What are Powders, Liquids, Aerosols and Gels?

List of the most common items include:

• water and other drinks, soups, syrups, jams, stews, sauces and pastes.
• foods in sauces or containing a high liquid content including honey and marmite.
• creams, lotions, cosmetics and oils including face creams, foundation, sunblock, insect repellent and roll-on deodorants.
• perfumes.
• sprays.
• gels including hair and shower gels.
• contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants
• pastes including toothpaste.
• mascara and eyeliner.
• liquid soaps lipsticks, lip gloss or lip balm and;
• any item of similar consistency at room temperature.
• Inorganic powers including salt, talcum powder, sand and powdered make-up.

These or similar items can only be taken in carry-on baggage on board aircraft in containers of 100ml or smaller, with all containers fitting into the single transparent 1 litre plastic bag, inorganic powders must be no more than 350ml in your carry-on.

From Wednesday 1st of May 2024, for international flights only you will no longer be required to remove these liquids, aerosols or gels - 100ml or under for security screening. These can now be left in your carry-on hand luggage when you go through the security screening area.

Certain toiletry, aerosol, and spray items are classified as dangerous goods, therefore, there are restrictions on the quantity allowed in your checked baggage. For further information on what personal items may be dangerous goods and what may be taken in your checked or carry-on baggage, please refer to the CAA website.

Batteries and power banks

Whether a battery can be carried or not depends on the type of battery, its configuration, or the number being carried. It is always best to check with your airline, but as a general guide the following rules almost always apply

• Batteries installed in consumer electronics / equipment. These items can be carried provided the batteries are securely installed in the device and the device is protected so it cannot be accidentally turned on.
• Spare or loose batteries – These batteries must be carried separately, and must be carried in your carry-on luggage. They must also be well protected and/or insulated to prevent short-circuiting.
• Power banks / Power packs must be in carry-on baggage only. If the power bank has multiple purposes , it will still be considered a power bank and considered a dangerous good.

For a full list of prohibited items and more information, please visit the Aviation Security website.

Find out more about liquids, aerosols and gels:

• The restrictions explained
• Packing advice
• Shopping - what can I buy and from where?