outside the UK and EU, it is advised to check the safety and security requirements of your destination country. Additionally, some countries, like Kenya, have a strict ban on plastic bags, so it is recommended to use a thicker, clear, reusable bag for your liquids.
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Only one bag per person
When going through airport security, it's important to remember that only one clear plastic bag per person is allowed for carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols. This rule is in place at most airports worldwide, including in the UK and the US, with specific guidelines provided by the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and local authorities.
The allowed bag size is typically a quart or about one litre, with dimensions of 20cm x 20cm. The bag should be transparent or clear, resealable, and made of plastic. Each liquid item inside must be in its own container, with a maximum capacity of 3.4 ounces or 100ml. These items should be travel-sized and include liquids such as suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, and toiletries. Gels, creams, and pastes are also subject to these restrictions.
It is important to ensure that the bag can close properly with all the items inside. The contents should fit comfortably, and the bag should not be knotted or tied at the top. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted. It is recommended to pack larger containers in checked baggage.
There are some exceptions to the one-bag-per-person rule. For instance, you can carry duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags if they were purchased internationally and you are travelling to the US with a connecting flight. Medical liquids are also exempt, but you must have an accompanying prescription or a letter from a medical practitioner. Baby food and milk are other exceptions, but they must be stored in clear, transparent containers or bags.
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Gels, creams, pastes also count
When passing through airport security, it's important to remember that gels, creams, and pastes count towards your allowance of liquids. Each liquid item must be in its own container, measuring no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml). These items must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, which is approximately 20 x 20cm (8 x 8 inches) in size and has a total capacity of up to 1 litre. Each passenger is limited to only one of these bags, which must be shown separately during screening.
Gels, creams, and pastes fall under the 3-1-1 rule, which includes liquids, aerosols, and gels. This rule restricts liquids to a maximum of 3.4 ounces (100ml) per individual container. The rule was implemented by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance security by reducing the risk of liquid explosives in carry-on luggage. By adhering to the 3-1-1 rule, passengers can contribute to aviation security while still being able to carry essential liquids.
It's important to note that some countries and airports may have different regulations. For example, in the UK, passengers can have any amount of prescription liquids in sealable clear bags, but they must be accompanied by a prescription. Similarly, there are no restrictions on the number of alcoholic beverages below 24% alcohol volume, and up to five litres are allowed for beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol volume. These can be carried in cabin bags if purchased at duty-free shops.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's recommended that passengers understand the regulations of the country they are travelling to and the specific rules of their airline. Checking with local authorities, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or the Transport Security Administration (TSA) in the US, can provide travellers with the most accurate and up-to-date information. Being informed helps to ensure a seamless airport experience.
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Medical liquids need a prescription
When going through airport security, any liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml should be packed in your checked baggage. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids in your carry-on luggage, limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per item.
If you are carrying liquid medication, it will need to be screened during the security checkpoint process, so you should inform the officer that you have liquid medications with you. Any liquid medication will need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml) to be allowed on the flight. You may carry duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags that are more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if the liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
If you are carrying medically necessary liquids, a security officer may ask you to open your bottles or containers for inspection and testing. This may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the liquid. If your medically necessary liquids cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be able to bring them, but you will probably have to undergo a pat-down screening. It is recommended that you only carry the prescription drugs and medical liquids you need during your flight in your carry-on bag.
For essential liquid medical supplies like dialysis fluid, you can take more than the standard amount listed above if it is packed in a separate bag and checked into the hold. To do this, you will need an official medical letter signed and dated by your personal medical practitioner. Some countries outside of the US may require a doctor's note for prescription medications, and it may be helpful to translate the note into your destination's local language.
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Liquids must be screened
Some airports have installed advanced imaging scanners that allow you to leave liquids in your hand luggage when passing through security. However, airport security staff will not permit anything they consider dangerous, even if it is usually allowed in hand luggage. It is recommended that you pack liquids in your hold luggage wherever possible.
Liquids bought at duty-free can be carried through security if they are sealed inside a security bag with the receipt visible. The security bag must not be opened until you reach your final destination. For liquids purchased on a connecting flight, they must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and must not show signs of tampering when presented for screening.
Liquid medication that is required during the flight can exceed the standard liquid allowance but must be accompanied by documentary proof, such as a prescription or a letter from a medical practitioner. Any liquid medication not required during the flight should be packed into hold luggage. Explosive, flammable, or toxic liquids are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear bags taken through airport security should not exceed 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inches) with a total capacity of up to 1 litre.
The clear bag should contain travel-sized containers of liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols. Each container should not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Yes, there are some exceptions. You can carry duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. You can also carry any amount of prescription liquids in sealable clear bags, but you must show the accompanying prescription to the security officer.
If you do not follow the rules regarding clear bags and liquids, you may be asked to leave the security line to sort out the issue or dispose of non-compliant items. Airport security staff have the discretion to not allow any items they consider dangerous, even if they are typically permitted in hand luggage.
