What counts as liquid on a plane?
When you pack a suitcase or travel bag before a flight, it is quite common to feel a little confused as to what you are allowed to bring onto the plane, especially when it comes to liquids. The British government has created some important guidelines on what is considered a liquid , and what travellers are allowed to bring in their bags.
Often, passengers who travel less frequently or haven't travelled in a long time find themselves questioning whether they will be allowed to pass through security with common items such as makeup, toothpaste, and contact lens solution. Security officers do not enjoy telling passengers that a certain amount of liquid can't go through a checkpoint, so it is also important to know the volume of liquid that is allowed through.
With so much confusion, BudgetAir.co.uk has provided a guide on what is considered a liquid and what you can do to make sure that you clear security quickly and comfortably with your packed bags.
What is considered liquid in your hand luggage?
There are a few restrictions on the quantity and packaging of items in your hand luggage. To ensure that you have a smooth ride through security, it is important to know which liquids you can pack in your hand baggage. According to UK government guidelines on hand luggage restrictions, as follows:
- Drinks, including water
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as jam, honey, soup, etc
- Cosmetics and toiletries, such as toothpastes, cream, lotion, oils, perfumes, etc
- Sprays, such as hairspray, spraying deodorants, shaving form, etc
- Pastes, including toothpastes
- Gels, such as hair and shower gel
- Contact lens solution
- Or any other items of similar consistency
How to pack your liquid items in your luggage?
Travellers are only allowed liquids in bottles with a volume of 3.4 oz (100ml/100g) or under in their hand baggage. These containers should be packed in a durable transparent and zip-top plastic bag (or tied securely), no more than 1L in capacity. The size of the bag must be within the following dimensions: or 20 cm by 120 cm. Each traveller is allowed 1 bag. It is advised to passengers to avoid packing liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on and instead including these items in checked baggage instead. * Travellers are also advised to check with the luggage restrictions set by the airline carrier they will fly with.
Exceptions from the 3.4 oz (100ml/100g) restictions
Some items over 100 ml are exempted. For example, if the items are for medical purposes or food for infants these would be exempted open examination of the items at the security checkpoint. These items include gel pak baby foods, breastmilk, prescription medicines, essential non-prescription medicines, liquids/gels for diabetes, and distilled water for CPAP devices. Supporting documents by your medical professional should be prepared for items related for medical purposes.
Items purchased through the airport duty-free are also exempted, given that the item remains in the security bag (unopened) and the receipt is within the bag and is visible. These purchases must not be opened until after reaching your final destination. Items may be scanned and asked to be open if directed by an airport screening official.
Other tips to know before passing the security checkpoint
Beauty products in carry-on luggage
Use refillable bottles
Using refillable bottles or containers is often the best way to transport your beauty products. If travellers are looking to take fragrance on the plane should pour the perfume into refillable perfume dispensers instead of packing the entire bottle as it is likely more than 3.4 oz. Don't bring your fragrance in a large container as it will be confiscated. Items like body creams and pastes can also be packed into smaller containers, allowing these to pass through security.
Put your essentials in your carry-on bag
Put your daily essentials in your plastic bag to take with you on the plane. It is a good idea to take the items you regularly use, such as mascara, lip balm, lip gloss, hand creams and put them in your carry-on bag. By carrying them with you, you can make sure that you can freshen up after the flight and that if your baggage is lost you still have your essentials at hand.
Opt for a solid makeup and perfume stick
Whenever possible, consider carrying solid makeup. This kind of makeup can easily be packed in hand luggage without the worry of travelling with another liquid. Solid perfume sticks come in smaller travel sizes and allow you to bring your perfume in your hand luggage without worry about container size.
Double-seal your bottles and containers
Double-seal your bottles to avoid any spillage. Wrap the bottles with plastic bags and use tape on any bottle caps and pop-top openings. Pay attention to products such as foundation and mascara as these items can leak easily.
Buy products at the airport
It may seem like a simple idea, but buying your toiletries and liquids at the airport can provide the easiest way to make sure you aren't packing something that doesn't comply with the guidelines. Handy travel-size containers for shampoos, deodorant, which are perfect for flying, may be available at major airports.
Always remember to put your liquids in travel-size containers of a maximum of 3.4 ounces and pack them in a 1L-sized plastic bag. If you are in doubt, pack any liquid over 3.4 oz. in your checked baggage.
Also, at the screening point, don't forget to take your plastic bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin.