Item check · Cabin liquids

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.

Read: Liquids you should never pack for a flight →

Perfume
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Cologne
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Perfume oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Moisturiser
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Face cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Eye cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Serum
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Vitamin C serum
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Retinol
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Sunscreen
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Aftersun
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Aloe vera gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Body lotion
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Hand cream
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Cleansing balm
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Cleansing oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Micellar water
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Toner
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Shampoo
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Conditioner
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Hair mask
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Hair gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Hair wax
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Paste
Pomade
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Paste
Dry 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.
Aerosol
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.
Aerosol
Roll-on deodorant
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Spray 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.
Aerosol
Foundation
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Concealer
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Liquid blush
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Liquid highlighter
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Mascara
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Lip gloss
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Setting 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.
Aerosol
Nail polish
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Nail polish remover
Counts as a liquid AND is flammable. Container limit applies in the cabin; check airline rules for the hold.
Liquid
Lash glue
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Fake tan
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Tanning 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.
Aerosol
Beard oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Shaving 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.
Aerosol
Shaving gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Toothpaste
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Paste
Mouthwash
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Aerosols
Aerosol — counts as a liquid in the cabin. Container limit applies. Personal-care aerosols allowed in the hold up to 500ml each / 2kg total.
Aerosol
Olive 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 gel
Truffle 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 gel
Chilli 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 gel
Balsamic 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 gel
Honey
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 gel
Jam
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 gel
Marmalade
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 gel
Lemon 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 gel
Nutella
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 gel
Chocolate 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 gel
Peanut 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 gel
Tahini
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 gel
Hummus
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 gel
Tzatziki
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 gel
Pesto
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 gel
Aioli
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 gel
Mayonnaise
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 gel
Mustard
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 gel
Hot 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 gel
Sriracha
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 gel
Curry 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 gel
Miso 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 gel
Fish 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 gel
Soy 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 gel
Maple 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 gel
Molasses
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 gel
Dulce 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 gel
Clotted 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 gel
Soft 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 gel
Burrata
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 gel
Ricotta
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 gel
Yoghurt
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 gel
Kefir
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 gel
Soup
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 gel
Custard
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 gel
Canned 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 gel
Olives 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 gel
Pickles 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 gel
Kimchi
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 gel
Salad 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 gel
Sauces
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 gel
Water bottle
Liquid. Empty before security or refill after.
Liquid
Wine
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 case
Champagne
Same as wine — over-limit bottles must go in the hold or duty-free sealed STEB.
Check destination rules
Special case
Prosecco
Same as wine — over-limit bottles must go in the hold or duty-free sealed STEB.
Check destination rules
Special case
Beer
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 case
Spirits
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
Special case
Miniatures
50ml minis fit the 100ml liquid rule, but the airline may still object to drinking your own onboard.
Liquid
Duty free alcohol
Allowed in cabin if sealed in a tamper-evident STEB bag with the receipt — transfer rules vary at connections.
Special case
Duty free perfume
Allowed in cabin if sealed in a STEB bag with receipt. Check transfer rules if connecting.
Special case
Protein 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 gel
Protein 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.
Food gel
Energy drink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Smoothie
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 gel
Coffee
Hot or cold coffee in a cup is a liquid. Drink before security or buy airside.
Liquid
Bubble tea
Liquid plus tapioca pearls — still a liquid for security. Drink before screening or buy airside.
Liquid
Matcha latte
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Medicine
Essential medicines may be allowed above the container limit. Bring a prescription or doctor's note and declare at security.
Check destination rules
Medicine
Liquid medicine
May exceed the container limit. Keep in the original labelled bottle and declare at security.
Medicine
Cough syrup
Usually treated as a medical exception when essential. Keep in the labelled bottle and declare at the tray.
Medicine
Contact lens solution
Often allowed above the container limit as a medical item. Bring the original bottle and declare it.
Medicine
Saline solution
Treated as a medical item when needed for eyes, nasal rinses, or wound care. Declare at security.
Medicine
Baby food
Allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant. Be ready to taste or open at security.
Baby
Baby milk
Allowed in reasonable quantities when travelling with an infant. Be ready to open at security.
Baby
Breast milk
Usually allowed above the container limit even without the baby present, though local rules vary. Declare at security.
Baby
Snow globe
Contains liquid. Usually only allowed in the cabin if the whole globe fits inside the liquid limit — check before flying.
Special case
Lava lamp
Large liquid-filled item. Almost never allowed in the cabin — pack carefully in the hold, wrap the bulb.
Special case
Slime
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Putty
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Kinetic 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 case
Water beads
Dry beads are not liquids; hydrated beads are. Either way they confuse the scanner — pack in a clear bag.
Special case
Gel 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.
Gel
Reusable freezer pack
Same as gel ice packs — counts as a gel unless paired with essential medical / baby items.
Gel
Lube
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Massage oil
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Essential oils
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Holy water
Holy or blessed — still a liquid to security. The container limit applies.
Liquid
Sourdough 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 gel
Kombucha 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 gel
Fountain pen ink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Tattoo ink
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Paint
Counts as a liquid. Some oil and solvent-based paints are flammable and banned from both bags — check the label.
Liquid
Watercolour tubes
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Paste
Glue
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Superglue
Counts as a liquid. Small tubes are fine in the cabin; large quantities of solvent-based adhesive may be restricted.
Liquid
Resin
Liquid resin and epoxy may be flammable or hazardous depending on type. Check the data sheet — some grades are banned from both bags.
Special case
Epoxy
See resin — many epoxies are dangerous goods. Check the airline.
Special case
Vape 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.
Liquid
Bubble solution
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Glitter gel
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Gel
Fake blood
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Stage makeup
Security usually treats this as a liquid, gel, or paste. The airport container limit applies.
Liquid
Pepper spray
Banned from cabin and hold by most airlines and many countries.
Restricted
Bear spray
Banned from cabin and hold — classed as a hazardous aerosol/dangerous good.
Never pack
Petrol
Flammable liquid. Do not pack in cabin or checked luggage.
Never pack
Lighter fluid
Flammable liquid. Generally banned from both bags.
Never pack
Camping fuel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Kerosene
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Diesel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Paint thinner
Flammable solvent. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Turpentine
Flammable solvent. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Solvent
Most industrial solvents are flammable dangerous goods. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Methanol
Flammable and toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Ethanol fuel
Flammable liquid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Flammable varnish
Flammable. Check the data sheet — most solvent-based varnishes are banned from both bags.
Never pack
Flammable wood stain
Flammable. Most solvent-based stains are banned from both bags.
Never pack
Bleach
Corrosive. Do not pack in cabin or checked luggage.
Never pack
Drain cleaner
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Oven cleaner
Corrosive/caustic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Hydrochloric acid
Strong acid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Sulphuric acid
Strong acid. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Battery acid
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Caustic soda
Strongly corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Industrial descaler
Corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Rust remover
Often acidic/corrosive. Check the label — most grades are banned from both bags.
Never pack
Corrosive toilet cleaner
If the label warns corrosive, it is banned from both bags.
Never pack
Pesticide
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Weed killer
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Insecticide concentrate
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Liquid rodent poison
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Toxic lab chemicals
Do not pack lab reagents. Use a licensed dangerous-goods shipper.
Never pack
Formaldehyde
Toxic preservative. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Veterinary poisons
Toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Pool chlorine
Oxidiser. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
High-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 pack
Chemical oxygen generator
Hazardous. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Strong disinfectant concentrate
Industrial concentrate may be corrosive or toxic. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Liquid fertiliser
Many liquid fertilisers are oxidising or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Industrial peroxide
Oxidiser. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Two-part resin hardener
Many hardeners are reactive or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Spray paint
Flammable aerosol. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Fire extinguisher
Pressurised cylinder. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Butane canister
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Propane canister
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Gas refill
Pressurised flammable gas. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Industrial aerosol
Non-toiletry industrial aerosols are usually flammable or corrosive. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Alcohol over 70% ABV
Spirits above 70% ABV are banned from both cabin and checked luggage under IATA rules.
Never pack
151-proof rum
75.5% ABV — over the 70% airline limit. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
Grain alcohol
Most grain alcohol is over 70% ABV and banned from both bags.
Never pack
Rectified spirits
Typically over 70% ABV. Banned from both bags.
Never pack
THC oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
Cannabis oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
Cannabis tincture
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
Cannabis edibles
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
THC vape liquid
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
Hash oil
Controlled substance in most countries. Check official guidance before travel.
Controlled substance risk
Prescription cannabis
Even with a home-country prescription, importing cannabis is illegal in many destinations. Check destination and transit rules.
Controlled substance risk
CBD oil
Legal status depends on destination, transit country, and THC content. Use the CBD travel checker.
Do not pack
Controlled substance risk
CBD gummies
Legal status depends on destination, transit country, and THC content. Use the CBD travel checker.
Controlled substance risk
Blood samples
Diagnostic specimens require airline approval and packaging that meets IATA biological-substance rules.
Airline approval
Infectious biological specimens
Category A/B infectious substances require a licensed dangerous-goods shipper — not passenger baggage.
Never pack
Unknown lab samples
If you cannot identify and classify it under IATA dangerous-goods rules, do not fly with it.
Never pack
Preserved specimens in formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is toxic/flammable. Specimens preserved in it are not allowed in passenger baggage.
Never pack
Medical waste
Regulated medical waste requires a specialist carrier — not passenger baggage.
Never pack

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.