Cosmetic bags in hand luggage: these are the rules

Strict rules apply to hand luggage on the plane. The scope is particularly limited with liquids. In this article we explain what this means for your cosmetic bag.

Cosmetic bags in hand luggage: that's how it works

The background to the strict regulations was the terrorist attacks in 2006 at London Heathrow airport that were supposed to be carried out with liquid explosives during a flight. The EU's response to this was a corresponding regulation, which still exists today in security controls.

• According to the EU regulation, liquids, gels and aerosols may only be taken into the cabin in hand luggage if the container does not have a capacity of more than 100 milliliters.
• However, you can take several of these containers with you. However, these must be packed in a clear and resealable plastic bag. The plastic bag can hold a maximum of one liter. A 1 liter bag per passenger can be carried in hand luggage.
• "Liquids, gels and aerosols" includes everything that has a liquid, creamy, gel-like, viscous or similar consistency at room temperature. For your cosmetic bag, this means that pretty much everything that is normally in it is covered. These are, for example, creams, lotions, toothpaste, sprays, perfume, nail polish or shaving cream.
• You can take all of these products with you, but you must fill them in appropriate 100 milliliter bottles or cans and put them in the 1 liter bag. Anything beyond that must be checked in.
• The 1 liter zipper bags are available in travel supplies. Some travel agencies give the bags to their customers along with documents. Unfortunately, these bags break quickly and cause a lot of garbage. If you fly often, it is best to buy a somewhat more robust model.
• In the drugstore you can get miniature editions for many products that are good for hand luggage and do not exceed the maximum dimensions. But you also produce a lot of garbage with it. Reusable silicone bottles and cans are recommended, into which you can pour creams and lotions. Of course, this does not work with sprays.
• Please note: If you would like to take other products with you, such as drinks, cheese spread, soups or syrups, you have to share the space in a 1 liter bag with your drugstore products.
• If you buy cosmetics in the duty-free shop behind the security checkpoint or on the plane, they must be transported in sealed security bags.

In the next article, we will show you what happens to your luggage if you have booked a connecting flight.