Restrictions and Packing Advice: Powders, Liquids, Aerosols and Gels

To help make your security screening experience smoother and your journey more enjoyable, it’s worth familiarising yourself with these guidelines before you travel.

When travelling internationally, restrictions apply to the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols and gels you can carry in your hand luggage. To make your airport security screening easier, check the following packing requirements before you travel.

These include any items that can be poured, smeared or sprayed, or have a similar consistency at room temperature.

Common examples include:

• Liquids: Water, drinks, soups, sauces, syrups, honey and other foods with a high liquid content.
• Creams and lotions: Moisturisers, sunscreen, foundation, insect repellent and oils.
• Gels and pastes: Hair gel, shower gel, toothpaste and liquid soap.
• Aerosols and sprays: Deodorants, shaving foam, perfumes and other pressurised products.
• Cosmetics: Mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss and lip balm.
• Inorganic powders: Salt, talcum powder, sand and powdered make-up.

For international flights, the following restrictions apply:

• Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in individual containers of 100ml or less.
• All containers must fit comfortably inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (approximately 1 litre).
• Only one bag is permitted per person.
• Inorganic powders must not exceed 350ml in total in your carry-on baggage.

You do not need to remove liquids, aerosols or gels from your carry-on baggage for international security screening. They can remain inside your bag.

For international flights, the following restrictions apply:

• Any liquids, aerosols or gels in containers larger than 100ml must be packed in your checked baggage.
• You should also pack items you do not need during your flight, or are unsure about, in your checked baggage.

Some items are exempt from these carry-on restrictions:

Medicines

• Prescription medicines are exempt. Supporting documentation from your medical practitioner must be presented for prescription medicines.
• Non-prescription medicines are also exempt, but only the amount needed for the duration of your flight.
• Medical items such as sprays, insulin, contact lens solution and cough syrups are also exempt.

Baby products

If you are travelling with a baby, you can carry the products needed for the duration of your flight. These include:

• Baby milk and sterilised water.
• Baby food.
• Wet wipes.

If you are flying directly to your destination without stopping at another airport, you can purchase liquids, aerosols and gels, including duty-free products, after security screening.

Some personal care products and aerosols are classified as dangerous goods and may have additional restrictions in both carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information, visit:

• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)  - What Can I Bring?
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – Powders, liquids, aerosols and gels
• Aviation Security – Passenger information