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How much liquid can be carried in hand luggage. How much water can you take on a plane

Aircraft passengers are often faced with the situation when, before boarding the liner, during the inspection process, drinking water and other drinks intended to quench their thirst are confiscated from them. But not everyone knows that this is done for the safety of air travel. There is a worldwide legal regulation, according to which it is forbidden to bring your own drinking drinks on board. The same document regulates the rules for the carriage of any other liquids. To understand whether it is possible to take water on an airplane in hand luggage, you should understand the reasons for such legislative decisions.

How much water can you take in hand luggage

Any airline has clear rules regarding the carriage of liquids on board an aircraft in hand luggage. These rules also apply to the transport of water. To avoid unpleasant situations, you need to know three important points:

  1. On board the liner it is allowed to carry liquids in containers with a volume of not more than 100 ml. The total volume should not exceed 1 liter. That is, theoretically, you can carry 10 bottles of water with a volume of 100 ml without violating the rules.
  2. It is forbidden to carry your drinks and food on board the airliner in any way (in your purse, hand luggage, in your hands).
  3. Water and other liquids (even alcohol) purchased in the duty-free zone (Duty Free) can be carried in hand luggage, provided that the integrity of the package is preserved. The rules of paragraph 1 and weight restrictions do not apply to such products (you can take on board, for example, mineral water in a 1.5-liter bottle).

Products that were allowed to be carried in hand luggage must be packed appropriately: tightly closed containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag with a zipper. You can put all the containers allowed for transportation in a common package (but not more than 10 pieces).

Important! During the inspection, security officers have the right to check what you are carrying. Therefore, access to liquids must be free.

During the screening, the airport employee will definitely ask you to get rid of the open bottles that you have in your hands, or the excess volume of liquids if the allowed rate is exceeded. For example, if a perfume was found in your purse, the volume of the bottle of which is 150 ml, your arguments that there is less than half will not convince the examiners to let you through. The bottle will have to be thrown away, even if there are 70 or 50 ml of perfume left in it. If you have a bottle of water in your hands, you will have to throw it into the bin during the inspection, or drink it on the spot.

An exception is provided only for passengers with children. They are allowed to bring baby food and drinks into the salon. The law does not regulate what is included in these concepts, therefore, in practice, parents of babies freely carry drinks, cookies, and chocolates with them. The amount allowed is determined by the airport staff at their discretion. It is clear that you are unlikely to be allowed to take two one and a half liter bottles, but 2-3 bottles of 0.5 each can be carried calmly.

Why you can't take water on a plane

Strict restrictions on the transport of liquids were established in 2006 after the capture of a group of terrorists who tried to stage a large-scale terrorist attack using liquid bombs. According to members of the security services, then it was planned to blow up about 20 aircraft.

Water is the ideal solvent. Therefore, in liquid form, attackers can transport poisonous substances, flammable solutions, and various reagents for creating explosives. To make a full-fledged bomb, more than 1 liter of liquid is required. That is why the current rules have been established.

According to intelligence agencies, explosives made from water with a volume of less than 1 liter are not capable of causing a large-scale fire. Modern aircraft are equipped with fire-fighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, which can quite quickly help to eliminate local fires in a timely manner.

Is it possible to carry water in the luggage of the plane

There are no clauses in the requirements of airlines prohibiting the transport of water as baggage, and there are also no restrictions on its volume. If you do not ask the question of the appropriateness of this action, it can be assumed that you can carry water in your luggage in an amount that meets the established weight standards. If the airline has a weight limit for one piece of baggage of 23 kg, then so much liquid can be carried. The question "why carry 23 kg" remains open.

But you can find reasons for carrying a small amount of water in your luggage. For example, a person decided to bring local medicinal mineral water to foreign relatives. Or a passenger on a transit flight with a transfer does not want to spend money on buying a drink at the airport, since prices there can be very high, or he simply will not have the right currency.

Thus, the ban on carrying water on board the aircraft is related to flight safety issues, and not the intention of local merchants at the airport or duty free zone to cash in on passengers, as many assume. There is no need to bring drinks with you on board, as drinks are offered without fail, even if meals are not provided during the flight. No one forbids bringing a bottle with you to the airport, but you cannot carry it on board the aircraft. Therefore, when planning a flight by plane, calculate the time of connections and expectations, and make sure that thirst does not overtake you at the most unexpected moment.

To begin with, let's figure out what hand luggage is in general, and why airlines impose such serious requirements on it.

Hand luggage is a small bag, suitcase or backpack that a passenger takes with him on board the aircraft without checking it in the luggage department. All airlines have strict regulations that this baggage must comply with.

The dimensions of hand luggage for both low-cost airlines and expensive companies are the same - it is about 50 x 40 x 20 centimeters. Weight at the same time - from 5 to 10 kilograms. Such numbers appeared for a reason. In most aircraft, the compartments for this luggage are located directly above the heads of passengers - they are located approximately the same as in any bus. The compartment runs along the entire length of the aircraft and is divided into equal parts. Each of them should fit three bags - one for each passenger.

If someone puts too much bag in this compartment, then there is no room left for other people. Things have to be put in the legs or the aisle - an hour-long flight in this position can be tolerated, but a ten-hour flight is already very difficult.

How much liquid can I take in hand luggage?

You can take one liter of liquid on the plane, which must be packaged in separate containers with a volume of 100 ml.

It is important to know that in airplanes, the word “liquid” is understood not only directly as water, juices, tea or other drinks. This also includes perfumes, eau de toilette, creams, oils, varnishes, scrubs and dozens of other cosmetic products.

In many stores today, you can easily buy special kits for transporting liquid on an airplane. They usually include containers for everything that we usually take with us on the road. Such kits are made of transparent plastic and immediately packed in a cosmetic bag for easy transportation.

Another option is to buy a travel kit of cosmetics, such as most large companies have. This is very convenient if you do not need any specific tools. Cosmetics are already packed according to all standards, it does not need to be poured.

Low-cost airlines are the most attentive to the issues of compliance with all norms. For any excess, they have quite large fines, so luggage is checked very carefully.

This restriction does not apply to products that were purchased in the free trade zone - duty free. All goods from there, including water, perfume and alcohol, can be carried on the plane. But remember that if you have planned transfers along the way, then problems may arise with these products as well - it is better to clarify all the information on this matter in advance.

Can there be exceptions?

The plane is the safest transport in the world. This security is largely due to the strictest rules, from which practically no exceptions are made. It is useless to quarrel with airport employees and try to return the seized - the most aggressive passengers can be detained and then you simply will not fly anywhere.

An exception can be made only in case of vital necessity - if it is a medicine or other liquid that is urgently needed by a sick person. Even in this case, you need to prepare and get a certificate from the doctor in advance that the patient really needs this drug.

Also on board are sometimes allowed to take special water, baby food or medicine for children. However, this issue is resolved in each specific case separately and often directly depends on the airport employee who conducts the inspection.

What is generally forbidden to take in hand luggage?

The list of things that are forbidden to take on a plane is actually rather big. In fact, airport employees have all the powers to take anything from you. The only reason is that the item could in any way harm the passengers or crew.

  • All that burns are explosives or those that catch fire quickly and easily.
  • Any kind of flammable fuel, such as diesel and gasoline.
  • Paint thinners, directly paints;
  • Alkalis, acids, poisons, other chemicals that are toxic, caustic or corrosive.
  • It is forbidden to take any canned food on the plane, even if their volume does not exceed 100 ml;
  • Radioactive substances, mercury, chlorine and other components that can evaporate toxic fumes;
  • Alcoholic drinks or other liquids that contain more than 70% alcohol;
  • Gas cartridges;
  • Firearms, their models and even toy copies. Even if the owner has permission and all documents with him, such items still need to be checked in. Models and toys are subject to this rule for safety and peace of mind on board;
  • Any kind of fireworks, lists, lighters, ammunition;

Important! Before collecting, check again if the country you are traveling to has its own rules regarding baggage. Some states have rather strange restrictions on the import and export of various substances. Such nuances are not reported when buying a ticket, so it is better to find them out on your own. All these rules are created solely for the safety of passengers, so do not be offended by harsh rules - they minimize the risk that something will go wrong on board.

Detailed information about all the nuances of transporting liquids on airplanes can be found in the videos on YouTube. Here is one of them -

Travelers who are going to fly by plane must know and strictly comply with the rules and regulations for carrying liquids in hand luggage. These rules are quite similar for all airlines in the world (with the exception of a few nuances). Some carriers may have small deviations and indulgences for domestic flights. Let's study in detail how much liquid you can take on an airplane in hand luggage.

In total, you can carry no more than one liter of liquid in hand luggage (do not confuse this concept with luggage). Containers containing it should not exceed 100 ml. That is, you will not be allowed to take a 200-gram tube of suntan cream on board, even if there is only a third of it left.

The traveler can take on board the aircraft no more than one liter of liquid. All tubes should be stored in one transparent plastic bag with a zipper. Packages are commercially available (usually their dimensions are approximately 200 by 200 mm). A plastic bag with containers and tubes is presented by the passenger when passing through the counter (it is inspected by Security Service). Security officials have different attitudes towards liquids - some will just glance at your package, some will make you open the containers to make sure there are no contraband or prohibited items. Be prepared for this.

Note: If you want to avoid delays and missing your flight, store liquids in containers with the indicated volume. The airport security service will not have any claims against you.

For liquids, you can buy a special “flight” kit— it is sold in the respective shops. It is very convenient - plastic translucent containers marked by volume will not cause any questions from customs officers. You can take baby food with you (it does not need to be put in a bag, as it is personal items), but do not forget to present the jars at the counter.

What is "liquid"

For many first-time travelers on an airplane, it will be a revelation what exactly most airlines mean by the concept of “liquid”. In addition to water and juices, this concept includes:

  • all kinds of yoghurts;
  • alcohol;
  • any baby food;
  • soft cheeses (the same mozzarella, feta or camembert);
  • homemade compotes, seamings;
  • jam;
  • any canned food;
  • gels, shampoos;
  • liquid deodorants, varnishes, sprays, creams, etc. (in case they are safe).

All these “liquids” can be taken on a plane without being checked in as baggage. But do not forget about the main limitation of one hundred milliliters. Especially often travelers make mistakes with canned food: they have to be either repackaged or thrown away. Even if canned food is 99% solid, it is still considered “liquid”. Since the volume of jars is usually 200-250 ml, this is considered a violation.

Baby food in the amount of more than 100 ml. you can take it only when a child under 2 years old is flying with you. The amount of baby food should not exceed the supply that can be useful for the duration of the flight (you will not be allowed to take 10 packages with you for the entire stay). Alcohol is also a rather controversial product - many airlines have introduced prohibition on board and do not approve the carriage of "scoundrels" in hand luggage. Tipsy passengers may not be allowed on board at all, and if you start drinking alcohol on board, you will simply be fined. But not all companies have this policy.

How to transport liquid medicines?

Considering the question of how much liquids can be carried in hand luggage, it is necessary to touch on the topic of medicines. In general, drugs can be taken on board the aircraft, but there are several features. The volume of bubbles is limited to the same 100 milliliters. If they contain narcotic substances, then you will need a certificate with a seal from the hospital stating that this medicine is necessary for you (the names on the ticket and the certificate must match). In some cases, you may be allowed to carry more than one pack of medicines if you confirm that you really need it. If you have a prescription, you can bring liquid medications in vials of more than 100 milliliters, but it must be in the original packaging. Medicines are generally prohibited from pouring into their own containers. In this case, you will have to pack the medicine in a separate bag and report it to the security service at check-in.

Note: if you are flying to another country, your doctor's prescription or medical statement must be translated into English by a certified translator.

Many medicines allowed in our country are prohibited in other countries. For example, valocordin, corvalol, nurofen, cough syrups, etc. Therefore, be sure to study the requirements of the legislation of the countries to which you are flying. It is also forbidden to carry on board various medicinal aerosols (the same panthenol). If you have asthma or another illness and you need aerosols for the duration of the flight, then take an extract from the illness and a certificate from the hospital with you. If you do not have a prescription, and at the customs of the host country you are found to have prohibited medications (especially those containing narcotic drugs), then a criminal case will be opened against you.

Liquids from Duty Free

Purchases made in the duty-free zone are not subject to the 100 ml rule. You can safely buy perfume or alcohol, but just do not forget about the total weight of your carry-on luggage. Goods purchased from Duty Free must be properly sealed (they must not be opened during the flight).

Note: if your route involves a transfer, then do not open the goods from Duty Fre - they will immediately fall under the standard rules. Some European countries prohibit the import of liquids purchased in free trade zones outside the EU.

Did you take toothpaste, moisturizer, shaving foam, and other liquids and gels with you on a flight and put in hand luggage?

Did you get to customs and find out that you are not allowed to bring them with you because you either simply did not pack them properly, or, worse, you collected prohibited items?

You can easily avoid this scenario by following our tips. Transporting liquids on an airplane will not cause you any problems and you will significantly speed up your way through the security screening area.

Three simple rules for transporting liquids on an airplane:

  1. The capacity of the liquid container must not exceed 100 milligrams.
  2. Pack all liquids in a resealable transparent plastic bag, no larger than 1 liter (approximate size: 20x20 cm)
  3. Each passenger can take only one package

What to do before leaving for the airport

Carefully select the liquids, gels and aerosols you need during your flight. Put in your hand luggage those liquids that you will really need on the plane. Leave the rest in your luggage.

REMEMBER! The liquids are:

  • all drinks including water, coffee, juices
  • liquid and semi-liquid products such as soup, jam, honey
  • cosmetics and hygiene items, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascaras
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray, deodorants
  • pastes, including toothpaste
  • gels, including hair gel, shower gel
  • contact lens solution
  • any other substance of similar consistency

How to pack liquids for carry-on baggage

STEP 1. Take a transparent plastic bag with a capacity of 1 liter

STEP 2. Find the volume information on the package. It should not exceed 100 ml

STEP 3. Pack them in a ziplock bag

STEP 4. Zip up the bag and put it in your hand luggage

STEP 5. At the inspection, take out the bag and put it in the drawer along with other small things.

Exceptions

You can take liquids in containers larger than 100 ml if they:

  • intended for medical purposes
  • designed for dietary needs
  • contain baby food or baby milk

ATTENTION!

Airport security personnel have the right not to let anything pass if they consider it dangerous - even if it is allowed by the carry-on baggage rules.

Adviсe

  1. Take only essential liquid items in your hand luggage.
  2. Use containers with labels only. Do not pour a few milliliters of shampoo from a large bottle into a small, unmarked bottle. It is a bad idea! If the security officer does not identify the liquid, it will not be allowed on board, you will have to throw it away.
  3. Many people make the mistake of carrying the correct amount of liquid but in a larger bottle. Nothing good will come of this! The container should have a capacity of no more than 100 ml.

The rules for transporting liquids on an aircraft can vary significantly from airport to airport in Russia and abroad. Why? Due to the lack of proper training, personal interpretation, or simply the presence of laziness among security personnel. For this reason, the transportation of certain liquids in hand luggage can turn into a roulette.

As a traveler, you may get into an argument when faced with a demand to throw away your belongings. Or you can simply take the steps outlined in the article you read.

We all take liquids on a trip: shampoo, cream, deodorant. If you want to avoid problems during inspection, study the rules and check in advance how many tubes are in your suitcase. And most importantly, look at what substances airlines consider liquid.

How many ml of liquid can be on the plane?

The rules on the amount of liquids on board are issued by international aviation and are valid at the airport of each country. Knowing the baggage allowance, fly without problems with transfers at Russian and international airports, even if your ticket is without luggage.

If you want to know which tickets do not include baggage, read our review

Liquids in luggage

Take as much liquid in your luggage as you can carry (or how much luggage the airline allowed you to carry). The main condition is tightness. The contents of the suitcase must not harm or stain the belongings of other passengers, even if the container is broken on the road.

Aerosols and pressurized cans are not allowed in hand luggage. Put in checked baggage: in the presence of a cap, the volume of the cylinder is less than 500 ml and the weight of all cartridges is not more than 2 kg.

Liquids in hand luggage

If you are flying alone, take a maximum of 1 liter of liquid and jelly-like substances into the cabin in individual 100 ml packages. We describe in detail how to fulfill these restrictions.

How do I carry liquid on an airplane?

Pack all liquids in containers of 100 ml or 1 deciliter and wrap in one transparent bag. Do not take more containers (even filled at the bottom), they will not be allowed to fly. Choose a package with a zipper, but this requirement is not critical. Follow the rule: one passenger, one package.

When flying to the US and Canada, the allowed volume is slightly less - 90 milliliters (3 ounces).

Pour all liquids into small containers. Where to get them:

  • buy a mini version of your product,
  • keep the miniature shampoos provided by the hotel,
  • adapt empty containers, such as cosmetic jars,
  • buy a flight travel kit: cosmetic bag plus tubes.

Collect the bottles in a bag:

  • tie a transparent plastic bag or fix with an elastic band;
  • buy a stationery bag with a zip fastener;
  • fill the transparent cosmetic bag with a zipper.

It will be a plus if the container has a mark in milliliters. Do not pour medicines, they will only be allowed through in the manufacturer's box. Put everything on top of your bag in case you are asked to show it at the airport.

Where to buy an airplane liquid bag

This package is not uncommon. Look for packing bags with a Zip Lock in a stationery store, the size 20x20 cm is suitable for you, colorless and without a pattern. You will find the same bags in hardware stores.

Choose a transparent cosmetic bag with studs or a zipper in a cosmetics store. In the same place, ask about special travel kits for cosmetics: several empty vials of 50-100 ml in a transparent package.
Amenity kits in supermarkets and fixed price stores are also a great option.

No time to search - take a simple transparent bag or file and put everything in it. Do not tie tightly - during the inspection they will ask you to get the bottles, it is better to fix it with an elastic band.

What applies to liquids in hand luggage?

There are a lot of surprises on this list, so read and remember which substances airlines consider liquid:

  1. food products: canned food, caviar, pate, sauces, soups, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, jelly, jam, jam, butter, soft cheese, honey, chocolate and peanut butter;
  2. cosmetics and perfumery: perfumes, eau de toilette, cream, sun lotion, cosmetic mask, varnish, lipstick and lip gloss, mascara, creamy shadows;
  3. personal hygiene items: toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, shaving foam and lotion, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, shower gel;
  4. medicines: aerosols, inhalers, sprays, syrups;
  5. drinks: juice, syrup, carbonated drinks, water, alcohol.

That is, all liquid, pasty, jelly-like, puree-like, gel-like, mixture of liquid with solid particles of the airline are referred to these rules.

Why you can't take liquids on a plane

Due to the growth of the terrorist threat and the danger of sabotage on aircraft, at the beginning of the 2000s, security measures were strengthened and the requirements for luggage and hand luggage of passengers were changed. The impetus was the discovery by the British intelligence services of a terrorist cell that intended to detonate a “liquid bomb” on several planes. Due to the difficulty of detecting liquid explosives and combustible substances during the inspection, restrictions were introduced on the volume of containers and the amount of liquid per passenger.

In 2006, the countries of the European Union agreed to an additional security regulation for civil aviation, which included strengthening the screening procedure, the installation of translucent devices and restrictions on carrying liquid substances in hand luggage. In 2007, Russia also introduced such rules. During major events, such as the Olympics, a complete ban on carrying liquids in hand luggage is introduced.