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Liquid Limits

Can you take toothpaste in hand luggage?

Short answer

Yes, but the tube must be 100ml/100g or smaller. A 75ml travel tube is the safest bet.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a paste 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 toothpaste pass the checkpoint?

Limited

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

Source: DfT UK security guidance
Airline

Can toothpaste 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 toothpaste 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

Counts as a paste. The 100ml-container rule applies to the size of the tube, not how much product is left inside — a half-empty 150ml tube still gets binned.

In checked luggage

No restriction in checked luggage.

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 toothpaste

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.

Toothpaste on specific routes

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

See all route-specific questions
Check this for your route All items Guides