How much can i take on a plane

TRAVELLING with hand luggage means you'll have to try and squeeze all of your liquid toiletries and essentials into one bag.

From how much you can take, to what counts as a liquid, getting your travel bag sorted can mitigate the cumbersome process of traveling.

How much can i take on a plane

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Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss are banned

How much liquid can you take on a plane?

You are only allowed to take containers that have no more than 100ml of liquid with you in your hand luggage.

Larger quantities of liquid will have to be packed in your suitcase and checked into the plane.

Liquids in your hand luggage must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag that measures 20cm by 20cm and is offered by most airports.

You are allowed one plastic bag per person, which must be easily sealed and shown to airport staff who reserve the right to confiscate any liquids that are over 100ml.

When you get to airport security, this transparent bag must be placed on the conveyor belt where it will go through baggage screening.

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What counts as a liquid?

According to the government website, the term 'liquid' extends to:

  • all drinks, including water
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey, and syrups
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
  • pastes, including toothpaste
  • gels, including hair and shower gel
  • contact lens solution
  • any other solutions and items of similar consistency

You can only carry one lighter onboard which should be put inside a resealable plastic bag and must be kept on you throughout the flight.

You cannot put it in your hold luggage.

Can you take baby milk onto a plane?

There are some exceptions to the 100ml restriction, for example, with liquids for medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or with baby food or milk.

Breast milk up to 2,000ml can be transported in hand luggage, while formula milk and sterilized water can also be taken on board.

Baby food and cooling gel packs are also allowed on board.

You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you're not travelling with a baby, but a baby must be present if you have formula milk, sterilized water, or baby food.

Frozen breast milk is not permitted in hand luggage, but is fine in the hold.

Many toiletries now come in solid bars rather than liquids, meaning you can get around the liquids rules.

We've rounded up the surprising items that are banned from your hand luggage.

A woman went viral as people love how she got rid of banned booze at airport security.

How much can i take on a plane

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We've got all you need to know about travelling on a plane with liquids

Overview

There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.

There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.

Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.

Hand luggage allowances

Check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you.

Check the rules for electronic items and devices you’re allowed to take on a flight before you travel - there are different rules depending on which country you are travelling to or from.

Taking liquids through security

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

Liquids include:

  • all drinks, including water
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
  • pastes, including toothpaste
  • gels, including hair and shower gel
  • contact lens solution
  • any other solutions and items of similar consistency

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

  • containers must hold no more than 100ml
  • containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
  • contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
  • the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
  • you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
  • you must show the bag at the airport security point

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.

Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they:

  • are for essential medical purposes
  • are for special dietary requirements
  • contain baby food or baby milk

You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:

  • the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them
  • the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible

You must not open the security bag until you reach your final destination. Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.

Liquid restrictions outside the EU

Countries outside the EU might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.

Lighters

You can only carry 1 lighter on board. You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight. You cannot:

  • put it in your hold luggage
  • put it in your hand luggage after screening

Food and powders

Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.