One woman has shared a ‘game-changing’ way to store liquids in your hand luggage before a flight – and it’s something she only learnt after being married to a pilot for 13 years
In the majority of UK airports, any liquids in your carry-on luggage must be under 100ml and stored in a transparent bag for easy inspection by security personnel. While you can take bigger containers in your hold luggage, those making smaller trips might only have hand luggage with them for the journey.
While some major UK airports have recently implemented new scanners that permit up to two litres of liquids in hand luggage, it’s always prudent to check the regulations at your destination to avoid having to discard your favourite toiletries at security on your return trip.
If you’re still required to limit your liquid items on your next flight, or if you’re simply trying to conserve space for more clothing in your suitcase, fear not. A frequent traveller, who happens to be a pilot’s wife, has shared a straightforward hack for packing toiletries that many wish they’d known sooner.
The woman, Laurie, advised passengers in an Instagram video to stop storing their liquid containers upright in their clear bags. While this is how products are typically displayed in adverts for visual appeal, it’s rather impractical.
Instead, Laurie suggests laying your liquids horizontally, assuring travellers they’ll be amazed at how much difference this simple adjustment can make.
She revealed: “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!”
The tip might be a no-brainer for some seasoned travellers, but it left numerous commenters astounded, with many expressing surprise at not having thought of it before.
One individual shared their newfound enlightenment: “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 praised: “Love this tip Laurie!”
What liquids can I take to an airport?
There are limits on how much you can carry in your hand luggage. For those with checked baggage, it’s wise to stow liquids there. The term ‘liquids’ encompasses a broad range of items including all beverages, foodstuffs such as soups, jams, and syrups, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays like shaving foam and deodorant, contact lens solutions, and gels like hair and shower gel.
The regulations for carrying liquids in your hand luggage can differ from one airport to another. It’s advisable to familiarise yourself with the rules at your departure airport, any transit airports, and your return journey airport before setting off.
Most airports enforce a rule that prohibits passengers from taking liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security checks. This rule remains in effect even if the container is not filled to capacity. However, some airports may permit you to carry liquid in containers that can hold up to two litres.
In addition, you might be required to place liquids into a separate, clear bag. While this isn’t a universal requirement across all airports, it’s always better to be prepared or do your homework in advance.
If the airport instructs you to segregate liquids into 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