Hand Luggage Liquid Allowances: The Complete Guide

Confused about the liquid rules when you fly? Want to know what exactly counts as a liquid (does peanut butter count?!), how much you can take and what the exceptions are?

Don’t be surprised, but most travellers are like you – in the dark. We see so many asking Is Nutella a liquid? and Can you take Marmite in hand luggage?

So, we’ve put compiled a comprehensive list of airport liquid rules. All your questions will be answered in this complete guide to hand luggage liquid allowances!

What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?

This may seem like it would have an obvious answer, but there are some items that you might not even realise are liquids!

Liquids include:

• All drinks (including water)
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods (Nutella, jam, peanut butter, Marmite etc.)
• Cosmetics & toiletries (lotions, fragrance, lip gloss etc.)
• Toothpaste, gels, contact lens solution
• Aerosols (deodorant, shaving foam, hair spray)
• Any similar consistency product or food item

How Much Liquid Can I Take in My Hand Luggage?

You can take as much liquid as you like in your checked luggage, but there are limits for hand luggage.

All hand luggage liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. You can’t take 100ml of liquid in a larger container (i.e. a water bottle). Of course, you can empty out your water bottle and then refill it at an airport water fountain once you’re through security.

If the idea of buying a lot of expensive travel toiletries is off-putting, you can buy some travel-size bottles and decant your favourite toiletries into them. This is a much cheaper option, and the bottles can be reused. Better yet, packing your toiletries in your checked luggage lets you bypass the limits altogether.

The maximum amount of liquid you can take in hand luggage is 1 litre, which may not be ideal if you want to keep your bag light.

Why Do Liquids Have to Go in Clear Plastic Bags?

Putting your liquids in a clear plastic bag allows security staff to easily see which liquids you have, without having to root through your cabin bag.

So, can you take your own clear bag through airport security? Most airports will allow you to use your own clear bag at the airport if you wish. If you want to bring your own bag ahead of time just make sure it passes the rules on travel plastic bags for liquids. And, ensure it is resealable and strong enough as you don’t want liquid to spill all over your things.

Note that it has to be made of clear plastic, and no larger than 20x20cm. Most food storage bags are inexpensive and suitable here. As long as all your liquids fit into this bag, you’re golden. But remember that the bag has to be closed and zip-sealed.

Do Airports Provide Plastic Bags for Liquids?

If you don’t have your own clear plastic bags, the airport will provide you with a bag before security. Most provide these freely, but some airports will charge a small fee. Bristol Airport, for example, charges £1 for four bags.

What Are the Rules About Buying Liquids from Duty Free?

Liquids such as alcohol and perfume can be bought from Duty Free, even if they’re over 100ml.

However, you can’t open them in the terminal or aboard the flight. They must stay sealed until you get through security at your destination.

If you’d like to buy alcohol as a present for someone back home, remember to buy it on your return journey, not on the way out (unless you have checked luggage to carry it in).

Otherwise, they won’t let you through security on the way back as you’ll have a liquid that’s over 100ml!

Remember that duty-free shops may need to see your boarding pass, so keep it handy.

What Are the Rules for Liquid Medications?

In your hand luggage, you can bring medicines of more than 100ml, including dietary consumables and inhalers. Be mindful that if you bring more than 100ml, you will need to bring proof in the form of a doctor’s letter or prescription.

You’re also permitted to carry key medical equipment, including:

• Inhalers.
• Hypodermic syringes and needles (usually with a doctor’s note).
• Cooling gel packs or ice packs for medical use.
• Medical equipment that’s essential (e.g., CPAP machines). Check with your airline ahead of time for any special procedures.

Always declare your medication at security to avoid delays.

Can I Bring Baby Food & Milk Through Security?

You can bring as much baby milk, sterilised water and food as you need for the journey, which can be more than 100ml. As with other liquids you’ll need to show these items to security.

You can also carry breast milk in your hand luggage, even if you’re not travelling with a baby.

Soy, formulas and cow’s milk can be brought through security in containers of more than 100ml, but you must have your baby with you. The same goes for baby food and sterilised water, as long as it’s in a baby feeding bottle.

The only rules for breast milk is that each container can hold a maximum of 2,000ml. Frozen breast milk is allowed in checked luggage, but not hand luggage. 

Hand Luggage Liquid Life Hacks

We recommend buying toiletries before your trip, and keeping them in your checked luggage in a sealed bag. Shampoo and shower gel from home will always be more reliable than hotel toiletries. More expensive items like fragrances and face creams should be packed in checked luggage too. Cheaper items can be left in the hotel bathroom when you leave, if you wish to save space or weight.

If your terminal has a Boots, it’s also possible to use their Order & Collect service. Simply pay the online price for the toiletries you want (rather than the inflated airport terminal price), select the day of your flight as your collection date, and pick up your shopping after security.

This is a great life hack if you like certain brands but don’t want to overpay. Order the items at least five days before you fly to avoid disappointment. Remember also that on the way home, you must carry these items in checked luggage.

Just ensure that you remain within the hand luggage allowances for your particular carrier to avoid any charges. As a guide, these are the latest Ryanair extra baggage costs you can expect if you’re over the limits.

Main image: Steve Johnson – Unsplash