A pilot’s wife has shared a simple trick that will allow you to fit more liquids into your clear toiletries bag before a flight – and people have hailed it as ‘game-changing’
At most airports in the UK, any liquids stored in your hand luggage must be under 100ml and must be stored in a clear bag so that security staff can easily see what you’re trying to bring on the plane.
Although Belfast International Airport and some other large UK airports have recently introduced new scanners that allow liquids of up to two litres to be packed in hand luggage, it’s always worth checking the rules at your destination, too. You don’t want to be forced to throw out your favourite shampoo before security will let you on the plane back home.
If you do still need to pack light when it comes to liquids on your next flight, or you’re just trying to save space to fit more clothes in your suitcase, then worry not. One frequent flier who is the wife of a pilot has said there’s a simple trick that makes storing toiletries a breeze – and many can’t believe they didn’t think of it sooner.
The woman, named Laurie, told passengers in an Instagram video to stop packing their liquid containers vertically inside their clear bag, as although that’s how products are stored in advertisements for aesthetic purposes, it’s very impractical.
Instead, Laurie recommends storing your liquids sideways, and insists you’ll be surprised at how effective the very simple change can be.
She said: “This is the number one travel hack I learned as a pilot’s wife after about 13 years of packing only a carry-on suitcase. If you pack the liquid containers horizontally so that they are all lying flat, for some reason, you can fit more in.
“The tiny things, like my mascara and my primer, can fit vertically in the open pockets of space, much like you would do in a suitcase. Hope this travel hack helps!”
Although the trick might seem obvious to some, there were many people in the comments who said they couldn’t believe they’d never thought of it themselves.
One person said: “I was today years old when I learned this from you! I love my compression bags for clothing … just got home from a two-leg trip and whew … carry-on was heavy! Thanks for your great tip.”
Another added: “I recently traveled and realised the same thing. Huge difference in room.”
While a third wrote: “Love this tip Laurie!”
What liquids can I take to an airport
There are restrictions on the amount of liquid you can take in your hand luggage, so if you also have hold luggage, it’s advisable to pack liquids in there. Liquids include all drinks, foods like soups, jams, and syrups, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays such as shaving foam and deodorant, contact lens solution, and gels including hair and shower gel.
The rules for carrying liquids in your hand luggage can vary between airports. Before travelling, you should check the rules at the airport you’re flying from and any other airports you’ll be travelling through, including your return journey.
At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid.
You may also have to put liquids into a separate, transparent bag. You don’t have to do this at all airports, but it’s best to be prepared or research beforehand.
If the airport asks you to put liquids in a separate bag:
- 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 tied at the top
- You’re limited to one plastic bag per person
- You must show the bag at the airport security point
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