‘Beat the 100ml rule’: ‘Viral hack’ means you can take full-size toiletries onto a flight

Hand luggage rules mean that, if you’re hoping to travel with just cabin bags, you will need to leave certain toiletries behind. In line with UK aviation and Government travel rules, any liquids in containers measuring more than 100ml are banned from being taken past airport security.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explained: “There are strict restrictions on liquids in hand baggage for security reasons.

“If you need to take liquids away with you, aim to pack as much as possible in your hold baggage.

“Liquids in this sense include lipsticks, mascara, toothpaste, hairspray, shaving foam and other cosmetic and toiletry items of a similar consistency.”

However, a viral TikTok video has highlighted a clever way passengers can travel with just hand luggage and still take full-sized toiletries with them.

READ MORE: Baggage handler shares common items people ‘should not’ put in bags

The video, posted by @hollylouise.22, has amassed 37.7k likes since it was first posted and has been shared 1,216 times.

In the video, which was filmed at Gatwick Airport, she can be seen holding a paper bag from Boots pharmacy while at the airport.

The bag is full to the brim with full-sized products including shampoo, moisturiser and an aerosol deodorant.

Text in the video reads: “This is your sign to do a boots order for collection at the airport so you can get over 100ml.” The TikTok user added: “Best idea I’ve ever had”.

Nicky Kelvin, head of The Points Guy UK, says the hack can work well to “beat the 100ml rule”.

He explained: “[The] TikTok user went viral after explaining how she pre-orders her holiday cosmetics and toiletries online to an in-airport branch of Boots before she flies.

“Why? So that she isn’t hampered by the 100ml limit placed on liquids at security and can also dodge airport prices on certain costlier items.”

He noted that the click-and-collect service at Gatwick Airport’s Boots “has been available for ages”, however it is “massively underused”.

Mr Kelvin explained: “You will need to leave at least 10 days minimum before ordering, and this will count towards your carry-on allowance in the eyes of most airlines.

“Additionally, if you don’t use up these items during your holiday and wish to bring them back it will mean packing them in a checked bag for your return flight or risk having to throw the items away at security.”

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What hand luggage rules do you need to know before flying?

Gov.uk sets out up-to-date rules regarding what passengers can and cannot take in their hand luggage on flights departing from the UK.

The website states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.

“There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

“Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.”

Liquids include:

• All drinks, including water
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups.
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
• Pastes, including toothpaste.
• Gels, including hair and shower gel.
• Contact lens solution.
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

• Containers must hold no more than 100ml.
• Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
• Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.
• The bag must not be knotted or tied at the top.
• You’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person.
• You must show the bag at the airport security point.