Air France Cabin Toiletries & Liquid Rules Explained: What UK Travellers Need to Know
Updated: Sep 28
Flying Air France from the UK and wondering whether you can take shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, sun cream or perfume in your cabin baggage?
Whether you're heading to Paris for a weekend, travelling to the south of France or connecting through Paris Charles de Gaulle on a long-haul flight, understanding the toiletries rules before departure can help you avoid problems at airport security.
There are two things to consider: Air France's published rules for liquids and cabin baggage, and the security requirements at the airports you'll travel through.
This guide explains what you can pack, how the 100ml rule works, which toiletries need to go in your liquids bag and what to check before your return journey.
Air France Toiletries: Quick Answer
Everyday toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, perfume and sun cream, are generally permitted in cabin baggage.
Air France publishes a maximum container size of 100ml for ordinary cabin liquids, creams, pastes and gels.
These products should fit inside one transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
Each passenger is permitted one liquids bag under Air France's published guidance.
Essential medicines, baby food and products required for special dietary needs may qualify for exemptions.
Air France's standard overhead cabin bag must not exceed 55 × 35 × 25cm.
Its smaller under-seat bag must not exceed 40 × 30 × 15cm.
Some Economy Basic tickets include only the smaller under-seat bag, with a larger cabin bag available as an additional purchase.
Air France's published liquid restrictions and baggage allowances should be considered alongside the security requirements of your departure, connecting and return airports.
Get your travel toiletries ready
Flying Air France? Explore our selection of travel-size toiletries, including shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and everyday essentials for your cabin bag.
What Are Air France's Cabin Toiletries Rules?
Air France permits ordinary toiletries in cabin baggage, provided they meet its published liquid restrictions and are not otherwise prohibited.
The airline specifies that liquids, creams, pastes and gels should be carried in containers holding no more than 100ml each. These must fit inside one transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre. Only one such bag is permitted per passenger.
For travellers, this means that products such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, moisturiser, liquid foundation and perfume should be packed together in an appropriate liquids bag.
The container's stated capacity matters. A half-empty 200ml shampoo bottle is still a 200ml container and will not satisfy the traditional 100ml rule.
If you're travelling with hand luggage only, choosing travel-size products can make packing considerably easier.
What Counts as a Liquid on Air France?
Many products that don't look like conventional liquids are still treated as liquids at airport security.
Common examples include:
Shampoo and conditioner
Shower gel and body wash
Toothpaste
Roll-on, gel and aerosol deodorant
Hairspray and shaving foam
Moisturiser and face creams
Sun cream
Perfume and aftershave
Mascara and lip gloss
Liquid foundation and concealer
Hair gel and styling creams
Contact lens solution
UK government guidance includes creams, pastes, gels and sprays within its definition of liquids.
Toothpaste is a particularly common source of confusion. Although it's a paste rather than a liquid, it still falls within the restrictions.
Solid products, such as ordinary bar soap and solid deodorant sticks, are generally treated differently.
Related guide: What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
Does the 100ml Rule Still Apply at UK Airports?
At most UK airports, liquids must still be carried in containers holding no more than 100ml. However, some airports with upgraded security equipment now permit containers holding up to two litres.
The requirement to use a separate transparent liquids bag also varies between airports.
This means you should check the specific arrangements at your departure airport rather than assuming every UK airport follows identical procedures.
Air France continues to publish the traditional 100ml limit and one-litre transparent-bag requirement.
For an itinerary involving several airports, packing ordinary toiletries in containers of 100ml or less is a practical way to accommodate the airline's published guidance and airports that retain the traditional restrictions.
Remember that the rules at your return airport may differ from those at your UK departure airport.
Related guide: UK Airport Liquid Rules Explained
Connecting Through Paris Charles de Gaulle: What Happens to Your Toiletries?
Many Air France passengers fly from the UK to Paris Charles de Gaulle before continuing to destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
If your journey involves a connection, you may need to pass through another security checkpoint.
Air France advises passengers to present liquids, gels and aerosols smaller than 100ml in a closed transparent plastic bag when required at security.
Even if your UK departure airport allows larger containers, don't assume those containers will be accepted at a subsequent security checkpoint.
For example, someone travelling from Manchester to Tokyo via Paris should check the requirements for Manchester, Paris and Tokyo, including the airports used on the return journey.
If you're connecting through Paris, keep your liquids bag accessible rather than burying it at the bottom of your cabin case.
What About Toiletries Bought After Security?
Ordinary travel-size toiletries purchased after security are usually straightforward to carry, provided they meet any restrictions that apply during a subsequent connection.
Larger liquids purchased at the airport, including duty-free perfume, may need to remain in an approved sealed security bag with the receipt visible inside.
Air France publishes specific conditions for duty-free liquids on connecting flights.
If you're buying perfume or other larger liquid products before a connection, ask the retailer to package them correctly and check whether you'll pass through further security screening.
Do not open a sealed duty-free security bag before reaching your final destination.
What About Your Return Journey?
Your return journey may involve different security procedures from your outward flight.
A UK airport with upgraded scanners might allow larger liquid containers, while your departure airport abroad may still enforce the traditional 100ml rule.
If you're returning through Paris, you may also encounter additional security screening during your connection.
Before travelling home, check the rules at your departure airport and any connecting airport.
This is particularly important if you've purchased full-size toiletries, perfume or other liquid products during your holiday.
If you're travelling with checked baggage, packing larger ordinary toiletries in your suitcase is often the simplest solution.
If you're travelling with hand luggage only, keep the applicable restrictions in mind when shopping abroad.
Staying Connected When You Arrive
Whether you're visiting France or using Paris as a connection to another destination, it's worth checking your mobile roaming arrangements before departure.
UK roaming charges vary depending on your network, tariff and destination. Travellers heading beyond Europe may face different charges from those travelling within France.
A travel eSIM can provide an alternative way to access mobile data abroad on a compatible phone.
Many compatible Dual SIM phones allow you to keep your existing UK SIM active for your normal number while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.
Keeping your UK SIM active does not necessarily make calls, texts or roaming on that SIM free, so check your network's charges before travelling.
Stay connected when you land
Travelling to France or connecting through Paris? Explore travel eSIM options for your destination and check that your phone supports eSIM before departure.
Related guide: Can You Use Two SIMs at the Same Time?
How Big Is an Air France Cabin Bag?
Air France's cabin baggage allowance depends on your fare and travel cabin.
Its published maximum dimensions are:
Bag type | Maximum dimensions | Storage |
Small bag | 40 × 30 × 15cm | Under the seat |
Standard cabin bag | 55 × 35 × 25cm | Overhead compartment |
Dimensions include external pockets, wheels and handles.
Air France Economy Basic
Some Economy Basic tickets include only the small under-seat bag.
Eligible passengers can purchase an additional hand-baggage option, while certain
Flying Blue members may receive an additional allowance through their membership benefits.
Where the additional cabin-baggage option is purchased, the combined weight of the small bag and cabin bag must not exceed 12kg.
Other Economy Fares
Other Economy fares generally include a small bag and one standard cabin bag, subject to the allowance shown on your ticket.
Business and La Première
Business and La Première passengers generally receive two standard cabin bags and one small bag, with a combined maximum weight of 18kg.
Special restrictions apply to flights departing from the United States, where the cabin allowance is limited to one standard cabin bag and one small bag.
Air France, United Kingdom
Why Your Fare Matters When Packing Toiletries
If your ticket includes only a small under-seat bag, you'll have considerably less room for your wash bag, clothing and other travel essentials.
A compact selection of travel-size toiletries can help you make better use of the available space.
Before purchasing a new cabin case, check both the external dimensions and the baggage allowance included with your booking.
Related guide: Air France Baggage Allowance & Cabin Bag Rules
Find the right luggage for your trip
Explore the Case cabin luggage collection and compare each case's external dimensions with Air France's allowance before buying.
Can You Take Toothpaste on Air France?
Yes. Toothpaste is permitted in Air France cabin baggage, but it counts as a paste and is subject to the airline's published liquid restrictions.
Choose a tube holding no more than 100ml.
A larger tube is not compliant with the traditional 100ml rule simply because it is nearly empty.
For a weekend in Paris, a small travel-size toothpaste tube may be sufficient for your entire trip.
For longer holidays, consider how much you'll actually need and whether additional supplies can be purchased after arrival.
Can You Take Deodorant on Air France?
Yes. Everyday personal-care deodorants are generally permitted in Air France cabin baggage, subject to the applicable liquid and dangerous-goods restrictions.
Roll-on and gel deodorants count as liquids. Aerosol deodorants are also subject to the relevant security and aerosol restrictions.
For ordinary cabin travel, choose a permitted deodorant in a container holding no more than 100ml.
A travel-size roll-on or aerosol can be particularly useful when you're travelling with only a small under-seat bag.
If you're carrying an aerosol, ensure its cap is fitted and that the product is an ordinary permitted personal-care item.
Can You Take Aerosols on Air France?
Certain personal-care aerosols, such as deodorant, hairspray and shaving foam, are generally permitted, provided they comply with the relevant restrictions.
However, not every aerosol is acceptable.
Ordinary cabin-liquid restrictions apply to permitted personal-care aerosols when passing through security. Where the 100ml rule applies, containers larger than 100ml are not acceptable simply because they are partly empty.
Personal-care aerosols are also subject to aviation dangerous-goods restrictions.
Common international limits for permitted medicinal and toiletry articles are 2kg or 2 litres in total per passenger, with individual articles limited to 0.5kg or 0.5 litres.
Aerosol valves must be protected against accidental release.
These dangerous-goods limits do not override the stricter airport-security requirements for cabin liquids.
Do not pack industrial aerosols, spray paint or other hazardous products as ordinary toiletries.
Can You Take Shampoo and Conditioner on Air France?
Yes. Shampoo and conditioner are permitted in cabin baggage, subject to the liquid restrictions.
For ordinary cabin travel, choose containers holding no more than 100ml.
If you're travelling for a short break, a compact shampoo and conditioner may be all you need.
For longer trips, check whether your hotel provides toiletries before packing several bottles.
If you're checking a suitcase, larger ordinary shampoo and conditioner bottles can generally travel in your checked baggage.
Can You Take Sun Cream on Air France?
Yes. Sun cream is permitted, although lotions, creams, gels and sprays are subject to the applicable liquid restrictions.
For cabin baggage, choose a container holding no more than 100ml where the traditional rule applies.
A small bottle may be enough for a short city break, but it is unlikely to provide sufficient protection for an extended beach holiday.
If you're travelling to the south of France or another sunny destination, plan how you'll obtain enough sun cream for your stay.
You may prefer to carry a small bottle for your journey and pack additional supplies in checked baggage or buy them after arrival.
Can You Take Makeup on Air France?
Yes. Everyday makeup is generally permitted in cabin baggage.
However, liquid and cream-based cosmetics fall within the relevant restrictions.
Products to include in your liquids bag may include mascara, liquid foundation, liquid concealer, lip gloss, cream blush and gel-based cosmetics.
Powder products and genuinely solid cosmetics are generally treated differently.
If you regularly travel with a full makeup collection, consider which products you genuinely need in your cabin bag and which can go in checked baggage.
Can You Take Perfume and Aftershave on Air France?
Yes. Ordinary perfume and aftershave are generally permitted in cabin baggage, subject to the liquid restrictions.
For ordinary cabin travel, use a bottle holding no more than 100ml.
A small travel-size perfume or aftershave can save space and reduce the risk of breakage.
If you purchase larger bottles after airport security, check the requirements for any onward connection, particularly if your journey involves another security checkpoint.
Can You Take Medicines on Air France?
Essential medicines may qualify for exemptions from the ordinary liquid restrictions.
Air France permits medication required during a flight, including certain liquid medication accompanied by a prescription or doctor's statement.
When departing from the UK, essential liquid medication in containers larger than 100ml can be carried through security.
If prescribed liquid medication is in a container larger than 100ml, carry evidence such as a prescription or doctor's letter.
If you're connecting through Paris or travelling outside France, check whether your medication is subject to any additional restrictions in your destination or transit country.
Keep essential medication in your cabin baggage, where it remains accessible during the journey.
Do not assume that medication rules are identical in every country.
What About Baby Milk and Baby Food?
Air France recognises exemptions for baby food needed during a flight.
UK airport security also allows passengers travelling with babies to carry sufficient baby milk, baby food and sterilised water for their journey.
These products may need to undergo additional screening, and security staff may inspect the containers.
If you're travelling with an infant, check the requirements at your departure, connecting and return airports before leaving home.
Can You Pack Toiletries in Air France Checked Baggage?
Yes. Most ordinary toiletries can be carried in checked baggage.
This includes larger bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, moisturiser and sun cream.
However, some products, particularly aerosols and other potentially hazardous items, are subject to additional restrictions.
Protect aerosol valves against accidental release, secure bottle caps and consider placing liquid products inside a sealed wash bag to reduce the risk of leaks.
Remember that checked-baggage allowances depend on your ticket.
If you've booked a fare without checked baggage, purchasing toiletries after arrival may be more economical than paying to check an additional suitcase.
Best Toiletries for an Air France Weekend Break
For a short trip to Paris or another French destination, you may only need a compact selection of everyday essentials.
Toothpaste and Toothbrush
A small toothpaste tube and compact toothbrush are easy to pack and useful throughout your trip.
Deodorant
A travel-size roll-on or permitted aerosol takes up relatively little space.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Check whether your accommodation provides these products before packing your own.
Shower Gel
A small bottle is usually sufficient for a short stay, particularly if you're travelling alone.
Moisturiser
A compact moisturiser can be useful after a flight or a long day exploring.
Sun Cream
Depending on the season and destination, a small bottle of sun cream may be worth including in your wash bag.
Everyday Makeup or Shaving Essentials
Choose the products you'll actually use rather than packing your entire bathroom collection.
For a two- or three-night trip, the aim is to carry enough for your stay without filling your entire cabin baggage allowance with toiletries.
Air France Toiletries for Different Types of Trips
A Weekend in Paris
If you're travelling with only an under-seat bag, keep your toiletries compact.
A small wash bag containing toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel and a few other essentials may be sufficient.
A Longer Holiday in France
For a week or more, consider whether you'll have checked baggage and whether your accommodation supplies basic toiletries.
You may prefer to carry travel-size products for the journey and obtain additional supplies after arrival.
A Long-Haul Flight via Paris
If you're connecting through Charles de Gaulle, keep a small selection of toiletries accessible during the journey.
Toothpaste, deodorant and moisturiser may be particularly useful when travelling for extended periods.
Business Travel
A dedicated travel wash bag can make frequent journeys easier.
Keeping familiar travel-size products ready reduces the amount of preparation needed before an early departure.
Travelling as a Couple
Sharing products such as toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel can save space.
If you're both travelling with small cabin bags, consider which products you can share rather than packing unnecessary duplicates.
Common Air France Toiletry Packing Mistakes
Assuming Every UK Airport Has the Same Liquid Rules
Some UK airports now allow larger containers, while others retain the traditional 100ml restriction.
Check your departure airport before travelling.
Forgetting About a Connection in Paris
If you're transferring at Charles de Gaulle, you may encounter another security checkpoint.
Make sure your toiletries comply with the requirements that apply throughout your journey.
Packing a Half-Empty Oversized Bottle
A 200ml bottle containing only a small amount of shampoo still exceeds the traditional 100ml container limit.
Forgetting That Toothpaste and Creams Count as Liquids
Toothpaste, moisturiser, sun cream, mascara and similar products may need to go in your liquids bag.
Assuming Every Economy Ticket Includes an Overhead Cabin Bag
Some Air France Economy Basic tickets include only the small under-seat bag.
Check your booking before arriving at the airport.
Buying a Cabin Case That's Too Large
Air France's standard cabin-bag limit is 55 × 35 × 25cm, including handles, wheels and external pockets.
A case designed around another airline's allowance may exceed these dimensions.
Forgetting About the Return Flight
Your return airport may have different liquid restrictions from your UK departure airport.
Check before purchasing larger toiletries or perfume abroad.
Travel Minis or Decant Your Own Toiletries?
Both approaches can work for Air France travel.
Reusable Travel Bottles
Decanting products you already use at home can be economical and may reduce packaging waste.
However, it requires preparation and appropriately sealed containers.
Label your bottles clearly so you can identify their contents.
Individual Travel-Size Products
Travel-size toiletries allow you to take familiar brands without decanting.
They're particularly convenient for toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and shower gel.
Ready-Packed Toiletry Kits
A pre-packed travel kit prioritises convenience.
Keeping a dedicated wash bag ready can save time when packing for a weekend break, business trip or last-minute holiday.
Whichever option you choose, check the container sizes and make sure everything fits within the restrictions that apply to your journey.
Air France Cabin Toiletries Checklist
Before leaving home:
Check the liquid restrictions at your UK departure airport.
Check the requirements at Paris Charles de Gaulle if you're connecting.
Check your destination and return airports.
Pack ordinary cabin liquids in containers of 100ml or less to accommodate Air France's published rules.
Use a transparent, resealable liquids bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
Remember that toothpaste, creams, gels and sprays count as liquids.
Check that any aerosols are permitted personal-care products.
Keep essential medicines and supporting documentation accessible.
Check whether your fare includes an overhead cabin bag.
Measure your cabin case, including wheels and handles.
Keep your toiletries accessible if further security screening is required.
Consider whether larger products can go in checked baggage or be purchased after arrival.
Air France Cabin Toiletries Rules FAQs
Can I take shampoo on Air France?
Yes. Shampoo is permitted in cabin baggage, subject to Air France's published liquid restrictions. Ordinary cabin-liquid containers must not exceed 100ml.
Does toothpaste count as a liquid on Air France?
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a paste and falls within the relevant liquid restrictions.
Can I take deodorant on Air France?
Yes. Roll-on, gel and permitted aerosol deodorants can be carried in cabin baggage, subject to the applicable liquid and dangerous-goods restrictions.
Can I take hairspray on Air France?
Permitted personal-care hairspray can generally be carried in cabin baggage, provided it complies with the applicable liquid and aerosol restrictions.
Can I take perfume on Air France?
Yes. Ordinary perfume is permitted, subject to the relevant liquid restrictions. Larger duty-free purchases may be subject to additional conditions during connecting journeys.
What size is an Air France cabin bag?
The maximum dimensions for a standard cabin bag are 55 × 35 × 25cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets.
What size is the Air France small bag?
The maximum dimensions are 40 × 30 × 15cm. It must normally fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Does Air France Economy Basic include a cabin bag?
Some Economy Basic fares include only a small under-seat bag. Eligible passengers may purchase an additional cabin-baggage option, while certain Flying Blue members receive additional benefits.
Does the 100ml rule apply when connecting through Paris?
Air France continues to publish the traditional 100ml container limit. Passengers should also follow any additional requirements at security checkpoints during their connection.
Can I take essential liquid medication larger than 100ml?
Exemptions may apply to essential medication. Carry supporting documentation where required and check the rules at every airport and country involved in your journey.
More Air France Travel Advice
Continue planning your trip with our related guides:
Final Thoughts
Air France allows ordinary toiletries in cabin baggage, but travellers need to understand both the airline's published restrictions and the security requirements at the airports they'll use.
Air France currently publishes a 100ml container limit and a one-litre transparent-bag requirement for ordinary cabin liquids.
Its cabin baggage allowance also depends on your fare, with some Economy Basic tickets including only a small under-seat bag.
For UK travellers connecting through Paris, the most important precaution is to check the requirements for every airport on the itinerary rather than relying solely on the rules at your departure airport.
Choose the toiletries you'll genuinely need, keep your liquids organised and confirm your baggage allowance before travelling.
That way, you'll spend less time worrying about airport security and more time enjoying your journey.
Information reviewed against Air France's published baggage, liquid and airport-security guidance and current UK government guidance, September 2026.
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