How Much Liquid Can I Take on A Plane?

Traveloka Team
23 May 2024 - 4 min read

Embarking on a journey, whether for leisure or business, often involves navigating through a labyrinth of airport regulations and guidelines. One such perplexing aspect for many travelers is the restrictions surrounding liquids on planes. How much liquid can one take on a plane? Why are there such stringent rules in place? These questions often linger in the minds of passengers as they prepare for their flights. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of liquid restrictions, shedding light on what you need to know before you jet off on your next adventure.

Understanding Liquid Restrictions

As you pack your bags and prepare for your upcoming flight, it's essential to be aware of what liquids you can and cannot bring on board. Airport security measures dictate that liquids must be packed in containers of no more than 100 milliliters (ml) each. These containers must then be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding one liter. This "one bag per passenger" rule aims to streamline the security screening process and ensure the safety of all travelers.

Why the Restrictions?

You might wonder why liquids over 100 ml are not allowed on planes. The primary reason behind these restrictions is security. Liquids have the potential to be used as components for explosive devices, posing a significant threat to aviation security. By limiting the volume of liquids that passengers can bring on board, airport authorities aim to mitigate this risk and enhance the safety of air travel for everyone.

Liquids Rule for Carry-On and Checked Bags

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It's important to note that the restrictions on liquids apply to both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. While you can pack larger quantities of liquids in your checked bags, they must still comply with certain regulations. For carry-on bags, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag. In checked baggage, larger containers of liquids are permitted, but it's advisable to pack them securely to prevent leakage or spillage during transit.

Restricted Liquids

So, what liquids are restricted on flights? The list includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Water and Beverages: This includes bottled water, soft drinks, juices, and other beverages.
Soups and Sauces: Liquid food items such as soups and sauces are also subject to liquid restrictions.
Perfumes and Cosmetics: Fragrances, perfumes, and liquid cosmetics fall under the restricted category.
Gels, Creams, and Lotions: Personal care products like gels, creams, lotions, and oils are subject to the restrictions.
Aerosols: Products packaged as aerosol sprays, such as hairspray and deodorants, are also restricted.

These restrictions apply to both carry-on luggage and checked baggage, although there may be some exceptions for items purchased from airport duty-free shops.

Maximum Allowable Volume

The maximum volume of liquid that each passenger can carry is 100 ml per container. This limitation applies to all liquids, gels, and aerosols, regardless of their purpose or intended use. Whether you're carrying a travel-sized bottle of shampoo or a tiny tube of toothpaste, ensuring that each container adheres to the 100 ml limit is crucial to avoid having your items confiscated at the security checkpoint.

Liquid Rules Exemptions

While the restrictions on liquids may seem stringent, there are exemptions for certain items. Passengers are permitted to carry duty-free liquids purchased from airport shops beyond the security checkpoint, provided they are packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Additionally, essential medicines and topical skin creams are allowed in quantities exceeding 100 ml, provided they are accompanied by a prescription or doctor's note. Baby food and milk are also exempt from the liquid restrictions, allowing parents to carry these essential items in quantities sufficient for the duration of the flight.

Duty-Free Liquids and Medication

Passengers are permitted to carry duty-free liquids purchased from airport shops beyond the security checkpoint, provided they are packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag. As for medication, essential medicines and topical skin creams are allowed in quantities exceeding 100 ml, provided they are accompanied by a prescription or doctor's note.

Baby Food and Milk

Traveling with infants or young children? Rest assured that baby food and milk are exempt from the liquid restrictions. Parents are allowed to carry these essential items in quantities sufficient for the duration of the flight, even if they exceed the 100 ml limit. However, be prepared to present these items for additional screening at the security checkpoint, as authorities may need to verify their contents.

3-1-1 Liquids Rule

The 3-1-1 liquids rule is a helpful guideline for travelers to remember when packing their carry-on bags. It stipulates that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding one liter, and each passenger is limited to one plastic bag. Adhering to this rule helps expedite the security screening process and ensures compliance with airport regulations. This rule is primarily enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. While other countries may have similar restrictions, you must familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the countries you'll be traveling to and from.

Tips for Packing Your Toiletries in Your Carry-On

When packing your toiletries in your carry-on bag, consider the following tips to ensure a smooth travel experience:

1.
Choose Travel-Sized Containers: Opt for travel-sized containers of toiletries to ensure they comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
2.
Use Leak-Proof Bottles: Invest in leak-proof travel bottles to prevent spills and leakage during transit.
3.
Pack Essentials Only: Pack only the essential toiletries you'll need for your journey to minimize the amount of liquid you carry.
4.
Consider Solid Alternatives: Consider using solid alternatives to liquid toiletries, such as solid shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets, to reduce the need for liquids in your carry-on bag.
5.
Place in Accessible Location: Place your toiletries in an easily accessible location within your carry-on bag to facilitate the security screening process.

Armed with this knowledge of liquid restrictions, you're now better equipped to prepare for your upcoming flight. Remember to pack your liquids carefully, ensuring that they comply with airport regulations to avoid any last-minute hiccups at the security checkpoint. With your travel essentials in tow, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that you're well-prepared for whatever the skies may hold.

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In This Article

• Understanding Liquid Restrictions
• Why the Restrictions?
• Liquids Rule for Carry-On and Checked Bags
• Restricted Liquids
• Maximum Allowable Volume
• Liquid Rules Exemptions
• 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
• Tips for Packing Your Toiletries in Your Carry-On

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Wed, 21 May 2025
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Manila (MNL) to Sydney (SYD)
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Bali / Denpasar (DPS) to Sydney (SYD)
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Fri, 23 May 2025
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Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Sydney (SYD)
Start from ₱ 6,280.64
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