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Can you take shampoo in hand luggage?

Short answer

Yes, in containers up to 100ml in your cabin bag. Full-size bottles go in the hold.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a liquid 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.

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Full plane rules
Can I take shampoo on a plane?
Cabin · checked · customs — every angle in one page.

Triple-check

Security

Will shampoo pass the checkpoint?

Limited

Shampoo counts as a liquid, gel or paste — cabin containers must be 100ml or less inside your 1L clear bag.

Source: DfT UK security guidance
Airline

Can shampoo travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

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

Source: IATA passenger guidance
Border

Can you bring shampoo 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

Most airports treat this as a liquid. The standard rule is containers up to 100ml, all fitting inside a single 1-litre clear plastic bag, with one bag per passenger. A few airports with new CT scanners (e.g. London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Bristol) allow containers up to 2 litres — but you cannot count on it both ways.

In checked luggage

No restriction. Tape the lid and bag the bottle — pressure can pop seals.

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 shampoo

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

Packing checklist
100ml travel bottles

Decant into 100ml bottles for the cabin.

Packing checklist
Clear toiletry bag

Standard 1-litre clear bag for security.

Packing checklist
Leakproof bottle pouch

Double-bag in case of pressure leaks.

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