Government authorities in many countries have now defined restrictions on the type and quantity of liquids that may be carried in hand baggage through the airport, or on flights arriving into or departing from their country.
The European Union agreed a new policy that brings into line all EU countries. The change in policy protects air travellers against the current security threat. Greater consistency will help customers understand more easily what they can and can't take onboard flights with them in the future.
The EU rules on liquids apply to all air passengers travelling from any EU airport, including UK airports, as well those travelling from Albania, Kosovo, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Switzerland and Ukraine, regardless of their destination. The changes became effective from 6 November 2006. Limited quantities of liquids, gels or pastes must be held in individual containers not exceeding 100ml. This may include:
The containers must be carried in a separate clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 x 8 inches) or equivalent to one litre (1.75 pint) capacity.
Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed.
At the airport security search, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and x-ray screened separately.
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
In addition, air passengers travelling from airports in Albania, Kosovo, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Switzerland and Ukraine should comply with the new liquids policy.
The European Union agreed a new policy that brings into line all EU countries. Some non-EU countries such as Albania, Kosovo, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine have also agreed to implement the same policy. The change in policy protects air travellers against the current security threat. Greater consistency will help customers understand more easily what they can and can't take onboard flights with them in the future.
The Transportation Security Administration in the USA and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority relaxed the restrictions in September 2006 on the carriage of liquids through airport security searches on flights departing airports in the USA and Canada.
Customers may take with them in their cabin bag limited quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols, including travel-size toiletries such as shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray. Containers holding liquids must not exceed three American ounces or 90ml. Liquid containers must be carried in a separate clear plastic zip-top bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches, or quart size. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. At the security search, the plastic bag must be removed from the cabin bag and x-ray screened separately. Customers carrying liquids may be subject to secondary searches before boarding.
The following countries do not permit liquids, gels or cosmetics at all in passenger hand baggage:
Restrictions on liquids in hand baggage are now in place for a wide range of countries. To understand more about how this may affect you, please click on a country below for detail of specific restrictions in place:
Passengers travelling on BA009 London Heathrow to Sydney can only purchase duty free goods on board during the Bangkok/Sydney sector and/or on arrival in Sydney at the arrivals duty free shop. Any other duty free goods containing liquids cannot be carried into Australia.
Passengers travelling on BA015 London Heathrow to Sydney can only purchase duty free goods during the transit in Singapore (items will be delivered to the gate in a Sealable Tamper Evident Bag approved by the Australian Government), on board during the Singapore/Sydney sector, and/or on arrival in Sydney at the arrivals duty free shop. Any other duty free goods containing liquids cannot be carried into Australia.
Passengers who are making direct domestic connections in Sydney to Australian destinations will be allowed to carry duty free goods, as purchased in the manner specified above, through security checks prior to boarding their service.
Passengers who are making direct international connections in Sydney to international destinations will not be allowed to carry duty free goods through security checks. However they will be allowed to make purchases at the departure duty free shops.
The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have adopted the ICAO standard regarding the transportation of liquids/gels/creams in hand baggage. Passengers will be required to carry liquids/gels/creams in a clear re-sealable 1 litre (1.75 pint) plastic bag (maximum size 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches) in individual containers no larger than 100ml.
Brazil will adopt the ICAO standard regarding the transportation of liquids/gels/creams in hand baggage with effect from 10 March 2007. Passengers will be required to carry liquids/gels/creams in a clear re-sealable 1 litre (1.75 pint) plastic bag (maximum size 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches) in individual containers no larger than 100ml.
Antigua and Barbados are currently enforcing the North American standard on all passengers departing Antigua or Barbados for arrival into the USA.
These countries are currently applying the North American standard to all departing passengers, regardless of their final destination.
There are currently no restrictions in place, however with the introduction of the codeshare operation on the Santiago (SCL) - Sao Paulo (GRU) route passengers must be aware of the restrictions applicable in Brazil.
CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) have announced the introduction of restrictions regarding liquids/gels/creams carried in passenger hand baggage for departing passengers with effect from 1 May 2007. The restrictions are in line with those in place for UK, EU and North America, i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml. The restrictions apply to international and domestic services.
The following rules will apply to arriving passengers carrying duty free items:
Passengers terminating in Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG) can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers transferring in Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG) to Chinese domestic services cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids. Any items must be checked in with hold baggage.
Passengers transferring in Beijing (PEK) only to international services can carry duty free goods containing liquids provided that the are carried in a STEB (Sealable Tamper Evident Bag) which meets the industry standard. This will apply to secure bags issued at London Heathrow (LHR), EU airports and in flight sales.
Passengers transferring in Shanghai (PVG) only to international services cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids. Shanghai (PVG) airport does not offer a transfer product and passengers are required to land, collect baggage and check-in for their onward sector, hence the restriction for international transfer passengers.
Please note for passengers departing from Shanghai (PVG) that the above restrictions are not being introduced. Local security measures are in place for passengers departing Shanghai (PVG) on international routes to the USA in accordance with a special agreement between China and the USA. For all other passengers departing Shanghai (PVG) on other international routes, including those to the EU, the following Chinese regulations apply:
Passengers are allowed a maximum liquid volume of 500ml to be carried either in their checked-in baggage or hand baggage. Any alcohol carried as part of this allowance must be carried in the checked-in baggage unless it has been purchased in Shanghai (PVG) duty free, in which case it can be taken onboard in hand baggage.
Hand baggage restrictions on liquids/gels/creams in line with the EU and North American standards were introduced for all departing passengers with effect from 21 March 2007.
Please note that passengers transferring through Hong Kong (HKG) from London Heathrow (LHR) are permitted to carry duty free liquids bought in-flight, provided that they are placed inside a tamper evident sealed bag and proof of purchase is provided to transfer security screening points at Hong Kong International Airport.
Hand baggage restrictions on liquids/gels/creams in line with the EU and North American standards were introduced for all departing International passengers with effect from 1 March 2007. There are no restrictions for passengers travelling on domestic sectors within Japan.
The government of Kuwait has announced the introduction of restrictions regarding liquids/gels/creams carried in passenger hand baggage for departing passengers with effect from 1 January 2008. The restrictions are in line with those in place for UK, EU and N America, i.e. 1 litre clear plastic resealable bag, measuring max 20cm x 20cm with individual containers not exceeding 100ml. The restrictions apply to all departing passengers.
Transfer passengers will be permitted to carry duty free goods through security provided that any items containing liquids are in a STEB (Security Tamper Evident Bag) clearly identifying where purchased together with a visible receipt.
Hand baggage restrictions on liquids/gels/creams in line with the EU and North American standards were introduced for all departing passengers with effect from 1 March 2007.
Passengers travelling to and from New Zealand have the same regulations in place as those in Australia, with effect from 31 March 2007. Please refer to the Australia paragraph of this page.
Serbia will adopt the ICAO standard regarding the transportation of liquids/gels/creams in hand baggage with effect from 10 March 2007. Passengers will be required to carry liquids/gels/creams in a clear re-sealable 1 litre (1.75 pint) plastic bag measuring a maximum size of 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers no larger than 100ml.
From 8 May 2007 the restrictions are in line with the ICAO recommended standard, i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml.
The following will apply to passengers travelling to/from Singapore (SIN):
Passengers terminating in Singapore (SIN) can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers transiting in Singapore (SIN) to Australia (all airports) cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids through the transfer process. Passengers can purchase duty free goods containing liquids when departing Singapore (SIN), these items will be delivered in tamper evident bags to the departure gate for collection when passenger boarding commences. This includes the following services:
UK to Australia
BA015 LHR/SIN/SYD Codeshare QF320
QF032 LHR/SIN/SYD Codeshare BA7372
QF010 LHR/SIN/MEL Codeshare BA7310
Germany to Australia
QF006 FRA/SIN/SYD Codeshare BA7306
Passengers originating in Singapore (SIN) or transferring flights in Singapore (SIN) to Australia and USA (all airports) can purchase duty free goods containing liquids when departing Singapore (SIN). These items will be delivered in tamper evident bags to the departure gate for collection when passenger boarding commences. This includes the following services in addition to those listed above:
Singapore to Australia
QF052 SIN/BNE Codeshare BA7352
QF072 SIN/PER Codeshare BA7376
QF078 SIN/PER Codeshare BA7378
QF082 SIN/ADL Codeshare BA7382
Passengers transiting or transferring flights in Singapore (SIN) to all other international destinations (except USA) can carry duty free goods containing liquids. Items that are purchased in duty free shops prior to arrival in Singapore (SIN) or through in-flight sales on arriving services must be packed in tamper evident bags. In addition duty free goods containing liquids can be purchased from duty free shops in Singapore (SIN) and will be packed in tamper evident bags.
Passengers who make onward transfers at the Australian gateway airport to a domestic destination can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers who make onward transfers at the Australian gateway airport to an international destination cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids.
With regard to duty free goods containing liquids, restrictions also apply to some categories of arriving passengers.
Passengers ending their journey in Johannesburg or Cape Town can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers transferring in Johannesburg or Cape Town to South African domestic services can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers transferring in Johannesburg or Cape Town to international services should not carry duty free goods containing liquids as these will be removed at the transfer security point.
The authorities in South Africa have announced that restrictions regarding carriage of liquids/gels/creams in hand baggage will be introduced with effect from 1 June 2007. The restrictions are in line with those in place for UK, EU and North America, i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring a maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml. The restrictions apply to all departing international passengers including those making an international transfer at an airport in South Africa.
Passengers transferring in South Africa will not be permitted to carry duty free goods containing liquids/gels/creams regardless of where the items have been purchased.
Passengers departing South African airports to domestic destinations are unaffected.
Abu Dhabi has announced the introduction of restrictions regarding liquids/gels/creams carried in passenger hand baggage for departing passengers with effect from 30 June 2007. The restrictions are in line with those in place for UK, EU and North America, i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml. The restrictions apply to all departing passengers.
Passengers transferring in Abu Dhabi (AUH) will be permitted to carry duty free goods containing liquids/gels/creams provided that they are packed in a STEB (Secure Tamper Evident Bag) which meets the ICAO standard. Both London Heathrow (LHR) duty free outlets and in-flight sales can supply bags that meet this standard.
Dubai has announced the introduction of restrictions regarding liquids/gels/creams carried in passenger hand baggage for departing passengers with effect from 17 June 2007. The restrictions are in line with those in place for the UK, EU and North America i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml. The restrictions apply to all departing passengers.
Passengers transferring in Dubai (DXB) will be permitted to carry duty free goods containing liquids/gels/creams provided that they are packed in a STEB (Secure Tamper Evident Bag) which meets the ICAO standard. Please note that London Heathrow (LHR) duty free outlets and in-flight sales can supply bags that meet this standard.
The Airport Authority of Thailand have announced the introduction of restrictions regarding liquids/gels/creams carried in passenger hand baggage for all international and domestic departing passengers with effect from 1 June 2007. The restrictions are in line with the ICAO recommended standard, i.e. 1 litre (1.75 pint) clear plastic re-sealable bag, measuring maximum 20cm x 20cm, or 8 x 8 inches with individual containers not exceeding 100ml.
The following will apply to passengers travelling to/from Bangkok (BKK).
Passengers terminating in Bangkok (BKK) can carry duty free goods containing liquids.
Passengers transiting Bangkok (BKK) on BA009 to Sydney (SYD) cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids through the transfer process. Passengers can purchase duty free goods in flight on the Bangkok (BKK) to Sydney (SYD) sector only, or on arrival in Sydney (SYD). This restriction is governed by the Australian liquids/gels/creams policy.
Passengers transferring in Bangkok (BKK) to all Australian destinations cannot carry duty free goods containing liquids through the transfer process. Passengers can purchase duty free goods in flight on the Bangkok (BKK) to Australia sector only (in accordance with the carrier offering), or on arrival in Sydney (SYD). This restriction is governed by the Australian liquids/gels/creams policy.
Passengers transiting or transferring flights in Bangkok (BKK) to all other international and domestic destinations (except USA) can carry duty free goods containing liquids/gels/creams provided that they are in Secure Tamper Evident Bags (STEB), This includes items that are purchased in duty free shops prior to arrival in Bangkok (BKK) or through in-flight sales on arriving services. In addition duty free goods containing liquids can be purchased from duty free shops in Bangkok (BKK) and will be packed in Secure Tamper Evident Bags. This includes passengers travelling on BA010 Sydney/Bangkok/London Heathrow (SYD/BKK/LHR).
With effect from 1 June 2007 restrictions in line with the EU policy will be fully enforced.
Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Macau, Malaysia and Taiwan have introduced hand baggage restrictions on liquids/gels/creams in line with the EU and North American standards, for all departing passengers with effect from 1 March 2007.