The short answer
Powders — protein, baby formula, ground coffee, spices, medication, makeup — are not restricted the same way liquids are at UK and EU airports. The exception is flights to the United States, where TSA and CBP require containers of loose powder over 12 ounces (roughly 350ml) to be placed in checked baggage or screened separately.
The 12oz / 350ml US powder rule only applies to flights INTO the US. Domestic US flights and non-US destinations aren't affected.
Powder rules by region
| Region | Powder limit in cabin | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK | No specific limit | Powders may be swabbed or screened separately |
| EU / Schengen | No specific limit | Same as UK — screening is discretionary |
| US (flights TO US) | Loose powder max 12oz / 350ml | Larger amounts should go in checked baggage |
| US (domestic) | No specific limit | Screening still discretionary |
| Australia (int'l inbound) | Inorganic powders 350ml max | Organic powders (flour, sugar) exempt |
What counts as a powder
- Protein powder, pre-workout, creatine
- Baby formula and powdered milk (also covered by baby-milk exemptions)
- Ground coffee, tea, spices, salt
- Powdered medication and supplements
- Loose face powder, foundation, dry shampoo (aerosol form is treated as a liquid)
- Sand and bath salts
How to pack powders to avoid delays
- Keep powders in their original labelled retail container where possible
- For flights to the US, decant anything over 12oz / 350ml into checked baggage
- Put large powder tubs in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag in case screeners want to remove them
- Expect a swab test on protein tubs and any tin-like container that blocks the X-ray
Powders that are treated as liquids
Anything sold as an aerosol, spray, gel or paste — dry shampoo, spray deodorant, gel eyeliner — counts as a liquid, not a powder, and must follow the 100ml (or local) liquid rule. Sunscreen sticks and solid deodorants are treated as solids.