If you don’t want to leave behind your favorite full-sized shampoo, perfume, or wine, this question might cross your mind: can you take liquids in checked baggage?
But you also don’t want to risk having them confiscated, leaking, or breaking during your flight. So, what are the rules and best practices for traveling with liquids in your checked luggage?
In this detailed guide, I’ll answer all your queries and give you some tips on how to pack and take liquids in checked baggage securely, and what travelers can and cannot pack in their checked luggage.
TL;DR
You can take full sized non flammable liquids in your checked baggage without restrictions
The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule do not apply
Full-size toiletries, cosmetics, food, and drinks are permitted
Toiletries and aerosols max is 500 ml (17 oz) per container
Total toiletries per person: 2 L / 2 kg
Aerosols must have safety caps
Perfumes, paints, and solvents max is also 500 ml (17 oz) per container
Alcohol: up to 5 L per person, under 70% alcohol, unopened
Flammable, explosive, toxic, or corrosive liquids are not allowed
Pack liquids in sealed containers and zip-lock bags
Cushion bottles with clothes or padding to prevent leaks
Customs rules vary by country, especially for alcohol
Avoid packing expensive liquids and items in checked bags
Most liquids and substances are allowed in checked luggage, as long as they are not flammable, explosive, corrosive, or toxic.
This means that you can pack items like toiletries, cosmetics, beverages, sauces, soups, and medicines in your checked luggage, as long as they are properly sealed.
However, there are some exceptions that you need to keep in mind.
Some liquid items are limited in checked bags, either for safety or security reasons:
Aerosols and toiletries: You can pack aerosols in your checked luggage, but they must not exceed 18 oz. (500 ml) per container and must have a safety cap or cover to prevent accidental release.
Aerosols also need to be packed in a plastic bag or protective packaging to prevent damage. Examples of aerosols include hairspray, deodorant, shaving cream, and spray paint.
Perfumes and colognes: If you have small bottles of perfume (3.4 oz 100 ml or less ) you can pack them in your carry-on, otherwise you can pack perfumes and colognes in your checked luggage, but they must not exceed 17 oz. (500 ml) per container and must be in their original packaging.
Perfumes and colognes are considered flammable liquids and must be packed in a leak-proof bag or protective packaging to prevent spillage.
Screenshot from TSA website
Paints and solvents: You can pack paints and solvents in your checked luggage, but they must not exceed 17 oz. (500 ml) per container and must be in their original packaging.
Paints and solvents are considered flammable liquids and must be packed in a leak-proof bag or protective packaging to prevent spillage.
Examples of paints and solvents include oil paints, varnishes, thinners, and turpentine.
Alcohol: You can pack alcoholic beverages in your checked bag, but they must not exceed 70% in volume (140 proof) and must be in unopened retail packaging. The total net quantity of alcohol per person must not exceed 5 liters.
You also need to check the customs and duty regulations of your destination country, as some countries may have stricter rules or taxes on alcohol imports.
Medical Liquids: Medical liquid are allowed in checked bags, but it is better if you pack liquid medicines in carry-on, as cold temperatures in the cargo hold could affect them.
Quantity limits: The total amount of toiletries per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). Each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
And here are some answers from the @AskTSA team on X (formerly Twitter):
@Elizabeth wanted to know if there are any restrictions on taking her shampoo and face wash in checked baggage.
They replied that shampoo and face wash are allowed in checked bags and they can exceed the 3.4 oz / 100 ml limit without any issues.
@Jennifer wanted to bring her delicious Andria’s steak sauce in her checked bag, and the bottle is almost 1.08 kilograms.
The TSA answered that the amount of liquids in checked baggage is not limited. However, @Jennifer needed to consider the airline’s baggage weight limits.
How To Pack Liquids In Checked Baggage
The downside of packing and bringing liquids along for the ride is that there’s always the risk they’ll leak and mess your other items.
That’s why it’s so important to pack everything in the right way.
If you follow the tips listed below, then chances are that your liquids won’t leak.
Here are some extra precautions that you can take:
Plastic bags and containers: The best way to prevent leaks and spills is to use plastic bags or containers like ziplock bags, sealable pouches, or plastic bottles. They will keep your liquids in place and avoid contact with other items in your luggage. You can also use plastic wrap or tape to seal the lids or caps of your liquid containers.
Solid packaging: Use a sturdy package or box with extra cushioning for your liquid items. To protect your liquid containers from impact, use bubble wrap, foam, or pieces of clothing to wrap them.
Utilize labels and tags: To avoid confusion or inconvenience, attach a clear label or tag to your liquid container. Also, use tags to mark your luggage as fragile or containing liquids, so that the airline staff and security agents can handle it with care.
As you probably saw in the first part of the clip, this baggage system consists of a big metal arm which *hits* your bag down a chute onto the conveyor belt. This *will* break fragile items (bottles, computers, etc).If you have a soft case luggage or checked item with fragile items in it; ask for a fragile tag and it can be sent down a separate system which is typically a continuous conveyor belt. Or get a suitable hard case (NOT A METAL ONE – to be revealed…) 🙂 Any aviation or questions, leave a comment! #baggage#airplane#travel#baggagehandler#aviation
How Much Liquid You Can Take in a Checked Bag On International Flight?
Each country has special rules and regulations on bringing certain types of liquids to their territories.
For example, if you are traveling to the U.S. and want to bring a liquor souvenir:
Only one liter of liquor per person is allowed for personal use; larger amounts will be subject to duty and federal excise taxes.
If you are traveling to Canada or the UK, you will need to check the regulations set by these countries.
But generally, the rules for liquids are almost the same in all countries.
As long as you bring a reasonable amount that is not hazardous or flammable, you won’t have any issues with your airline or border customs.
Final Thoughts on Taking Liquids In Checked Baggage.
Even though packing liquids for a flight can seem like a jigsaw puzzle, you can bring liquids in checked baggage in unlimited quantities.
Only toiletries need to not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces) per container, and 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) in total for each product.
Before you go I want to emphasize on one thing though: do not take any expensive items in your checked bag, whether it is a liquid or any other item.
You never know what is going to happen to your bag when it is out of your sight.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
Liquids in Checked Baggage FAQ
Why does TSA enforce liquid limits?
Liquid restrictions exist to prevent potential security threats, such as liquid explosives. While these limits applies for carry-ons, it explains the logic behind theses rules.
Do I need to worry about inspections for checked liquids?
If your bag contain any liquids it may be inspected more closely by security officers. so pack and protect liquids carefully and avoid expensive or valuable items in checked luggage.
Are there airline-specific rules for liquids in checked baggage?
Most Airlines have the same rules for liquids, the inly thing you need to keep in mind is your airline checked luggage size and weight.
Can you take liquids in checked baggage Reddit?
Mot travelers that traveled with liquids on Reddit share that most personal care liquids like shampoo, gels and creams are fine in checked bags, as long as they are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
Can you bring lotion on a plane in checked baggage?
Yes, lotion is allowed in checked baggage. Make sure the bottle is securely closed to avoid spills.
Can you take aerosols on a plane in checked baggage?
Some aerosols are allowed, like deodorants or hairspray, but flammable or pressurized aerosols are prohibited. Check your airline’s rules for specifics.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
