With the summer holidays well underway, many Brits will already have enjoyed trips abroad in recent weeks while others may have getaways planned from next month when the schools go back.
But with holidays abroad being out of the question for a large portion of the past two years due to the pandemic , it has been all too easy to forget the various rules that come with travelling by plane. Some could see themselves caught out at airport security, particularly when it comes to knowing what you can and can’t take in your hand luggage when flying to another country.
One of the trickiest rules to navigate can be ensuring you pack liquids the right way in your hand luggage, as there are various rules around what counts as a liquid and how it must be packaged. Here’s everything you need to know about the dos and don’ts of taking liquids in your hand luggage.
READ MORE: All the updated travel rules for Spain, France, Turkey and Portugal
What are the rules on liquids?
You can take liquids in your hand luggage, but there are several rules that you must follow if you do so. Crucially, any container must hold no more than 100ml of liquid - and it’s just as important to check the size of your container as it is to measure your liquid.
The Gov.uk website states that liquids held in containers larger than 100ml generally won’t be allowed through security, even if the container is only part full - a rule that could see some travellers caught out. You must also keep your containers in a single, transparent and resealable plastic bag measuring approximately 20cm x 20cm.
You must be able to fit all of your liquids inside a bag of this size so it can be sealed at the top - it must not be knotted or tied. Passengers are limited to one plastic bag per person, and you must show your bag when going through airport security.
What counts as a liquid?
What is considered to be a liquid may seem obvious in some cases, but it could be easy to forget to put certain toiletries or food products in your liquids bag. For example, cosmetics including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lipgloss are all liquids.
Other toiletries that come in the form of pastes or sprays also need to be factored into your hand luggage liquid allowance - namely sprays including shaving foam, hairspray and spray-on deodorants, as well as toothpaste. Gels like hair and shower gel also count, as does contact lens solution.
And it’s not just your drinks - including water - that you need to consider at security. Liquid or semi-liquid foods are also counted, such as soup, honey, jam and syrups. Gov.uk advises travellers to pack liquids into your hold check-in baggage where possible to avoid getting caught out.
Are there any exemptions?
In some cases, you will be allowed to take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security in your hand luggage if it is deemed as essential. This includes liquid required for medical purposes, special dietary requirements, or products containing baby food or baby milk.
You are also allowed to take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane through security, as long as the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them and the receipt is visible within the bag. Remember that countries outside the EU may have different rules when it comes to carrying liquids, so it’s always best to double-check with your relevant airlines and airports before you jet off.
It’s worth checking with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you, as these rules differ between airlines . If you smoke, you should also be aware that you will only be allowed to carry one lighter on board the plane - this must also be inside a resealable plastic bag and be kept on your person throughout the flight.
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