The Department for Transport rules on what you can carry in cabin baggage
Packing for a trip has become more and more confusing over the past couple of years. In their rush to increase revenue, airlines have left travellers baffled as to what to pack and where to pack it.
If you are going on a two-week holiday, it’s best to pack bottles of lotion and aerosols in your checked luggage. However, if you’re carrying cabin baggage only or you will need liquids or creams during your flight, here are the quantities (the current rules from the Department for Transport):
The first thing you will need is a resealable transparent plastic bag, which holds up to one litre and measures about 20cm x 20cm.
- Containers must hold a maximum of 100ml
- The bag must be sealed, not tied at the top
- Only one bag is allowed per passenger
- The bag should be taken out of your suitcase and placed in the tray at Security
- Essential medicines are not subject to these limits and, as is the case with medical equipment, it’s best to get a letter from your doctor outlining your needs in case you are challenged by officials.
Don’t estimate
Containers that hold more than 100ml will not be allowed past Security, even if they’re only half full.
Pack larger items in your checked luggage or decant that expensive moisturiser into a small container.
What are “liquids”?
The term “liquids” covers the following:
All drinks – juices, water, soup and syrups Toiletries and cosmetics – lotions, creams, oils, perfumes, lipstick and mascara Sprays such as hairspray, deodorants or shaving foam Pastes, including toothpaste Gels, for example hair and shower gel Contact lens solutionLighters (cigarette lighters)
Baby comes too
If you’re travelling with an infant, you may bring enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for your journey. If you’re taking a long-haul flight, this is likely to be more than 100ml. You’ll be expected to taste the food or drink in front of the security official. Baby food includes:
- soya milk for babies
- sterilised water (in a baby bottle)
- formula, breast milk or cow milk (for babies)
- baby food (pureed, with lumps, textured etc)
Post Security …
You can buy as much water, juice, alcohol, perfume or other liquids as you can carry on board, but check with your airline for its cabin baggage limits.
