For many of us, airport security is the most stressful part of any trip. Airport security wait times can be tedious. Though safety is clearly imperative, having to unpack at the airport security or removing shoes, belts and jackets can be a huge hassle, while simultaneously trying to keep track of where you put your boarding pass and which tray your laptop is in.
In this article, we are sharing some key information to help ensure that next time you are travelling, your passage through airport security is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Airport liquid limit
Perhaps the most well-known rule is the airplane liquid limit which was introduced in 2006. All liquids or gels (or creams or pastes) in your carry-on luggage must be 100 ml (3.4 ounces) or less and must fit inside one transparent, quart-sized bag. The approximate dimensions of a one litre quart bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.). At most airports around the world, passengers are permitted one bag per person.
However, actual airport experiences may vary, particularly internationally. Some airports like in Thailand and China you are provided with a plastic bag for liquids so you can separate these from the rest of your carry-on luggage before passing through airport security. In Singapore, you are required to remove any liquids, aerosols and gels from your bag(s) and place them separately in the tray. Other airports may not request that you separate your liquids at all. Regardless, the liquid carry on limit is an important rule to be aware of.
Thankfully, the 100 ml cap does not apply to checked luggage, so your 500 ml bottle of sunscreen is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s not in your carry-on. Organise your liquids into the appropriate size containers or into the correct luggage before you reach the airport. If you want to bring drinking water on the flight, you can carry an empty water bottle that you can fill at the gate before you board.
So what counts as a liquid?
Can you bring deodorant on a plane? Is make-up or perfume liquid? The carry on liquid limit sounds simple in principle, but many of us have some questions about what items it applies to at the airport.
Generally, you can bring deodorant on a plane. Stick deodorant will not be caught by the liquid carry on limit, but an aerosol, gel or spray will. This applies to any kind of aerosol, gel or spray (and creams and pastes) – not just deodorant. Think twice before you pack your large tub of hair-gel or hair-spray into your carry-on. These items must be 100 ml or less or checked into your hold baggage.
Make-up will be caught by airport security if it is in liquid form (think mascara or liquid foundation) but solid lipsticks and lip balms (i.e. ChapStick) are good to go.
Can you take food through airport security?
Food is generally permitted through the airport security check. When your food is liquid or paste-like (think soup or peanut butter), it will need to comply with airport security liquids requirements.
Make sure any liquid foods are under 100 ml. If you’re unsure whether your food will be classified as liquid, do your research before you travel so that you don’t have to part ways with your snack at security.
For more info read our article on things you should know about bringing food through airport security.
Be careful what you pack!
Think carefully about the items you put in your hand luggage. Remember, in addition to the airport liquid limit, other rules do apply. Blades must be less than four inches long, so, whilst items like disposable razors, electric razors and tweezers are allowed, check the blade length before you pack your scissors. Put these in your check-in luggage if you’re unsure.
While we strongly recommend that you check the guidelines of relevant airports specific to your travel, there are some items, which are generally not allowed anywhere in carry-on bags. These items include power banks, scissors longer than 6 cm, sharp objects like knives, pocket knives and cutters as well as sports equipment like golf clubs, hiking sticks, fishing rods and dart games.
Also, don’t bury your liquids at the bottom of your bag. Keep things like liquids, passports, and boarding passes in an accessible place so you’re not fumbling through your luggage when you reach airport security.
Consider what you’re wearing
We’ve covered some key airport security rules that you need to strictly comply with to ensure you do not breach regulations. Now we’ll look at a couple of additional recommendations to make your airport security experience as hassle-free as possible.
Our first recommendation is to carefully choose how you dress. You are likely to be asked to remove your shoes at airport security, so leave your lace-up boots at home or in your checked luggage. Consider wearing slip-on shoes that are easier to get on and off and are also more convenient in-flight. Avoid wearing metal items (like a belt with a metal buckle) as you will either be asked to remove these before airport security or potentially trigger body scanner alerts.
Think about your medicines
Liquid, gel or cream medications are exempt from the airplane liquid limit (so is baby formula and breast milk). We recommend, however, that you pack any prescribed medication (liquid or not) in its original containers with the prescription. Though not strictly necessary, this will help speed up the security process and avoid additional questioning by security staff. It is also advised to check beforehand if your medicine is banned at your destination to avoid issues at the arrival airport security.
Arrive on time
As tempting as it is to stay that extra hour at your hotel, don’t add to the stress of airport security by turning up at the last minute. Try to arrive at the airport two hours before domestic flights, and even earlier for international flights. Whilst airport security wait times always vary, leaving yourself plenty of time means that a hold-up at airport security won’t leave you running to your gate to make your flight.
Expect the unexpected
Airport security experiences can differ especially when you are travelling internationally. Even if you are a seasoned traveller, it is important to keep an eye out for updated/new rules and be aware that there may be differences. Some airports, for example, Singapore’s Changi airport, have security screenings just before the boarding gates, so any items bought in duty-free will also be subject to checks.
Make sure to abide by the regulations, particularly with regards to the airplane liquid limit and follow these Travel Wanderlust recommendations to make your airport security experience as trouble-free as possible.
