In the majority of UK airports, any liquids in your hand luggage must be under 100ml and stored in a transparent bag for easy inspection by security personnel.
While several larger UK airports have recently implemented new scanners allowing up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage, it’s always prudent to check the regulations at your destination. You wouldn’t want to discard your favourite shampoo before security allows you on your return flight.
If you still need to pack light regarding liquids for your upcoming journey, or if you’re simply trying to save space for more clothes in your suitcase, don’t fret. A frequent traveller, who is also a pilot’s wife, has revealed a straightforward trick for packing toiletries that many wish they had thought of earlier.
The woman, Laurie, advised passengers in an Instagram video to stop packing their liquid containers vertically in their clear bags. While this is how products are displayed in advertisements for aesthetic reasons, it’s quite impractical.
Instead, Laurie suggests storing your liquids horizontally, assuring you’ll be amazed at how effective this simple adjustment can be.
She explained: “This is the number one travel hack I learned as a pilot’s wife after about 13 years of packing only a carry-on suitcase. If you pack the liquid containers horizontally so that they are all lying flat, for some reason, you can fit more in.
“The tiny things, like my mascara and my primer, can fit vertically in the open pockets of space, much like you would do in a suitcase. Hope this travel hack helps!”
Whilst the technique may appear straightforward to some, numerous commenters expressed amazement that they’d never considered this approach before.
One user remarked: “I was today years old when I learned this from you! I love my compression bags for clothing … just got home from a two-leg trip and whew … carry-on was heavy! Thanks for your great tip.”
Another chimed in: “I recently traveled and realised the same thing. Huge difference in room.”
Meanwhile, a third person commented: “Love this tip Laurie!”.
What liquids can I take to an airport?
Strict guidelines govern the quantity of liquid permitted in hand luggage, so if you’re also checking bags, it’s recommended to store liquids there instead. Liquids encompass all beverages, food items such as soups, preserves, and syrups, beauty products and personal care items, aerosols including shaving foam and antiperspirant, contact lens fluid, and gels like hair products and body wash.
The regulations for carrying liquids in your hand luggage can differ from one airport to another. It’s advisable to check the rules at your departure airport and any other airports you’ll be transiting through, including on your return trip.
Most airports prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security checks. This rule applies even if the container is not completely filled. However, some airports may permit liquid containers that can hold up to two litres.
It might also be necessary to place liquids into a separate, clear bag. While this isn’t a requirement at all airports, it’s wise to be prepared or do some research beforehand.
If the airport requires you to segregate liquids in a separate bag:
- Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- The bag must not be tied at the top
- You’re limited to one plastic bag per person
- You must show the bag at the airport security point