British Airways Liquid Allowance: Hand Luggage & Toiletries
What is the British Airways liquid allowance?
BA permits ordinary toiletries in hand luggage, but your departure airport determines which liquid containers can pass through security.
Many airports still use 100ml containers and a clear 1-litre bag; some have introduced larger-container screening.
BA’s separate dangerous-goods limits apply to qualifying aerosols, perfumes and medicines.
At a Glance
Yes – everyday toiletries are generally allowed, subject to departure-airport security and British Airways dangerous-goods restrictions.
At most airports, cabin liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, even when partly empty.
Some airports allow larger containers, sometimes up to 2 litres. Check your departure, transfer and return airports.
At airports using the traditional screening procedure, cabin liquids go in one transparent, resealable bag of up to 1 litre (around 20 × 20cm). Other airports may allow liquids to remain in your bag.
British Airways lists a maximum of 500g or 500ml for each covered medicinal or toiletry article and a combined maximum of 2kg or 2L per person.
Aerosol release valves must be protected.
British Airways allows covered toiletries, perfumes, colognes, non-radioactive medicines and qualifying aerosols in checked baggage, with no more than 500g or 500ml per article and 2kg or 2L per person.
Secure caps and protect aerosol valves.
British Airways liquid allowance: what actually applies?
British Airways does not set one universal 100ml rule for every departure airport. BA advises that some airports with newer screening equipment permit larger containers and different procedures, while others still require containers of 100ml or less in one transparent resealable bag of around 1 litre.
Check the airport you will actually use, including any transfer and return airports.
Separately, BA limits covered toiletries, perfumes, non-radioactive medicines and qualifying aerosols to 500ml or 500g per item and 2 litres or 2kg per person.
British Airways liquids in hand luggage: 100ml and airport exceptions
Toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, liquid foundation, mascara, sun cream, perfume and aerosol toiletries are normally treated as liquids at security.
If your departure airport uses the traditional rules, containers must be no larger than 100ml and fit in a single clear resealable bag of about 1 litre.
BA notes that some London airports use newer scanners and may permit larger containers or allow liquids to remain in bags; do not assume every terminal, connecting airport or return airport follows the same process.
Qualifying aerosols may be carried but should not be used on board. Essential liquid medicines and infant feeds may qualify for exemptions subject to security checks.
British Airways liquids in checked baggage: toiletries and aerosol limits
Ordinary full-size shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are usually simpler to pack in checked baggage.
BA permits covered perfumes, colognes, non-radioactive medicinal articles and qualifying aerosols in checked baggage, with a maximum of 500ml or 500g per item and 2 litres or 2kg combined per person.
Aerosol release valves must be protected and bottles securely closed. Hazardous chemicals remain prohibited where the airline’s rules say so.
For cabin bag dimensions, fare-specific allowances, checked baggage and fees, see our complete British Airways baggage guide.
Practical packing tips for your British Airways journey:
Check the exact airport, not just the airline. BA notes differences between airports with newer scanners and those retaining traditional liquid screening.
Plan for your return journey. A larger container accepted at one airport may not pass through security elsewhere.
Separate aerosols from ordinary liquids. BA’s dangerous-goods quantity limits apply in addition to airport security screening.
Keep cosmetics easy to inspect. Mascara, liquid foundation and creams normally count as liquids.
Do not use aerosols on board. BA states aerosols may be carried in cabin bags but should not be used in the enclosed aircraft cabin.
Check both airports. Check the liquids rules for your departure airport and for any connection or return journey; procedures may differ.
Read the bottle size. Where a 100ml rule applies, the stated container capacity matters even if a larger bottle is almost empty.
Keep medicine accessible. Carry essential liquid medication with any supporting documents your airport requires, and present it separately when instructed.
Prevent leaks. Tighten lids, protect aerosol valves and put vulnerable bottles in a sealed pouch.
Keep the right guide handy. For bag sizes, fare-specific allowances and checked-bag fees, use our separate airline baggage guide.
Check your departure airport’s liquids rules
Airport security—not British Airways—decides which liquid container sizes can pass through screening. Most airports still apply a 100ml limit; some now permit larger containers and different bag procedures. Check the published rules for each departure, connecting and return airport. Essential liquid medicines and baby food or milk may qualify for exemptions; follow the airport’s screening and evidence requirements. The airline’s dangerous-goods rules apply separately.
How common toiletries are treated at airport security
Many everyday toiletries are treated as liquids, gels, pastes or aerosols when you pass through airport security. This isn't determined by the airline you're flying with, and the exact restrictions can vary depending on the security rules and screening equipment used at your departure airport. Here's how some of the most commonly packed toiletries are generally treated:
Deodorant
Roll-on and aerosol deodorants are generally treated as liquids for airport-security purposes. Solid stick deodorants are normally treated differently and can be a useful option if you want to reduce the number of items in your liquids bag.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste counts as a paste and is treated as a liquid at airport security. Where the traditional 100ml restrictions apply, the size of the toothpaste container therefore needs to comply with the applicable liquids limit.
Shampoo and conditioner
Shampoo and liquid conditioner are treated as liquids. This also applies to similar hair products such as gels, serums and liquid styling products. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are generally not treated as liquids.
Shaving foam and gel
Shaving gels and foams are subject to liquid-security requirements. Aerosol shaving foam may also be subject to dangerous-goods restrictions, so larger products need particular consideration if you're packing them for a flight.
Hairspray
Hairspray is an aerosol and is treated as a liquid for cabin-security purposes. Aerosol toiletries can also be subject to airline dangerous-goods limits, so check your airline's requirements as well as the security rules at your departure airport.
Sun cream
Sun creams, lotions, gels and sprays are treated as liquids for cabin-security purposes. This includes products such as after-sun lotion and moisturising sun protection. Solid sun-protection products are generally easier to accommodate when travelling with limited liquid allowance.
Make-up and cosmetics
Liquid foundation, mascara, creams, gels, lip gloss and similar products are generally treated as liquids. Solid and powder cosmetics are generally not subject to the same liquid restrictions, although they will still pass through normal security screening.
Perfume and aftershave
Perfume, aftershave and other liquid fragrances are treated as liquids at airport security. They may also fall within dangerous-goods limits applying to toiletry and medicinal articles, particularly when larger quantities are carried.
Remember: airport-security procedures are changing as new screening equipment is introduced. Some airports may allow larger liquid containers or have different requirements for removing liquids from your cabin bag. Always check the current rules for the airport you're departing from — and any airport you'll use on a connecting or return journey — before you travel.
What is the British Airways liquid allowance?
BA allows ordinary toiletries, but the departure airport determines liquid container sizes at security. Many airports still apply 100ml containers in a clear 1-litre bag; some with newer scanners have different procedures.
Can I take liquids over 100ml on British Airways?
Only if the security rules at your departure airport permit them or an applicable exemption applies. BA notes that some airports with newer screening equipment allow larger containers. Check every airport on your journey.
Do British Airways liquids need to be in a clear bag?
At airports using traditional screening, yes: normally one transparent resealable bag of around 1 litre. Newer screening arrangements at some airports may differ.
Can I take toiletries in British Airways hand luggage?
Yes. Toothpaste, deodorant, mascara, creams, perfume and similar toiletries are generally allowed when they meet airport security requirements and any applicable BA dangerous-goods limits.
Can I take aerosols on British Airways?
Qualifying toiletry aerosols are permitted subject to airport liquid screening and BA dangerous-goods limits. BA lists 500ml or 500g per covered item and 2 litres or 2kg combined per person; protect aerosol valves.
Can I take deodorant and hairspray on BA?
Yes, qualifying roll-on and aerosol deodorant and hairspray can generally travel. Treat liquid and aerosol products as liquids at security and check BA’s separate quantity limits.
Can I take liquid medication over 100ml on British Airways?
Essential liquid medicines may qualify for an airport-security exemption. Check your airport’s evidence requirements and keep medicines accessible for inspection.
Can I pack full-size toiletries in British Airways checked baggage?
Ordinary shampoo and conditioner can generally go in the hold. Covered perfumes, medicines and toiletry aerosols must meet BA’s 500ml-per-item and 2-litre combined dangerous-goods limits.
Related British Airways guides