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Original poster

Clear bags for hand luggage toiletries 20x20x?

28 replies

Shinyandnew1 · 08/09/2023 12:29

I was just wondering if the bags you use for liquids at the airport have to be flat/thin-like a zip lock bag, or can they be more like this in width?

Clear bags for hand luggage toiletries 20x20x?
OP posts:
SoRainbowRhythms · 08/09/2023 12:30

Dh works at an airport - you need clear plastic ziplock style bags.

chipsandpeas · 08/09/2023 12:32

i know edinburgh/glasgow and heathrow will ask you to remove and put in the ziploc bags they supply

IrresponsiblyCertainAboutSexualDimorphism · 08/09/2023 12:33

When I was last at Manchester airport the security guy was making some people move the stuff they really wanted to keep from bags like that into normal 20cm x 20cm ziplock bags, and throw the rest away.

MadisonAvenue · 08/09/2023 12:34

There’s often an area before security where you can sort out your liquids and there’re usually bags provided there.

Divebar2021 · 08/09/2023 12:36

You can buy stronger versions of the airport ones which are acceptable but they hold the same quantity. I think you need to invest in some tiny bottles and streamline if you’re travelling hand luggage.

Divebar2021 · 08/09/2023 12:36

Ps. You can also only have 1 bag

dementedpixie · 08/09/2023 14:08

I use a small resealable freezer bag as that's around the right size. Press and seal or the zippy ones have all been accepted

dementedpixie · 08/09/2023 14:09

The bags in your picture will be unlikely to be accepted as they are too big due to a larger depth than a freezer bag.

TheFlis12345 · 08/09/2023 14:23

It also has to be a waterproof ziplock seal on the bag, not a zip.

FinanceLPlates · 08/09/2023 14:28

I think the whole point of the restrictions is to keep the amount of fluids to under a certain level, so that’s why you’re not allowed to use bags that have a higher volume.

TheChosenTwo · 08/09/2023 14:30

I flew out of Gatwick a few weeks ago with pretty much exactly that bag, not one question was raised.
they do provide the disposable bags but the airport we flew back from didn’t and there are a few other airports I’ve used that also don’t.

crumpet · 08/09/2023 14:32

I use ikea or other freezer bags

crumpet · 08/09/2023 14:33

Recently my friend was stopped and had to move everything out of her bag like the above and into a ziplock bag. I find it’s a little like belts/ shoes - sometimes you have to take them off, and others not.

Original poster
Shinyandnew1 · 08/09/2023 14:49

Thank you all-I will get a ziplock one!

OP posts:
Whatnowfgs · 08/09/2023 14:53

We just use Tesco small size ziploc sandwich bags

FuckingHellAdele · 08/09/2023 14:55

I flew with my friend earlier this year, and she had to remove her toiletries from a bag like that, and choose which ones to fit into the ziplock they gave her, and which ones to let them bin.

It was like the Sophie's Choice of make up and toiletries. The guy kept saying 'madam you must decide, you are holding up the queue'. I had to lead her through by the hand.

Rainbowsandrainclouds1 · 08/09/2023 14:59

It really depends on the airport.

I fly frequently and have flown via Manchester, Birmingham and Heathrow repeatedly in the past 3 months and not been asked to decant from my zip up bag like that once.

Id chance it and put it in the ziplock if they ask.

cocksstrideintheevening · 08/09/2023 15:03

TheChosenTwo · 08/09/2023 14:30

I flew out of Gatwick a few weeks ago with pretty much exactly that bag, not one question was raised.
they do provide the disposable bags but the airport we flew back from didn’t and there are a few other airports I’ve used that also don’t.

Same.

stardust777 · 08/09/2023 15:03

I've used this multiple times and never been asked to decant:

Nivea travel essentials

NoTeaNoShade · 08/09/2023 15:04

I fly through the first class bit quite a lot in Heathrow (frequent flyer) and on my last flight through, was told to decant into their standard bags they provide just before you go through, but it was super quiet so think they may have had time to check this properly as have never been stopped before.

Only saying that because I'd never been stopped before with whatever airline I was flying but this time (when they're about to stop all liquid suspensions) they were super strict. May have just been me/been quiet.

Hopealong · 08/09/2023 15:07

I have used those ones or very similar for about 18 months, fly fairly frequently between Portugal and the UK, different airports and have never had an issue.
Strange that airports aren't consistant by the sounds of things.

They are so much better to use than plastic bags as just more robust and you can use them as a cosmetics bag when you are actually whereever you are going

Dontcallmescarface · 08/09/2023 15:23

stardust777 · 08/09/2023 15:03

I've used this multiple times and never been asked to decant:

Nivea travel essentials

I used the same on a recent long-haul flight from Heathrow. I took it out of the hand luggage, showed the security people and they waved me on and said it was fine.

fussychica · 08/09/2023 17:24

I use Waitrose zip lock bags but there are always lots to help yourself to at Bristol Airport, assume its similar elsewhere.

ReviewingTheSituation · 08/09/2023 17:31

DH has one of these for liquids - he puts medication (liquid, insulin) in it too. Not once has he been questioned/challenged at LGW, LHR, LTN, BRS or BXH (or any of the foreign airports we've flown from on the way home).

Rainbowshit · 08/09/2023 20:15

I e seen many people being asked to use the airport provided bags. Not worth the risk.