Carry-on Liquids, Aerosols and Gels – What’s Allowed?

The current Transport Canada quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels is 100 ml for each container, and all should all fit into a 1L resealable bag. These special little zip-lock bags are often available for free at the airport — but it can be a pain trying to organize all your liquids right there at the counter, so try to get it all done before you go.

The following items are also considered liquids and gels, and must fit into tiny containers within the tiny bag:

• Liquid foods such as jam, yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, jello, peanut butter, etc.
• Drinks, including your current bottle of water, coffee or tea, pop — whatever you are drinking in that moment must go if it’s bigger than 100ml. Far too many times have I forgotten to drink or dump my water bottle and end up having to buy a new one for a small fortune on the other side of security.
• Creams, lotions and liquid make up items, nail polish & remover, hairspray, gel, pomade, mousse, etc.

Exceptions to these liquid limits include:

• Contact lens solutions, and other necessary prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Formula, milk, juice and so on, in reasonable quantity for the itinerary, for infants under 2 years of age.

Travel tips for carry-on liquids:

• Buy travel-sized supplies of toothpaste, hairspray, gel, body lotion, etc. Maybe buy solid antiperspirant, too, as the gel varieties might be considered liquid.
• Buy a travel kit of small plastic containers, and fill them with shampoo and conditioner etc. These are a good idea as they generally have less leaks than normal containers.
• Consider skipping cologne and perfume, unless you can get small bottles of it. Maybe you can pick up some small testers before you go, they’re the perfect travel size.
• Put your liquids in a Ziploc bag in case of leakage, and then again in a toiletry bag.
• Try to position it at the bottom of your suitcase when the case is upright, and place some clothes over top to avoid a “direct hit” to the suitcase.
• Drink your water before you get in line to clear security. It’s OK to carry an empty water bottle, you can refill it on the other side when you head to your gate.
• Make sure the makeup bag in your purse doesn’t contain liquid foundation – if it does, remember to bag it and put it in your carry on bag.
• Planning to give yourself a complete manicure on the plane? Think again! You can’t carry sharp nail files or little scissors of any kind on board. Stick to the soft files only.

Do you have any travel tips you’d like to share? Please leave a comment below!