Have you ever been worried about how much liquid you should take on a flight? We need these skincare products so much, but we're always concerned about the proper ml/oz. In this guide, we’ll cover all the things you should learn when packing your luggage according to liquid stuff. Check it out now!
What Items Are Considered Liquid?
It's obvious that water or any drinks are easily recognized as liquid. But when we pack our luggage and get ready for our journey, we'll be so confused, especially when these skincare products show up. Are our skincare lotions liquid? Can we take as much as we want?
In simple words, anything that flows and changes shape easily can be considered a liquid. So yes, skincare lotions are considered liquids.
However, some items may seem solid, but we usually count them as liquids too, such as gel deodorant, mascara, or face serum.
Tip: Pack it in a quart-sized liquid bag for better storage!
NO.1
A Brief Liquid Regulation on Flight
Credit: from tomsguide.com | Use smaller leak-proof bottles to save space
So, we've made a clear table for you. Check these basic daily uses and their related regulations. You'll never miss how much you should take on a flight.
Categories | Items | Regulations | Tips |
Drinks | Water, soda, juice, coffee… | Max 100ml (3.4oz) per container. | Better buy drinks post-security. |
Alcohol | Mini liquor bottles, wine, beer… | Same 100ml limit for carry-ons. | Alcohol >100ml must be sealed. |
Skin Care | Liquid foundation, serum, moisturizer, face mist… | All count as liquids. | Solid balms are accessible. |
Makeup | Mascara, liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, nail polish… | Same 100ml limit. | You can take powder/pencil make-up. |
Hygiene | Toothpaste, mouthwash… | Gels/liquids ≤100ml only. | Solid shampoo bars are OK. |
Food | Yogurt, pudding, jam, hummus, syrup… | 100ml max. | Pack other snacks like cookies freely. |
Medications | Liquid prescriptions, insulin, baby formula… | Not limited, but should be screening. | Keep the docs handy for inspection. |
Aerosols | Hairspray, deodorant spray, sunscreen spray… | Limited to 100ml. | Check airline policies ahead. |
Notes:
- Checked luggage has fewer restrictions.
- If it’s over 100ml, pack it in checked baggage or make it into smaller bottles!
Common Carry-on Luggage | Alcoholic Beverages
For duty-free purchases, alcoholic beverages must be in a sealed and transparent bag with a receipt, and not exceed 70% (140 proof). You're supposed to keep them sealed until the final destination~ Any types of alcoholic beverages you bought from a new place all follow this rule.
3 tips for carrying alcohol:
- Check specific airline rules since some countries ban alcohol entirely (e.g., Islamic nations).
- Keep duty-free receipts.
- Avoid opening bottles mid-flight.
Common Carry-on Luggage | Perfume
Credit: from IndiaMart | tamper-evident bag
The carry-on perfume must be under 100ml (3.4 oz), including colognes and other fragrances.
Well, duty-free purchases can be exempt from that rule if they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) with a receipt. You'd better ensure they remain unopened until reaching your destination~
3 tips for traveling with perfume:
- Use travel-sized bottles (≤100ml).
- Choose roll-on perfumes.
- Pack larger bottles in checked luggage if over 100ml.
Common Carry-on Luggage | Skin Care Products & Cosmetics
Credit: from jasminetalksbeauty.com | Pack skincare products
Most of you worry about carrying skincare products and their must-have cosmetics, especially for girls. Most airlines limit carry-on skincare and cosmetics to 100ml (3.4oz), including all kinds of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Solid items like lipstick or powder products are fine with that. Duty-free liquids should stay sealed with a receipt as well~
3 tips for carrying skincare & cosmetics:
- Use travel-sized bottles (100ml or less).
- Pack all liquids in one clear bag for easy security checks.
- Choose solid options (like bar cleansers).
When Can You Take Excess Liquid on a Flight?
What if we must take our essentials on a flight? Is there anything we can do to skip the security? Well, we can not skip the security, but we can do these things below to make it easier.
- Put them in the checked luggage but not carry-on.
- You can bring baby milk in quantities greater than 100ml.
- Liquid medicines are fine too. You can bring over 100ml, but better with a doctor's note!
Tip: Your liquid exceptions still need screening when in security.
What to Do If You Carry Excess Liquid?
In case you waste time on security checking due to improper liquid carry-on, always check sizes before you reach security. Follow the rules we've mentioned above. Well, don’t worry. If it’s medication/baby items, immediately explain, you might get a pass!
Pro tip: Some travelers leave extras in checked luggage or buy mini versions!
FAQs about Flight Liquid Limit
How much liquid can I carry in hand luggage?
Containers must be 100ml (3.4oz) or smaller, all fitting in one 1L clear bag.Does toothpaste count as a liquid?
Yes! Gels, pastes, and aerosols (including toothpaste) follow the 100ml rule.Can I bring duty-free liquids onboard?
Only if sealed in a security bag with receipt—don’t open it mid-flight.What about baby formula or medicine?
Allowed in reasonable amounts—just declare them at security screening.Will security take my half-full 120ml shampoo bottle?
Yes! The container size matters, not how much is left inside.