Singapore Airlines Cabin Toiletries & Liquid Rules Explained: What UK Travellers Need to Know
Flying Singapore Airlines from the UK and wondering whether you can take shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, perfume or sun cream in your cabin baggage?
Whether Singapore is your final destination or you’re connecting at Changi Airport for Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere in Asia, it’s worth understanding the liquid rules before you pack.
There are two separate things to consider: Singapore Airlines determines your cabin baggage allowance, while airport security determines which liquids can pass through each security checkpoint.
That distinction is particularly important on a long-haul journey involving Singapore because the rules at your UK departure airport, Singapore Changi and your return airport may not be identical.
Here’s what UK travellers need to know.
Singapore Airlines Toiletries: Quick Answer
Everyday toiletries are generally permitted in Singapore Airlines cabin baggage.
At most UK airports, ordinary liquids must still be in containers holding no more than 100ml, although some airports now permit containers up to two litres.
Singapore Changi applies the 100ml container rule to liquids, aerosols and gels carried through security.
At Changi, your containers must fit inside one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one litre.
Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, roll-on deodorant, aerosol deodorant, perfume, sun cream and many cosmetics count as liquids, aerosols or gels.
Economy and Premium Economy passengers on Singapore Airlines can generally carry one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg.
Suites, First Class and Business Class passengers can generally carry two cabin bags, each weighing up to 7kg.
The combined length, width and height of each main cabin bag must not exceed 115cm.
Essential medicines, baby food and other exempt products may be treated differently.
Duty-free liquids require particular care when your journey involves a connection.
Passengers connecting through Singapore to Australia need to pay particular attention to the rules for duty-free liquids.
Singapore Airlines’ current cabin baggage allowance confirms the 7kg limits and 115cm dimensional measurement, while Changi Airport applies its liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions to flights departing Singapore. Singapore Airlines
Get your travel toiletries ready
Flying Singapore Airlines? Explore our range of travel-size toiletries, including deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and other everyday essentials for your cabin bag.
What Are the Singapore Airlines Cabin Liquid Rules?
For a Singapore Airlines journey, the liquid restrictions you encounter depend on the airports through which you travel.
If you’re departing from the UK, you initially need to comply with the security requirements at your UK departure airport.
At most UK airports, ordinary liquids cannot currently pass through security in containers larger than 100ml. Some airports with upgraded security equipment may allow containers holding up to two litres. The requirement to use a separate transparent liquids bag also now varies by airport. GOV.UK
Singapore itself applies the traditional restrictions to liquids, aerosols and gels — usually abbreviated to LAGs.
At Changi Airport, ordinary cabin liquids must be in containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each and carried within a one-litre transparent, resealable plastic bag that can be completely closed. Changi Airport
For a journey involving several airports, packing ordinary toiletries in containers of 100ml or less is therefore the straightforward approach.
What Counts as a Liquid?
Airport security uses a much broader definition of “liquid” than many passengers expect.
It includes liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, pastes and products with similar consistencies.
Common examples include:
Shampoo and conditioner
Shower gel and body wash
Toothpaste
Roll-on deodorant
Gel deodorant
Aerosol deodorant
Shaving foam
Hairspray
Moisturiser
Face creams
Sun cream
Perfume and aftershave
Mascara
Lip gloss
Liquid foundation
Liquid concealer
Hair gel
Contact lens solution
Changi Airport specifically lists perfume, deodorant, creams, lotions, cosmetics, toothpaste, shaving foam, hairspray, spray deodorant, gels and contact lens solution among the products covered by its LAG restrictions. Changi Airport
UK guidance takes a similarly broad approach, including cosmetics, toiletries, sprays, pastes and gels. GOV.UK
So although toothpaste doesn’t look much like a drink or conventional liquid, it still counts.
Related guide: What Counts as a Liquid at Airport Security?
Does the 100ml Rule Still Apply When Flying Singapore Airlines From the UK?
At most UK airports, yes — but not universally.
The UK has been introducing new security scanners, which means the rules are no longer identical at every airport.
At most airports, containers larger than 100ml remain prohibited through security, even when they are only partly full. Some airports now permit liquid containers holding up to two litres.
Similarly, some airports no longer require passengers to remove their liquids or place them inside a separate transparent bag. GOV.UK
This creates an important issue for long-haul travellers.
A larger container accepted at your UK departure airport won’t necessarily be accepted at another airport during your journey.
Singapore Changi continues to apply the 100ml restriction to ordinary cabin liquids, aerosols and gels.
For that reason, 100ml-or-smaller toiletries remain the more straightforward choice for a Singapore Airlines journey involving multiple airports.
Related guide: UK Airport Liquid Rules Explained
Connecting Through Singapore Changi: What Happens to Your Toiletries?
Singapore Changi is a major connecting hub, so many Singapore Airlines passengers arriving from the UK are travelling considerably further.
Typical journeys might include:
London → Singapore → Sydney
Manchester → Singapore → Melbourne
London → Singapore → Auckland
London → Singapore → Bali
Manchester → Singapore → Phuket
The important point is that the liquid rules applying when you originally leave Britain don’t necessarily determine what happens throughout the journey.
Changi restricts liquids, aerosols and gels carried in hand baggage. Ordinary products should be in containers no larger than 100ml, inside the permitted one-litre transparent resealable bag. Changi Airport
If your UK airport allows larger containers, don’t assume they’ll automatically be acceptable during the rest of your journey.
Keep your liquids organised and accessible rather than burying them at the bottom of your cabin case.
Duty-Free Liquids at Singapore Changi
Duty-free liquids deserve particular attention when connecting through Singapore.
Changi allows passengers to purchase larger liquids, aerosols and gels such as perfume and cosmetics in its Departure Transit Area. Products larger than 100ml should remain sealed in a security tamper-evident bag, with the receipt clearly displayed inside. Changi Airport
However, your onward destination matters.
Singapore Airlines publishes specific duty-free restrictions for different countries, so you shouldn’t assume that a sealed duty-free purchase will automatically be accepted everywhere. Singapore Airlines
Connecting to Australia
This is particularly important.
Passengers transiting Singapore for Australia must comply with Australian cabin-security restrictions.
Singapore Airlines states that duty-free liquids, aerosols and gels purchased during an earlier part of the journey in containers larger than 100ml will not be permitted through the relevant security screening, even when they’re inside a sealed security tamper-evident bag.
Larger qualifying duty-free liquids purchased at Changi can instead be collected via gate delivery after security screening, or purchased aboard the final flight to Australia. Singapore Airlines
So if you’re travelling from Britain to Australia via Singapore, think carefully before buying a large bottle of perfume or another liquid earlier in the journey.
Ask duty-free staff about your complete itinerary before purchasing.
What About Your Return Journey?
Your return journey can involve completely different security procedures.
For example, somebody flying:
London → Singapore → Sydney
may encounter security requirements in Britain, Singapore and Australia during the overall trip.
The same principle applies to journeys involving New Zealand, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Singapore Airlines destinations.
UK government guidance specifically advises travellers to check the liquid rules at their departure airport, any airports they travel through and those used on the return journey. GOV.UK
This becomes especially important if you buy full-size toiletries, perfume, cosmetics or sun cream during your holiday.
If you have checked baggage, larger ordinary toiletries can often travel there instead.
For hand-luggage-only travel, consider the return journey before buying larger liquid products.
Staying Connected When You Arrive
Long-haul Singapore Airlines itineraries can involve one or several countries, so it’s also worth checking how you’ll use your phone abroad.
UK mobile roaming charges vary according to your network, tariff and destination.
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 the UK SIM active does not necessarily mean calls, texts or roaming through that SIM are free, so check your network’s charges.
If you’re travelling through several countries, make sure your chosen eSIM covers the places where you’ll actually need mobile data.
Stay connected when you land
Travelling to Singapore or beyond? Explore travel eSIM options for your destination and check whether your phone supports eSIM before departure.
Related guide: Can You Use Two SIMs at the Same Time?
How Big Is a Singapore Airlines Cabin Bag?
Singapore Airlines bases its main cabin baggage dimensions on the combined length, width and height of the bag rather than publishing a single standard set of dimensions.
Each main cabin bag must have combined dimensions of no more than:
115cm
The allowance depends on your cabin class:
Travel class | Cabin baggage allowance |
Economy Class | 1 piece, up to 7kg |
Premium Economy Class | 1 piece, up to 7kg |
Business Class | 2 pieces, up to 7kg each |
First Class | 2 pieces, up to 7kg each |
Suites | 2 pieces, up to 7kg each |
Singapore Airlines also requires passengers to be able to stow their cabin baggage securely in the overhead compartment or beneath the seat in front. Singapore Airlines
If your cabin baggage exceeds the limits, Singapore Airlines warns that it may be transferred to the aircraft hold and additional baggage charges can apply. Singapore Airlines
Can You Take a Personal Item?
Singapore Airlines also permits certain additional personal items, subject to its published conditions.
Examples can include a handbag, camera bag, document bag, overcoat, umbrella, laptop in a bag and infant amenities.
Passengers departing Heathrow or Manchester in Economy are specifically advised that they can carry one cabin bag and one personal item, while Business and First Class passengers can carry two cabin bags and one personal item. Singapore Airlines
Why the 7kg Limit Matters for Toiletries
Seven kilograms can disappear surprisingly quickly on a long-haul trip.
Liquids are relatively heavy, and carrying numerous 100ml toiletries can consume a meaningful part of your allowance before you’ve packed clothing, electronics and the cabin bag itself.
Travel-size toiletries therefore help with more than security compliance — they can also reduce unnecessary weight.
Related guide: Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance & Cabin Bag Rules
Choose the right cabin luggage
Explore the Case cabin luggage collection and compare the external dimensions and empty weight of your chosen case with Singapore Airlines’ baggage allowance before buying.
Can You Take Toothpaste on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Toothpaste is permitted in cabin baggage, but it counts as a paste and therefore falls within airport liquid restrictions.
When travelling through an airport applying the traditional rules, use a tube with a maximum capacity of 100ml.
A 125ml or 150ml tube doesn’t become acceptable simply because most of the toothpaste has already been used.
A compact travel-size toothpaste is therefore one of the easiest products to include in your cabin wash bag.
Can You Take Deodorant on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Ordinary personal-care deodorants can generally travel in cabin baggage, subject to the applicable liquid and aerosol restrictions.
Roll-on and gel deodorants count as liquids.
Changi Airport also specifically includes liquid deodorants and spray deodorants within its LAG restrictions. Changi Airport
A 50ml roll-on deodorant is particularly convenient for cabin travel because it sits comfortably within the 100ml limit while occupying relatively little room in your liquids bag.
Permitted aerosol deodorants should also remain within the applicable cabin liquid limit.
Can You Take Aerosols on Singapore Airlines?
Certain everyday personal-care aerosols can be carried, subject to security and dangerous-goods restrictions.
Examples include products such as aerosol deodorant, hairspray and shaving foam.
Changi specifically includes pressurised foams and sprays within its liquid, aerosol and gel rules. Changi Airport
That does not mean every aerosol is acceptable.
Hazardous, industrial or flammable aerosol products can be prohibited or subject to additional dangerous-goods restrictions.
For ordinary toiletries carried through cabin security, choose permitted personal-care aerosols in containers no larger than 100ml where the traditional security rules apply.
Make sure protective caps are fitted where appropriate to prevent accidental discharge.
Can You Take Shampoo and Conditioner on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Shampoo and conditioner are ordinary permitted toiletries, but both count as liquids.
For a journey involving Singapore, containers of 100ml or less are the straightforward choice for cabin baggage.
For a short trip, travel-size shampoo and conditioner may provide everything you need.
For a longer holiday, consider whether your accommodation supplies them or whether larger bottles would be better packed in checked baggage.
There’s little benefit in carrying enough shampoo for a three-week holiday in your cabin bag if you only need a small amount during the journey.
Can You Take Sun Cream on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Sun cream is permitted, but creams, lotions, gels and sprays fall within the liquid restrictions.
A container holding no more than 100ml is appropriate where the traditional cabin-security rule applies.
For many Singapore Airlines destinations, however, you may need considerably more sun protection during your holiday.
Rather than filling your cabin liquids bag with several bottles, consider carrying enough for your immediate arrival and packing larger supplies in checked baggage or purchasing them at your destination.
Can You Take Makeup on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Everyday cosmetics are generally permitted in cabin baggage, although liquid, cream and gel products count towards your liquids allowance.
These can include:
Mascara
Liquid foundation
Liquid concealer
Lip gloss
Cream blush
Liquid eyeliner
Gel cosmetics
Changi specifically includes mascara and lip gloss among its examples of liquids, aerosols and gels. Changi Airport
Powders and genuinely solid cosmetics are treated differently, although they remain subject to ordinary security screening.
Can You Take Perfume and Aftershave on Singapore Airlines?
Yes.
Perfume and aftershave can generally be carried in cabin baggage, subject to the applicable liquid restrictions.
Changi specifically includes perfumes among its restricted LAG products. Changi Airport
For ordinary cabin baggage, a bottle holding no more than 100ml is the simplest choice.
If you purchase a larger fragrance at duty free, keep it sealed in the security tamper-evident packaging with the receipt and check the rules for your onward destination.
This is particularly important when connecting through Singapore to Australia or another destination with additional restrictions.
What About Medicines?
Essential medicines can qualify for exemptions from the ordinary liquid restrictions.
When departing the UK, essential liquid medicines in containers larger than 100ml can be carried in hand luggage.
If a prescribed liquid medicine is in a container larger than 100ml, you’ll need evidence that it has been prescribed to you, such as a doctor’s letter or copy of your prescription. GOV.UK
For a long-haul Singapore Airlines journey, keep essential medication accessible in your cabin baggage rather than placing everything in checked luggage.
Also check the rules applying in Singapore and your final destination.
Medicines legally prescribed in the UK can sometimes be subject to different controls overseas.
What About Baby Milk and Baby Food?
Baby milk, baby food and products required for special dietary or medical purposes can qualify for exemptions from the normal liquid restrictions.
UK airports allow containers up to two litres through security when they contain baby milk, baby food, essential medical liquids or products required for special dietary purposes. GOV.UK
Security staff may need to inspect or screen these products separately.
If you’re travelling with an infant on a multi-airport itinerary, check the requirements at every airport you’ll use.
Can Toiletries Go in Singapore Airlines Checked Baggage?
Yes.
Most ordinary toiletries can be packed in checked baggage, making this useful for longer trips where travel-size containers won’t last for your entire stay.
Products such as larger bottles of:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower gel
Moisturiser
Sun cream
can generally be packed in checked luggage.
Some aerosols and hazardous products are subject to additional aviation dangerous-goods restrictions, so check unusual items before travelling.
Secure lids carefully and consider placing bottles inside a sealed toiletry bag in case they leak.
For a long-haul holiday, a useful strategy is to keep the small amount you’ll need during the journey in your cabin bag and place larger supplies in checked baggage.
Best Toiletries for a Singapore Airlines Long-Haul Flight
A flight from the UK to Singapore is very different from a short European journey.
You may be travelling for many hours and potentially continuing onto another flight after arriving at Changi.
That makes journey toiletries particularly useful.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Useful on an overnight flight or during a long connection.
A small toothpaste tube occupies very little space.
Deodorant
A 50ml roll-on or permitted travel-size aerosol can be useful when freshening up during a long journey.
Moisturiser
Aircraft cabins can feel dry, so a compact moisturiser may be worth keeping accessible.
Lip Balm
Small, light and useful during a long flight.
Face Wash
A travel-size face wash can be useful before arrival or during a long connection.
Sun Cream
Useful if you’re arriving somewhere hot, although you may need a much larger supply for the rest of your holiday.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Ask yourself whether you’ll actually use these during the journey.
If they’re only needed after arrival, your hotel may already provide them.
Singapore Airlines Toiletries for Different Types of Trips
Singapore City Break
Singapore’s climate means sun cream and deodorant may be particularly useful.
For a short stay, travel-size toiletries may be sufficient for the entire trip.
Australia or New Zealand via Singapore
Plan for a long journey and potentially several security environments.
Pay particular attention to the rules around duty-free liquids when connecting through Singapore.
Southeast Asia via Singapore
If you’re travelling onward to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam or elsewhere, check the security rules applying to your return airport as well as Singapore.
Hand-Luggage-Only Travel
With an Economy or Premium Economy cabin allowance of 7kg, selective packing becomes important.
Avoid carrying several products when one will do.
Business Travel
Keeping a dedicated set of travel-size toiletries ready can make frequent long-haul journeys much easier.
Couples Travelling Together
Share products such as toothpaste, shampoo or shower gel where practical.
There’s little value in carrying two identical bottles if one is sufficient for both travellers.
Common Singapore Airlines Toiletry Packing Mistakes
Assuming Your UK Airport’s Rules Apply Everywhere
Some UK airports now permit larger liquid containers.
Singapore Changi still applies the 100ml restriction to ordinary cabin liquids, aerosols and gels. GOV.UK
Forgetting About the Singapore Connection
Your journey may involve additional security procedures.
Pack for the entire itinerary rather than only your first airport.
Taking a Partly Empty Oversized Bottle
Where the 100ml rule applies, a 200ml bottle containing only 30ml of shampoo is still a 200ml container.
Forgetting That Toothpaste Counts
Toothpaste is a paste and falls within the liquids restrictions.
Buying Duty-Free Without Considering Your Onward Flight
This is particularly important for passengers travelling through Singapore to Australia.
Ask the retailer about your onward itinerary before buying larger liquid products.
Overpacking Toiletries
Every additional liquid adds both bulk and weight.
Singapore Airlines Economy and Premium Economy passengers generally have a 7kg cabin baggage limit.
Ignoring the 115cm Cabin Bag Measurement
Singapore Airlines specifies that the combined length + width + height of the main cabin bag must not exceed 115cm. Singapore Airlines
Check the actual external dimensions of your luggage before travelling.
Forgetting About the Return Journey
Your return airport may apply different liquid rules from the UK airport you originally departed from.
Travel Minis or Decant Your Own?
Both approaches can work well.
Reusable Travel Bottles
Decanting lets you take the products you already use at home.
Choose containers no larger than 100ml for a journey involving traditional security restrictions, seal them carefully and label them clearly.
Branded Travel Minis
Travel-size products avoid the need to decant.
They’re particularly convenient for products such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner.
Ready-Packed Travel Toiletry Kits
A pre-packed kit prioritises convenience.
Keeping a dedicated set of travel toiletries ready means you don’t need to rebuild your wash bag every time you travel.
That can be particularly useful for frequent business travellers or anyone preparing for an early long-haul departure.
Singapore Airlines Cabin Toiletries Checklist
Before leaving home:
Check the current liquid rules at your UK departure airport.
Check the Changi Airport liquid restrictions if travelling through Singapore.
Check the requirements at your final destination.
Check your return airport and any return connections.
Use ordinary cabin toiletries in containers of 100ml or less where the traditional rules apply.
Keep liquids organised in a transparent, resealable one-litre bag for Changi.
Remember that toothpaste, creams, gels and sprays count.
Check that aerosols are permitted personal-care products.
Keep essential medication accessible.
Carry supporting documentation for prescribed liquid medication where required.
Think carefully before buying larger duty-free liquids on a connecting journey.
Check your Singapore Airlines cabin baggage allowance.
Economy and Premium Economy passengers should generally keep their main cabin bag within 7kg.
Check that the combined dimensions of the main cabin bag do not exceed 115cm.
Pack only the toiletries you’ll genuinely use during the journey.
Singapore Airlines Cabin Toiletries & Liquid Rules FAQs
Can I Take Shampoo on Singapore Airlines?
Yes. Shampoo is permitted in cabin baggage, but it counts as a liquid. Use a container no larger than 100ml when travelling through airports applying the traditional liquid restrictions.
Does Toothpaste Count as a Liquid?
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a paste and falls within cabin liquid restrictions.
Can I Take Deodorant on Singapore Airlines?
Yes. Ordinary roll-on, gel and permitted aerosol deodorants can generally be carried subject to the relevant liquid and aerosol restrictions.
Can I Take Hairspray on Singapore Airlines?
Permitted personal-care hairspray can generally be carried subject to security and dangerous-goods restrictions. At Changi, hairspray is specifically included among products treated as liquids, aerosols and gels. Changi Airport
Can I Take Perfume on Singapore Airlines?
Yes. Perfume can generally be carried in cabin baggage. At Changi, ordinary containers should not exceed 100ml unless the product qualifies under the airport’s rules for duty-free liquids. Changi Airport
What Is the Singapore Airlines Cabin Baggage Allowance?
Economy and Premium Economy passengers generally receive one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg. Business, First Class and Suites passengers generally receive two pieces weighing up to 7kg each. Each piece must have combined dimensions of no more than 115cm. Singapore Airlines
Can I Take an Additional Personal Item?
Singapore Airlines permits certain additional personal items subject to its conditions. Its Heathrow and Manchester guidance specifically allows Economy passengers one cabin bag plus one personal item. Singapore Airlines
Does the 100ml Rule Apply at Singapore Changi?
Yes. Changi currently restricts ordinary liquids, aerosols and gels to containers no larger than 100ml in hand baggage, carried in a one-litre transparent resealable bag. Changi Airport
Can I Carry Duty-Free Liquids Through Singapore?
Potentially, but the conditions depend on where the products were purchased and your onward destination. Larger qualifying products bought at Changi should remain in their security tamper-evident bag with the receipt displayed. Additional restrictions apply to certain onward journeys, particularly Australia. Singapore Airlines
Can I Take Liquid Medicine Larger Than 100ml?
Essential medicines can qualify for exemptions. When departing the UK, prescribed liquid medication in a container larger than 100ml requires evidence such as a prescription or doctor’s letter. GOV.UK
More Singapore Airlines Travel Advice
Continue planning your journey with our related guides:
Final Thoughts
Singapore Airlines allows ordinary toiletries in cabin baggage, but the security rules you encounter depend on the airports involved in your journey.
For UK departures, most airports still restrict ordinary liquids to containers no larger than 100ml, although some now permit larger containers. Singapore Changi continues to apply the traditional 100ml container and one-litre transparent bag approach to liquids, aerosols and gels. GOV.UK
That makes packing toiletries in containers of 100ml or less the straightforward choice for most UK travellers flying through Singapore.
Cabin baggage matters too. Singapore Airlines Economy and Premium Economy passengers generally receive one cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, while Business, First Class and Suites passengers generally receive two pieces weighing up to 7kg each.
Each main cabin bag must remain within a combined length, width and height of 115cm. Singapore Airlines
For passengers connecting through Singapore, the most important thing is to think about the whole journey rather than only the first airport.
Check your UK departure airport, Singapore Changi, your destination and your return journey; keep your everyday liquids organised; and pay particular attention to duty-free purchases if you’re travelling onward to Australia.
That should make a long-haul journey considerably easier — and reduce the chance of an unwelcome surprise at security.
Information reviewed against current Singapore Airlines, Singapore Changi Airport and UK government guidance, September 2026.
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