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Liquid Limits

Can you take sunscreen in hand luggage?

Short answer

Yes, in containers up to 100ml in your cabin bag. For a beach holiday, buy a full bottle at the destination — cheaper than buying duty-free and saves your liquids allowance.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a gel 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 sunscreen pass the checkpoint?

Limited

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

Source: DfT UK security guidance
Airline

Can sunscreen 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 sunscreen 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

Full-size bottles travel happily in the hold. Cap can pop in heat — bag it.

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 sunscreen

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.

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

Sunscreen on specific routes

Border and customs rules change by country. Pick the closest match to your trip.

See all route-specific questions

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