Our tips will help you to get your cosmetics organised and reduce the chances of getting them confiscated at security, or ending up with goo all over your belongings.
You’ve bought some lovely new outfits, chosen the perfect suitcases and packed your capsule wardrobe and shoes – but now comes the trickiest part: how to pack your cosmetics and toiletries for a flight without running the risks of having them confiscated by airport security or even leaking all over your clothes midair. Our tips will help you to get your cosmetics organised and reduce the chances of getting them confiscated at security, or ending up with goo all over your belongings.
Travelling light
Many travellers nowadays chose to fly with hand luggage only which means taking only the cosmetics and toiletries that you really need. Deciding what is essential and what you could leave at home is a very personal matter but our hacks for packing cosmetics for flying should help:
Before starting your packing, run through your makeup routine and select only the items that you use on a daily basis: be strict and pack just these and no others.
• All liquids, which includes items such as toothpaste and hair gel, must be packed into a small clear plastic bag (see below for the rules for packing liquids in your hand luggage). Buy some refillable travel bottles and pots and fill with small amounts of your favourite products.
• Look out for items that can double up: a body wash can do double duty as a shampoo and can even be used as a laundry wash for rinsing out underwear. A multi-purpose makeup stick can be used to sweep colour across your cheeks and eyelids as well as your lips.
• Buy special travel sizes or ask for sample sizes of your favourite products: a tiny tube of hand cream or moisturiser will take up hardly any room.
• Substitute a solid shampoo bar for your usual hair care product- just cut off a small piece to pack.
• Try daily disposable contact lenses so you don't need to pack cleaning solutions.
• Leave toiletries such as sunscreen, insect repellent and shampoo at home and just buy what you need when you arrive at your destination.
What can you take on a plane?
When considering what cosmetics to take with you on a flight, the most important things to bear in mind are the security restrictions regarding packing liquids in your hand luggage.
The UK government places restrictions on liquids that can be carried on board a plane as part of your hand luggage. If you need to carry more, then you will need to pack them in your hold luggage. The term liquids includes:
• Water and other drinks
• Liquid or semi-solid foods, eg jam, syrup, soup and honey
• Toiletries and cosmetics including lotions, perfumes, creams, lip gloss and mascara
• Aerosol sprays, including hairspray, shaving foam and deodorants
• Toothpaste and other cosmetic pastes
• Shower or hair gel
• Solutions for contact lenses
If you do decide to pack liquids in your hand luggage, the containers must be no greater than 100ml in volume. Other requirements include:
• The containers must be packed into a resealable, clear plastic bag no larger than 20 x 20 cm
• The bag must not be overfilled as you have to be able to seal it properly and it will be examined by the airport’s security officers
Baby food and milk, special dietary requirements and alcohol in sealed security bags bought at the airport duty-free shop are exempt from these restrictions.
Keep yourself informed on the latest rules and regulations regarding hand luggage by keeping in touch with us at GIVT, where our team of experts can also assist you with any situation regarding your rights as a passenger.
