If you’re traveling with toiletries in your hand luggage, there are a few things you need to know.
Please note that all of these rules are enforced and if you don’t follow them your toiletries will be taken away and you will likely be late. Delays at security can range from a few minutes to more than an hour in some cases.
Not worth the hassle. If you’re traveling from the UK with toiletries in your hand luggage, please adhere to these rules.
1. Your liquids must be in 100ml bottles and containers
transfer the large bottle to the smaller 100ml bottle
repeat the same for the people behind you. Containers cannot exceed 100ml.
even if the container is not full, it cannot exceed 100ml.
You can buy travel-sized miniatures, but I prefer to use refillable silicone bottles or small refillable pots. My favorites are linked below.
there’s no real limit to the number of 100ml containers you can carry, but they must fit in a clear plastic bag (see below).
2. If you can pour, spray or spread it, it’s a liquid
You might think of a liquid as something you pour, like water or juice.
No, no, no.
When going through airport security, a liquid is anything that can be “poured, sprayed, or spread’.
This includes shampoos, gels, balms, shower gels, perfumes, shaving foams, hairsprays, contact lens solutions, lipsticks, mascaras, foams, and even the most common foods. Liquid or semi-liquid foods must be placed in transparent bags. That is, sauces, jams, oils, liquors, wines, jellies, etc.
3. All liquids must be in a clear, plastic, resealable bag
Most airports will give you these bags when you are in line for security. At some airports you have to pay a fee (at Liverpool Airport it’s £1). It’s usually fine to bring a resealable sandwich bag like the ones you have at home.
I prefer to use my own zippered airport security bag so I can organize before I arrive to avoid using single-use plastic.
4. The bag must not be over 20cm x 20cm
Yes, I’ve seen you measure your bag before.
If you can’t fit all your toiletries into this one small bag, you’ll need to decant the product into a small pot. I really like these.
5. Each passenger gets just 1 clear plastic bag
That is correct. You will only receive hand luggage amenities in one bag and one bag. Don’t try to take two. Not allowed.
6. Even if your container isn’t full, it can’t be over 100ml
This is everything I use on a daily basis, but I definitely don’t need this for a short vacation!
if you have a small amount of toothpaste left in a large 150ml toothpaste tube, you will not be able to take it through security as the container is too large.
no container can exceed 100ml, no matter how much it contains.
7. Save money and single use plastic by using refillable bottles
We recommend choosing silicone refillable bottles for your travel amenities. Plastic ones tend to crack over time, so silicone ones last longer. You can also squeeze out the silicone stuff and roll it up to squeeze out all the product when there are only a few drops left.
The only things you can’t really use refill bottles for are aerosols and roll-on deodorants.
Swap out large bottles for smaller travel-size options
8. Powders are fine
Powder is not a liquid, so there is no need to put it in a liquid bag at airport security. Therefore, if you can switch your liquid makeup to powder, you will make your life easier.
9. Small scissors, tweezers and most razors are fine in your hand luggage
i’m still surprised that you can carry a small pair of scissors in your carry-on luggage, but you can’t carry 110ml of shampoo. But those are the rules!
10. Travelling with solid toiletries is much easier
If possible, having solid toiletries will make your trip much easier. It is also better for the environment as it does not use plastic packaging. There are a lot of solid toiletries available these days.
I like to use bar shampoo, bar soap, and bar shaving cream.
I haven’t found a great bar conditioner and avoid bar toothpaste as it’s disgusting!
FAQS for travelling with liquid toiletries in your hand luggage
Can I take deodorant in my hand luggage?
yes, it is possible, but it must be less than 100ml.
you can use a 100ml aerosol or a 100ml roll-on.
The easiest way is to use a solid deodorant so you don’t have to put it in a liquid bag.
How many 100ml bottles can I carry on?
you can bring as many items as you like as long as they fit in the plastic bag. A plastic bag usually holds four to six 100ml bottles.
What liquids can you take through security when you’re flying with a baby?
You can bring your baby’s milk to the security checkpoint. The bottle is simply taken away for inspection. You can consume up to 100 liters of milk (whether breast milk, cow’s milk or formula.)
Security also usually allows water to pass through for babies and toddlers.
You can also consume pureed baby food.
Can you take frozen breast milk in your hand luggage?
This seems like a dangerous question, but even after doing a lot of research, I can’t find a solid answer. Therefore, I’d say ‘probably not’.
If you don’t mind wasting your frozen breast milk, it’s worth a try, but it’s worth having a back-up plan as you may be deprived of your milk.
Baby products at Boots after security
Did you know that you can pre-order baby products online with Boots and pick them up after you pass security (but the airport you depart from has Boots after you pass security and the security checkpoint is open at the time of your flight’s departure time)? is the condition)?
You can also order powdered milk and baby food pouches.
This isn’t necessary, as it’s not too much of a hassle to bring your baby’s fluids through security. But it’s optional!
What happens if you buy liquids at duty free?
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops can be carried on board the plane, no matter how large the bottle or container is.
Some airlines may require you to carry duty-free items in your carry-on bag. However, most airlines allow you to carry it on board in a carry-on bag given to you at the duty-free shop.
If you buy alcohol at a duty free shop, you probably won’t be allowed to drink alcohol.
How do you take contact lens solution in your hand luggage?
it must be in a 100ml or smaller bottle and placed in a clear resealable plastic bag.
Can I take medication in my hand luggage?
yes, I can. However, for liquids, creams, and gels, they must be in bottles no larger than 100ml.
if it exceeds 100ml, it must be placed in checked baggage. If you weren’t planning on picking up your checked baggage, we’re sorry, but you’ll need to pick up your checked baggage.
Are these liquids restrictions the same all over the world?
No, it’s not! And the strictness varies between UK airports. Please follow these rules when departing from the UK. However, please check the rules in other countries.