How to transport liquids in baggage?
Planning to fly and intend to carry liquids with you, but not sure if you should pack them in your carry-on bag or leave them in your checked baggage? Wondering how to transport liquids on an airplane? Here is information on how to carry liquids in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Yes, you can carry liquids in checked baggage and in this case they are not treated differently from other substances because of their physical state. Please note that the general restrictions on baggage weight and dimension limits as well as the carriage of hazardous materials by air still apply.
Pay special attention to how liquids are packed in your checked baggage. During the journey it will be exposed to considerable pressure changes, which in turn may cause the container to leak and spill the contents. It is worth protecting them additionally, for example by placing them in a sealed plastic bag.
Remember also to properly protect containers made of fragile material (e.g. glass bottles with alcohol) by wrapping them in a soft material.
On flights that start in Europe, you can take limited amounts of liquid substances with you on board.
The term "liquid substances" means, among others:
- perfumes
- gels (e.g. to hair gels, bathing gels)
- pastes
- liquid cosmetics (gloss, foundation, mascara)
- creams, conditioners and cosmetic oils
- sprays
- liquids under pressure (e.g. shaving gels, deodorants)
- water and other drinks, soups, syrups
- other substances of similar consistency
THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED:
- liquids in containers of 100ml or less packed in a single transparent, re-sealable 1-litre plastic bag;
- medicines and special dietary products, including baby food, necessary during the trip;
- duty-free liquids purchased from any airport or airline packed in a security bag (as shown below):
REMEMBER:
You must not open the bag before arriving at your destination airport, unless you are requested to do so by security check personnel. You may be refused entry on board if you are carrying liquids that raise suspicions regarding security.
For products purchased from duty-free shops, the security bag may not bear any no traces of opening or breaking, and there must be a proof of purchase inside.
All liquids in containers up to 100ml in volume should be placed in a single, transparent bag with a maximum volume of 1 liter. For example, this could be a clear plastic drawstring bag available in most large stores/supermarkets.
It's also common for bags for carrying liquids to be available at airports, but it's a good idea to prepare the liquids for transportation yourself - before you travel - in order to pass through security smoothly and avoid possible stress.
You must not open the bag before arriving at your destination airport, unless you are requested to do so by security check personnel. You may be refused entry on board if you are carrying liquids that raise suspicions regarding security.
For products purchased from duty-free shops, the security bag may not bear any no traces of opening or breaking, and there must be a proof of purchase inside.
Within the European Union
When traveling between European Union countries, the following alcohol limits apply (per passenger):
- 10 liters of spirits or
- 20 liters of fortified wine (port, sherry) or
- 90 liters of wine (but sparkling wine maximum 60 liters) or
- 110 liters of beer.
Outside the European Union
If you are starting or finishing your journey outside the EU, or if you are travelling entirely outside the EU, you are subject to the limits as shown below:
- 1 liter of spirits or
- 4 liters of wine or
- 16 liters of beer.
Haven't found an answer to your question? You can also use the Prohibited Items Browser provided by the Civil Aviation Authority.
