Liquids you should never pack for a flight

Some liquids, gels and aerosols are restricted or forbidden in both cabin and checked baggage because they are classed as dangerous goods, hazardous materials or controlled substances. This is different from the normal 100ml liquid rule — and the consequences can be much more serious than losing your toiletries.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

At a glance

Security · Airline · Border

Security

Will this pass the checkpoint?

Check rules

Rules vary by airport — some still enforce 100ml, others now allow 2L containers in CT scanners.

Source: Airport operator pages

Airline

Can this travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Most airlines defer to airport security on liquids in the cabin.

Border

Can you bring this into the destination country?

Usually OK

Liquids themselves are rarely a customs issue — but contents (alcohol, dairy, CBD) might be.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

This is not the 100ml rule

Normal liquid limits cover personal toiletries — perfume, shampoo, toothpaste. Dangerous-goods rules cover flammable, corrosive, toxic, oxidising, pressurised or reactive substances. Even small amounts of these can be banned from BOTH cabin and checked baggage, regardless of container size.

Flammable liquids and aerosols

Petrol, lighter fluid, camping fuel, kerosene, paint thinner, turpentine, ethanol fuel, spray paint, butane and propane canisters. All forbidden in cabin and hold under IATA dangerous-goods rules.

Corrosive and toxic liquids

Bleach, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, strong acids, caustic soda, industrial descalers, pesticides, weed killer, formaldehyde, lab chemicals. Buy what you need at the destination instead.

High-proof alcohol

Spirits above 70% ABV (151-proof rum, some cask-strength whiskies, some absinthe) are banned from both bags under IATA rules. Between 24%–70% ABV, you may carry up to 5 litres per passenger in checked baggage in retail packaging.

Controlled substances can be illegal at the destination

CBD, THC, cannabis oil, cannabis edibles, hash oil and some prescription medicines are controlled or banned in many countries — even if they are legal where you bought them. A product that is legal at home can become a serious criminal matter on arrival or in transit. Always check destination and transit country guidance from the official government source.

Personal toiletries are different from industrial chemicals

Household-strength versions of some chemicals (low-percentage hydrogen peroxide for haircare, deodorant aerosols, low-concentration mouthwash) are allowed under the normal liquid rule. Industrial-strength equivalents are not. Read the label and the safety data sheet if in doubt.

Always check official airline and aviation guidance

The most reliable sources are your airline's dangerous-goods page, the IATA passenger guidance, and your national aviation authority (e.g. CAA, FAA, EASA). For controlled substances, also check the destination's customs and government travel advisory.

Rule of thumb

When in doubt for dangerous goods, do not pack it. Check official airline or aviation authority guidance before you travel.

FAQs

Can I pack a small amount in checked luggage to be safe?

No. The dangerous-goods ban applies to both cabin and checked baggage. Quantity does not change the classification.

What about CBD if it is legal where I live?

Where CBD is legal at every airport, transit country and destination on your itinerary, normal liquid rules apply. Where it is restricted or illegal at any point on the route, do not pack it. Use the CBD travel checker.

Check your trip