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What liquids can I take on a plane?
Security restrictions have been in place for many years to limit the amount of liquids you can take onto planes in your hand luggage. Even so, many flyers remain confused over the amount of food, drink, cosmetics, sprays, pastes and gels they can carry aboard, and how they need to be packed.
The official restrictions are published on the government website, but this guide to taking liquids on flights should help too. It includes the special rules for baby milk and food, special diets, and items you buy once you’re through security. We’ve also included a separate section about medication.
The 100ml rule for liquids
Some airports in the UK and EU have now relaxed the 100ml rule for liquids. They now allow you to carry two litres of liquid in your hand luggage.
But at many airports, the 100ml rule still applies. That means you can’t bring more than 100ml of any restricted liquid into the cabin in a single container. These liquids must also be stored in individual 100ml containers.
Any liquid that you need more than 100ml of should be packed in your hold luggage.
Double-check the liquid rules for your flight before you go.
“Liquids” include:
- Drinks
- Partially or fully liquid foods, such as soup, baby food, or honey
- Toiletries and cosmetics, such as make-up, perfume, creams, lotions, gels, mascara, lip gloss or toothpaste
- Sprays and aerosols, such as deodorant or hairspray
- Gels, such as hair gel or shower gel
- Contact lens solution
- “Any other solutions and items of similar consistency”
Remember, the 100ml limit applies not just to the actual amount of liquid, but also the bottles or containers they are held in.
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Other things you need to know
- All liquids must be taken through security in a clear plastic bag no larger than 20cm by 20cm. These are normally available for free at airport security terminals
- You can take one clear bag per person, so don’t bring too many liquids even if they’re in containers of less than 100ml
- If you use a lighter, you can take one onboard in the same clear plastic bag. Lighters are not allowed in hold luggage
- You’re not allowed to take containers of more than 100ml through security, even if they’re only partially full. The bag needs to be able to close and be sealed
Can I take alcohol on a plane?
Generally, you can take alcohol on a plane if you’re of legal drinking age. But there are some other important rules you need to know.
- Alcohol under 100ml: You can carry alcohol in containers of 100ml or less in your hand luggage if it fits in the clear plastic bag for liquids. The alcohol must be sealed in its original, unopened container
- Alcohol over 100ml: If you buy alcohol or any other liquids over 100ml after going through security, you’re allowed to take it on your flight. But the bottle or container must stay sealed in the secure, tamper-proof bag provided when you buy it
Some airlines might have their own restrictions on carrying alcohol, so always check before you travel. It’s also important to remember that you’re not allowed to drink your own alcohol on a plane. You can only consume the alcohol served by flight attendants.
Can I take food in my hand luggage?
Yes, you can usually take food in your hand luggage. Here’s some general guidance:
- Solid foods: You can bring most solid food in your hand luggage, such as sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, snacks and pre-packaged food
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods: Foods like soup or jam must be in containers of 100ml or less and fit in your clear plastic bag for liquids
- Baby food and milk: You can bring baby food, breast milk or formula in larger quantities than 100ml. It will be screened separately at security and might be tested
- Medical needs: If you need more than 100ml of liquid for medical reasons, you’ll need a prescription (if it is a prescription medicine) and a doctor’s note to bring it through security
There might be certain restrictions on meat, dairy and other animal products, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Always check the specific regulations depending on the countries you’re travelling between.
Taking medicines on a plane
Before deciding whether to pack your medicine in your hand luggage or hold luggage, you need to ensure that they’re not prohibited in the country you’re visiting. You might also need approval to travel with them.
If you’re taking prescription medications, contact the embassy of the country you’re travelling to. They may need to give you special permission to travel with medicines that are restricted in their country.
If you travel with medicines that are illegal in the country you’re visiting, even if they are common in the UK, the penalties can be severe. This also applies to over-the-counter medicines as well.
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Discuss with your doctor
Your GP or travel health specialist will be able to advise on whether you need immediate access to your medicine. If so, it’s no good if it’s bundled away in the hold.
Your doctor can also provide you with a valid prescription and a note explaining why you need the medicine or medical equipment. It’s a good idea to keep a digital copy in case the original gets lost.
Airport security may need to check that your medical equipment is safe for air travel so have your note ready when you’re going through the checks.
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Taking medicine in hand luggage
If you pack all the medicine you need for your trip in your hand luggage, you’ll be covered in case of delays or if your hold luggage goes missing
Whether you have a large amount or just a couple of pills, it’s important to keep your medication in its original packaging, correctly labelled, and matching your prescription. It’s also crucial to have a copy of your prescription.
You can then have a back-up supply in your hold luggage too, just in case.
If your medicine is a liquid over 100ml or a sharp, like a syringe or EpiPen, make sure you have the necessary documents ready for when you go through security. There are special rules to allow you to travel with medical equipment, so as long as you’ve got everything to hand you shouldn’t have a problem. It just may take a little longer at security. You can always contact your airline in advance to check for any special restrictions.
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Make sure you look after your wellbeing
Airlines are concerned with the wellbeing of vulnerable passengers. This can include elderly people, those with medical conditions, or anyone needing extra comfort for a host of reasons.
If you’ve recently had surgery or have any other requirements, let the airline know. They might be able to upgrade your seat.
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Controlled medication
Some medications are controlled substances, meaning that they are only legal in certain situations. Examples include anabolic steroids or painkillers containing opioids, like morphine or codeine. You might need a personal license to travel with these, which you can get from the Home Office. This process can take a little time, so apply at least 10 working days before your travel date. You’ll also need a note from your prescribing doctor explaining why you need the medicine. If you’re unsure, apply early to avoid any issues.
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Get travel insurance with good health cover
If you need to travel with prescription medicine, it’s especially important to have travel insurance that includes health cover to meet your needs. Before you buy a policy, read the details carefully so that you can pick the right cover for you. Keep in mind that you’ll have to complete a medical screening and disclose any medical conditions and medications you’re taking. You might also need to pay a little extra. If you don't, any medical claims you make could be rejected.
Can I take my gadgets and other tech on a plane?
Generally, you can bring small electronic devices such as laptops and tablets in your hand luggage without any issues. In the past, certain countries required electronics to be checked in but that rule has been lifted. At security, you might be asked to take any tech out of your bag and pass it through the scanner separately. pack your items in a way that lets you quickly access them. You might need special permission to take some electrical items, such as medical equipment, on flights. Talk to your airline and GP or consultant for more advice.
Now that you can travel internationally with as little as your phone and your passport, it’s important that your devices have enough battery life to last through your journey. Not all gadgets are essential, but they can help you have a more comfortable travel experience. Make sure your devices are fully charged and take your charger or power bank in your hand luggage.
Travel tech checklist
- Phone
- Chargers
- Country adaptors
- Portable battery pack
- Data bundle for the country you’re visiting or if your flight's delayed
- Noise-cancelling headphones, but make sure you don’t miss announcements
- Electric toothbrush (and less than 100ml of toothpaste)
Don't forget a pen and paper, too. They're important to remember in case all else fails.
Can I take my pets on a plane?
It’s not always easy or practical to find a place for your pets while you’re away, especially if you’re away on a long trip. And besides, you might want nothing more than your best friend by your side.
There are international rules and airline rules for transporting pets, so it’s important to know both.
Can my dog or cat fly in the cabin?
Whether your dog or cat can fly with you, and whether that’s in the cabin or the hold, depends on the airline.
It’s important to check their policies and costs before you book, if having your pet with you is essential for your trip. The government also has a list of airlines and airports that allow pets.
It’s common to see dogs in the cabin as some airlines relax their approach to pets onboard. Even those that don’t typically allow dogs in the cabin will usually make an exception for guide and other assistance dogs, which can often travel for free.
If your pet is able to fly, make sure you’re clear where you need to take them and when. If they’re flying in the hold, you may need to take them to a cargo rather than a passenger terminal.
International rules for travelling with pets:
- If you’re taking your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland, pet passports issued in the UK are no longer valid. Your pet will also need to be microchipped. They’ll also need to be vaccinated against rabies and recently treated for worms
- You’ll also need a valid animal health certificate (AHC), which you can get from your vet. It may take a few days to process, so the government recommends applying for your pet's AHC at least one month before you plan to travel
- Taking your pet outside of the EU will depend on the country you’re visiting. Contact the embassy of that country for information about what certifications your pet needs
- Make sure your pet has a suitable and comfortable carry case for the trip, whether they’re in the hold or the cabin. They’ll also need plenty of water
- Travelling in the hold, or even travelling at all, can be a traumatic experience for animals. Consider finding another way to get your pet to your destination that involves less discomfort and stress
- Pet insurance policies offer limited coverage for pet travel. However, this requires your pet to be allowed to travel. If you travel with your pet without the necessary approvals, you might invalidate your insurance
Baggage allowances
It’s all too easy to get stung by an unexpected fee for a bag that’s an inch too big for your hand luggage or a suitcase that’s a few grams too heavy for the hold.
Each airline will have a different set of allowances and restrictions for hold and hand luggage. These can vary from route to route and might change at short notice, as can charges for excess baggage.
Avoid any nasty surprises at the airport by knowing your luggage restrictions and double-checking your baggage allowance on your airline's website. Remember to pre-book any excess charges to make sure you always pay the lowest fees.
Hold luggage
You can put almost anything you own in the hold of a plane, including pets, bikes, musical instruments and even coffins. But remember, each airline has a strict set of restrictions for hold luggage allowances, which could end up costing you a lot of money if you ignore them.
Most airlines will let you check as many heavy bags as you like into the hold. But they will usually charge you an excess fee, which is always higher at the airport than online. If you’re planning on flying with a lot of hold luggage, make sure you pre-book your extra bags before you leave home. Most airlines let you do this when you book your ticket, and they often give you a second chance when you check in online.
If you’re flying with anything valuable in the hold, make sure it’s covered by your travel insurance policy. Special items, including golf clubs, skis and business equipment, might be listed as optional extras, so it’s worth checking that your policy schedule carefully. Look for golf equipment cover and ski cover before you pack.
Avoiding excess baggage allowance charges
To avoid paying extra for your hold baggage, follow the airlines rules carefully. At the airport, your checked bags will all be weighed and sometimes measured to make sure they meet the airline’s restrictions. Simply put, if you don’t want to pay for any extra baggage, don't bring any with you. Weigh your packed bags at home before you leave and make sure they’re not over the limit.
You can weigh a packed suitcase easily enough by buying a set of luggage scales, which is generally less than £5 online, and often available at airport shops. But don’t make the mistake of filling your suitcases right up to the weight limit. Leave some room if you plan on bringing back any gifts or souvenirs.
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