Can I take this?
Search common items. We'll tell you how security treats them.
Weird things people ask about
Liquids you should not pack
Some liquids, gels and aerosols are classed as dangerous goods or controlled substances. Do not pack these in cabin or checked baggage unless official airline/aviation guidance explicitly allows it.
- LiquidPerfume
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidCologne
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidPerfume oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelMoisturiser
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelFace cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelEye cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelSerum
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelVitamin C serum
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelRetinol
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelSunscreen
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelAftersun
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelAloe vera gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelBody lotion
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelHand cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelCleansing balm
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidCleansing oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidMicellar water
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidToner
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidShampoo
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidConditioner
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelHair mask
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelHair gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- PasteHair wax
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- PastePomade
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolDry shampoo
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- AerosolDeodorant
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- LiquidRoll-on deodorant
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolSpray deodorant
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- LiquidFoundation
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidConcealer
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidLiquid blush
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidLiquid highlighter
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidMascara
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelLip gloss
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolSetting spray
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- LiquidNail polish
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidNail polish remover
Counts as a liquid AND is flammable. Container limit applies in the cabin; check airline rules for the hold.
- LiquidLash glue
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidFake tan
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolTanning mousse
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- LiquidBeard oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolShaving foam
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- GelShaving gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- PasteToothpaste
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidMouthwash
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- AerosolAerosols
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
- Food gelOlive oil
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelTruffle oil
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelChilli oil
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelBalsamic glaze
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelHoney
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelJam
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMarmalade
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelLemon curd
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelNutella
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelChocolate spread
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelPeanut butter
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelTahini
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelHummus
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelTzatziki
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelPesto
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelAioli
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMayonnaise
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMustard
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelHot sauce
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelSriracha
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelCurry paste
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMiso paste
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelFish sauce
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelSoy sauce
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMaple syrup
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelMolasses
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelDulce de leche
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelClotted cream
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelSoft cheese
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelBurrata
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelRicotta
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelYoghurt
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelKefir
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
Domestic only - Food gelSoup
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelCustard
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelCanned sardines in oil
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelOlives in brine
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelPickles in brine
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelKimchi
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelSalad dressing
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelSauces
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- LiquidWater bottle
Liquid. Empty before security or refill after.
- Special caseWine
Bottled alcohol over the container limit can't go in the cabin unless duty-free in a sealed STEB. In the hold: alcohol up to 24% ABV no limit; 24–70% capped at 5L per passenger; over 70% banned.
Check destination rules - Special caseChampagne
Same as wine — over-limit bottles must go in the hold or duty-free sealed STEB.
Check destination rules - Special caseProsecco
Same as wine — over-limit bottles must go in the hold or duty-free sealed STEB.
Check destination rules - Special caseBeer
Cans/bottles over the cabin limit must go in the hold. Most beer is under 24% ABV so no checked quantity limit, but airlines may set their own.
Check destination rules - Special caseSpirits
24–70% ABV capped at 5L total in the hold. Over 70% ABV (e.g. cask-strength, some absinthe) banned entirely. Buy duty-free for cabin.
Check destination rules - LiquidMiniatures
50ml minis fit the 100ml liquid rule, but the airline may still object to drinking your own onboard.
- Special caseDuty free alcohol
Allowed in cabin if sealed in a tamper-evident STEB bag with the receipt — transfer rules vary at connections.
- Special caseDuty free perfume
Allowed in cabin if sealed in a STEB bag with receipt. Check transfer rules if connecting.
- Food gelProtein shake
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelProtein gel
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- LiquidEnergy drink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- Food gelSmoothie
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- LiquidCoffee
Hot or cold coffee in a cup is a liquid. Drink before security or buy airside.
- LiquidBubble tea
Liquid plus tapioca pearls — still a liquid for security. Drink before screening or buy airside.
- LiquidMatcha latte
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- MedicineMedicine
Essential medicines may be allowed above the container limit. Bring a prescription or doctor's note and declare at security.
Check destination rules - MedicineLiquid medicine
May exceed the container limit. Keep in the original labelled bottle and declare at security.
- MedicineCough syrup
Usually treated as a medical exception when essential. Keep in the labelled bottle and declare at the tray.
- MedicineContact lens solution
Often allowed above the container limit as a medical item. Bring the original bottle and declare it.
- MedicineSaline solution
Treated as a medical item when needed for eyes, nasal rinses, or wound care. Declare at security.
- BabyBaby food
Allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant. Be ready to taste or open at security.
- BabyBaby milk
Allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant. Be ready to open at security.
- BabyBreast milk
Usually allowed above the container limit even without the baby present, though local rules vary. Declare at security.
- Special caseSnow globe
Contains liquid. Usually only allowed in the cabin if the whole globe fits inside the liquid limit — check before flying.
- Special caseLava lamp
Large liquid-filled item. Almost never allowed in the cabin — pack carefully in the hold, wrap the bulb.
- GelSlime
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelPutty
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- Special caseKinetic sand
Not a liquid, but security may flag it on the scanner because of how dense it looks. Pack in a clear bag, expect a swab.
- Special caseWater beads
Dry beads are not liquids; hydrated beads are. Either way they confuse the scanner — pack in a clear bag.
- GelGel ice pack
Counts as a gel in the cabin unless used to keep an essential medicine or baby item cold — then it may be a medical exception. Frozen-solid packs are sometimes treated differently; check the airport.
- GelReusable freezer pack
Same as gel ice packs — counts as a gel unless paired with essential medical / baby items.
- GelLube
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidMassage oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidEssential oils
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidHoly water
Holy or blessed — still a liquid to security. The container limit applies.
- Food gelSourdough starter
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- Food gelKombucha starter
May be treated as a liquid, gel, paste, or spread at airport security. If it is over the airport's cabin liquid limit, pack it in checked luggage.
- LiquidFountain pen ink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidTattoo ink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidPaint
Counts as a liquid. Some oil and solvent-based paints are flammable and banned from both bags — check the label.
- PasteWatercolour tubes
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidGlue
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidSuperglue
Counts as a liquid. Small tubes are fine in the cabin; large quantities of solvent-based adhesive may be restricted.
- Special caseResin
Liquid resin and epoxy may be flammable or hazardous depending on type. Check the data sheet — some grades are banned from both bags.
- Special caseEpoxy
See resin — many epoxies are dangerous goods. Check the airline.
- LiquidVape liquid
Counts as a liquid in the cabin (container limit applies). Vape devices and spare batteries must travel in the cabin, never in the hold.
- LiquidBubble solution
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- GelGlitter gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidFake blood
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- LiquidStage makeup
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
- RestrictedPepper spray
Banned from cabin and hold by most airlines and many countries.
- Never packBear spray
Banned from cabin and hold — classed as a hazardous aerosol/dangerous good.
- Never packPetrol
Flammable liquid. Do not pack in cabin or checked luggage.
- Never packLighter fluid
Flammable liquid. Generally banned from both bags.
- Never packCamping fuel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packKerosene
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packDiesel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packPaint thinner
Flammable solvent. Banned from both bags.
- Never packTurpentine
Flammable solvent. Banned from both bags.
- Never packSolvent
Most industrial solvents are flammable dangerous goods. Banned from both bags.
- Never packMethanol
Flammable and toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packEthanol fuel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packFlammable varnish
Flammable. Check the data sheet — most solvent-based varnishes are banned from both bags.
- Never packFlammable wood stain
Flammable. Most solvent-based stains are banned from both bags.
- Never packBleach
Corrosive. Do not pack in cabin or checked luggage.
- Never packDrain cleaner
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packOven cleaner
Corrosive/caustic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packHydrochloric acid
Strong acid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packSulphuric acid
Strong acid. Banned from both bags.
- Never packBattery acid
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packCaustic soda
Strongly corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packIndustrial descaler
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packRust remover
Often acidic/corrosive. Check the label — most grades are banned from both bags.
- Never packCorrosive toilet cleaner
If the label warns corrosive, it is banned from both bags.
- Never packPesticide
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packWeed killer
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packInsecticide concentrate
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packLiquid rodent poison
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packToxic lab chemicals
Do not pack lab reagents. Use a licensed dangerous-goods shipper.
- Never packFormaldehyde
Toxic preservative. Banned from both bags.
- Never packVeterinary poisons
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packPool chlorine
Oxidiser. Banned from both bags.
- Never packHigh-strength hydrogen peroxide
Oxidiser above household strength is banned from both bags. Low-concentration personal-care peroxide may be allowed under the liquid rule — check the label.
- Never packChemical oxygen generator
Hazardous. Banned from both bags.
- Never packStrong disinfectant concentrate
Industrial concentrate may be corrosive or toxic. Banned from both bags.
- Never packLiquid fertiliser
Many liquid fertilisers are oxidising or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packIndustrial peroxide
Oxidiser. Banned from both bags.
- Never packTwo-part resin hardener
Many hardeners are reactive or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packSpray paint
Flammable aerosol. Banned from both bags.
- Never packFire extinguisher
Pressurised cylinder. Banned from both bags.
- Never packButane canister
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
- Never packPropane canister
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
- Never packGas refill
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
- Never packIndustrial aerosol
Non-toiletry industrial aerosols are usually flammable or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
- Never packAlcohol over 70% ABV
Spirits above 70% ABV are banned from both cabin and checked luggage under IATA rules.
- Never pack151-proof rum
75.5% ABV — over the 70% airline limit. Banned from both bags.
- Never packGrain alcohol
Most grain alcohol is over 70% ABV and banned from both bags.
- Never packRectified spirits
Typically over 70% ABV. Banned from both bags.
- Controlled substance riskTHC oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskCannabis oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskCannabis tincture
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskCannabis edibles
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskTHC vape liquid
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskHash oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
- Controlled substance riskPrescription cannabis
Even with a home-country prescription, importing cannabis is illegal in many destinations. Check destination and transit rules.
- Controlled substance riskCBD oil
Legal status depends on destination, transit country, and THC content. Use the CBD travel checker.
Do not pack - Controlled substance riskCBD gummies
Legal status depends on destination, transit country, and THC content. Use the CBD travel checker.
- Airline approvalBlood samples
Diagnostic specimens require airline approval and packaging that meets IATA biological-substance rules.
- Never packInfectious biological specimens
Category A/B infectious substances require a licensed dangerous-goods shipper — not passenger baggage.
- Never packUnknown lab samples
If you cannot identify and classify it under IATA dangerous-goods rules, do not fly with it.
- Never packPreserved specimens in formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is toxic/flammable. Specimens preserved in it are not allowed in passenger baggage.
- Never packMedical waste
Regulated medical waste requires a specialist carrier — not passenger baggage.
LiquidLimits.com is a travel planning tool, not an official airport or government source. Rules can change between trips and between terminals. Always check the official airport or aviation security guidance before you travel, and when in doubt pack to the stricter 100ml cabin-bag rule.