Liquids

Liquids

Since 6 November 2006 passengers have been permitted to carry under 100ml of fluid when they are stored in individual containers. The containers must then be packed into one transparent re-sealable plastic bag of no more than 1 litre capacity per passenger.

To help protect you against any threat of liquid explosives, the European Union (EU) has adopted security rules that restrict the amount of liquids that you can take through security checkpoints. These rules apply to all passengers departing from airports in the EU whatever their destination. This means that, at security checkpoints, you and your hand luggage must be checked for liquids in addition to other prohibited articles. However, these rules do not limit the liquids that you can buy at shops located beyond the point where you show your boarding pass or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline.

While packing:

You are only allowed to take small quantities of liquids in your hand luggage. These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. You must pack these containers in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per passenger (see photo attached).

At the airport To help screeners detect liquids, you must:

  • present all liquids separately and as described above to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination;
  • take off your jacket and/or coat and belts. These will be screened separately whilst you are screened
  • remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices from your hand luggage. They will be screened separately whilst you are screened

Liquids include:

  • water and other drinks
  • soups and syrups
  • creams, lotions and oils
  • perfumes and sprays
  • gels, including hair and shower gels
  • contents of pressurised containers; including shaving foam, other foams and deodorants
  • pastes, including toothpaste
  • liquid-solid mixtures
  • mascara
  • any other item of similar consistency
  • any other liquid item which the security officer may have a concern with

What does not change?

You can still:

  • pack liquids in bags that you check in to the hold of an aircraft – the liquids restrictions only affect hand luggage;
  • carry in your hand luggage medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, for use during the trip. If carrying liquid medicines over 100 ml You are required to produce proof  to security staff that they are needed.  Proof may be in the form of a doctor’s letter or prescription.   You may be asked to taste baby milk by the security officer.
  • buy liquids such as drinks and perfumes; either in an EU airport shop when located beyond the point where you show your boarding pass or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline. If they are sold in a special sealed bag, do not open it before you are screened – otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the checkpoint. (If you transfer at an EU airport, do not open the bag before screening at your airport of transfer, or at the last one if you transfer more than once)

All these liquids are additional to the quantities in the re-sealable plastic bag mentioned above.

If you have any doubts, please ask your airline or travel agent in advance of travel. Please be courteous and cooperate with airport security and airline staff during any screening/searching process.  They are doing this for everyone’s safety and security.