Travelling with Fragrances: Can You Take Perfume on Planes?
Travelling with luggage can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time! With the vast array of government-imposed rules and regulations that you need to abide by, knowing how to navigate these treacherous waters (or turbulent skies!), makes for a less-worrisome journey through airport security. So allow us to ease your worries with this guide on the necessary steps for travelling with perfumes.
Should Perfume Go in Checked Luggage or Carry-On?
For starters, perfume is classified as a liquid, and there are restrictions on how much liquid you can carry in hand luggage. Whenever possible, it is recommended to pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in). As for limits on checked-luggage, you are allowed 500ml per container, and the overall quantity must not exceed 2kg. You should ensure these containers are secured tightly so that they don’t break and/or leak during their journey as nobody wants to open their luggage after arriving on holiday to find everything soaked in perfume!
If you are going to be taking liquids with you inside of your hand luggage, these are the standard UK rules you must follow (certain airports may have their own rules; so it's always wise to check beforehand):
● Containers must hold no more than 100ml each.
● All containers must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm, with a maximum capacity of 1 litre.
● The bag must be sealed (not knotted or tied) and fit comfortably, allowing it to be fully closed.
● You are limited to one plastic bag per person. The bag must be presented at airport security.
● Liquids in containers larger than 100ml are generally not allowed through security, even if the container is only partially full.
What if I buy perfume in Duty-Free?
There are some potential exceptions to these rules. You can take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:
● The items are sealed in a secure bag at the time of purchase.
● The receipt is visible inside the sealed bag.
However you must not open the security bag until you reach your final destination. Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.
Future Changes to Liquid Restrictions
In some good news for the future, large airports may be scrapping the 100ml limit on liquids, allowing more freedom to carry larger quantities of liquids, including perfume. This future convenience comes courtesy of the new Next Generation Security Scanners (NGSC), which are set to be fully implemented across the UK by June 2025. These advanced scanners promise faster, more convenient security checks.
However, as of the June 2024 deadline, only around a third of major airports had installed the new systems. Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester expressed concerns about meeting the deadline, which has now been extended to 2025. Meanwhile, airports like London City, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Southend, and Teesside, where the scanners are already installed, are still enforcing the 100ml liquid rule for hand baggage.
Summary
In summary, you can pack up to 500ml per container in checked luggage, with a total limit of 2kg. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed up to 100ml, but only in a clear plastic container. Starting in 2025, there may be fewer restrictions on the amount of perfume and other toiletries you can take abroad. However, as of the publication date, travellers are still advised to check their airport’s security requirements for liquids before packing.