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Can you take saline solution in hand luggage?

Short answer

Allowed in the cabin as a medical exception for eye care, nasal rinses, or wound care. Declare at security.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a medicine exception at airport security. Based on general aviation security guidance — rules can vary between airports.

What to do: Default to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag. Anything larger goes in checked luggage.

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

Triple-check

Security

Will saline solution pass the checkpoint?

Limited

Saline solution usually counts as a liquid, gel or paste — must fit the 100ml hand-luggage rule.

Source: DfT UK security guidance
Airline

Can saline solution travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Fine in cabin baggage within the 100ml rule, and fine in checked baggage if sealed.

Source: IATA passenger guidance
Border

Can you bring saline solution into the destination country?

Usually OK

Personal-use quantities are rarely a customs problem on most routes.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

In cabin baggage

Treated like contact lens solution — keep in the original bottle and put on the tray for inspection.

In checked luggage

Fine. Pack a backup in the hold.

Examples

Liquid Limits focuses on airport security and liquid-like travel items. Separate customs, import, airline, or destination laws may apply. For non-liquid items like plants, meat, weapons, cash, electronics, or luxury goods, check official customs guidance. What this site covers and doesn't cover.

Liquid Limits helps with airport security rules. Border and customs rules vary by destination, so always check official destination guidance before travelling internationally.

Check your airport liquid rule

Packing checklist for saline solution

A short checklist for this trip — pack what you need to stay within the rules above.

Packing checklist
Packing cubes

Keep food and gifts protected in your bag.

Packing checklist
Checked luggage

Bigger jars are safer in the hold.

Liquid Limits app — ad-free, saved trips, offline.

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