What size liquids can I take on a plane?

We all know not to bring sharp items on planes, as well as to take off boots or belts at the security scanner.

Initially, no liquids at all could be brought in hand luggage (apart from baby milk, which had to be tasted by a parent in front of staff), but these harsh rules were eased when passenger numbers significantly dwindled.

So what’s allowed on planes today? We’ve got everything you need to know.

Can I bring liquids onto a plane?

Restrictions on the amount of liquid you can bring onto a plane apply around the world, so you should prep what you’re taking ahead of time to avoid delays at security.

Liquids are defined by the government as:

• 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

To take any of these items in your hand luggage, you need to package them accordingly. The guidelines require liquids to be in the following format if they’re in your carry-on:

• All liquids must be in containers holding no more than 100ml each.
• The total of each passenger’s liquids must fit into one 20cm x 20cm reusable clear plastic bag.
• The bag must not be overfilled, closing comfortably and not tied or knotted at the top.

Avoid taking any liquids in larger containers as – even if there’s less than 100ml left in the bottle/tub – it isn’t permitted in your hand luggage.

That doesn’t mean you can’t take larger toiletries or gifts when you go abroad, but they’ll need to be packed into checked-in luggage and kept in the aircraft’s hold.

Those flying with only a carry-on can buy empty containers – or reuse sample bottles – to decant liquids into. This saves you hassle at security, as well as being more eco-friendly than buying travel minis each time.

Any liquids that aren’t compliant with security rules won’t be allowed through the checkpoint and you’ll be asked to throw them away.

Can I bring Duty Free liquids onto the plane?

Once you’ve gone through security, you’ll be greeted by an array of spirits and perfumes – and in quantities way above the 100ml marker.

Because these items are purchased in the secure departures area of the airport, Duty Free liquids aren’t subject to the same restrictions as those you bring yourself.

The quantity you can purchase may be dependent on the country of travel, so check before you go if you’re planning on a big stock-up.

There are stipulations, too, on how to board with Duty Free. Items must be sealed inside a security bag when you buy them, with the accompanying receipt sealed and visible inside.

It’s also worth checking ahead of time whether you can go between connecting flights with Duty Free liquids. You may need to go through security again at your connecting location, so find out whether the airport has any specific transfer checks in place.