Please check before you travel and enjoy a safe and secure flight!
There are restrictions on carrying liquids on board
Airplanes have rules about what you can bring on board that don't apply to other forms of transportation. To ensure a safe and comfortable trip, it's important to check the rules carefully before you set off. In particular, when it comes to bringing liquids on board, the rules differ between domestic and international flights, so you'll need to check and take appropriate measures depending on your destination.
First, domestic flights. Although there are some carry-on rules, most liquid items are allowed. However, the rules for international flights are stricter than for domestic flights, so you need to prepare in advance what you will bring on board while following the rules below.
All liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less.
It is also not permitted if the container is larger than 100ml and contains less than 100ml of liquid.
Please note that containers with a volume exceeding 100ml (100g) are not permitted to be brought on board.
・Place these containers loosely into a resealable transparent plastic bag with a zipper of 1L or less.
If the container inside is too full to seal, you will have to discard as much of the contents as you can to seal it.
Also, please note that if you do not have a container larger than 100ml or a transparent plastic bag (※), the container will have to be discarded.
*Transparent plastic bags can be purchased at general merchandise stores, convenience stores, home improvement stores, etc. The size should be within 40cm in total length and width.
Each person is only allowed to bring one bag.
Please present the clear plastic bag to the inspector at the inspection area separately from your other baggage.
[Domestic and international flights] Carry-on rules for liquids
When we say "liquids," we don't just mean drinks in plastic bottles. All the things you'll probably bring with you on a trip are counted as liquids. The rules for bringing liquids vary depending on the type of liquid, so we'll explain the rules for domestic and international flights.
drink
iStock/Wavebreakmedia
<Domestic flights>
There are no restrictions on bringing tea and non-alcoholic drinks on board. Some alcoholic drinks can also be brought on board if they meet the following conditions.
| Alcohol content | Carry-on luggage |
|---|---|
| 24% or less | 〇 |
| More than 24% and less than 70% | 〇 (Up to 5L per person) |
| More than 70% | × |
<International Flights>
Unlike domestic flights, even tea and non-alcoholic drinks cannot be brought on board if they exceed 100ml. Also, please note that carrying alcoholic beverages on board is prohibited. However, drinks purchased at duty-free shops after security check can be brought on board regardless of whether they are alcoholic or non-alcoholic, so we recommend purchasing drinks after security check.
Liquid foods (jelly, retort foods, etc.)
iStock/Wiktory
<Domestic flights>
It can be carried on board.
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
Liquid foods refer to retort packs and cans of curry, stew, rice porridge, risotto, soup, etc. You may not imagine bringing these on board, but have you ever bought them as souvenirs while traveling? You may pick them up without realizing it, so it's good to know these conditions.
Other liquid foods include:
・Pudding, yogurt, jelly, etc.
・Pickles and tsukudani
・Canned or packaged foods such as miso-boiled mackerel and oden
- Canned or bottled foods such as fruit in syrup
・Jam, honey, etc.
・Mayonnaise, dressing, miso, etc.
Depending on the volume and packaging method, some liquids may be allowed on board, but if you are flying internationally, it is safer to put them in your suitcase as checked baggage. In this case, make sure to pack them in a way that prevents them from leaking.
However, carry-on baggage rules may vary depending on your destination and airline, so be sure to check the rules for your destination.
Skin care products, skin lotions, body lotions, etc.
iStock/Artfully79
<Domestic flights>
You can bring it on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
*Cosmetics purchased at duty-free shops etc. after security check can be brought on board.
Liquid Foundation
iStock/zoranm
<Domestic flights>
You can bring it on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
*Cosmetics purchased at duty-free shops etc. after security check can be brought on board.
Hairspray
iStock/shorrocks
<Domestic flights>
You can bring it on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
*Non-radioactive cosmetics, medicines, sporting goods, and daily sprays are limited to a combined total of 2L or 2kg.
<International Flights>
You can bring it on board if it is in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zippered bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less, but there are some cases where you cannot bring it on board even if the regulations say it is OK.
Again, carry-on rules may vary depending on your destination and airline, so be sure to check the rules for your destination.
For both domestic and international flights, please protect your bag with a cap or other protective covering to prevent the contents from accidentally spilling.
In addition, sports equipment and everyday sprays containing flammable gases and labeled "Be careful of open flames and high temperatures" are not permitted to be carried on board or checked in.
Alcohol-based disinfectant
iStock/Panuwat Dangsungnoen
<Domestic flights>
Disinfectants and sanitizers (liquids, gels, and sprays containing alcohol-based disinfectants) classified as cosmetics or medicines (quasi-drugs) may be brought on board only if they meet the following conditions: "the volume or mass per container is 0.5 kg or 0.5 L or less" and "2 kg or 2 L or less per person."
<International Flights>
You can bring it on board if it is in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less, but there may be exceptions to the rules even if it is OK according to the regulations. Carry-on rules may differ depending on the destination and airline, so please check the rules according to your destination.
Toothpaste
iStock/Bet_Noire
<Domestic flights>
Can be carried on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
Pharmaceuticals
iStock/spukkato
<Domestic flights>
You can bring it on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
iStock/takasuu
However, some medicines that you have to bring on board for unavoidable reasons, such as for health reasons or those that you absolutely need to use on board, can be brought on board without any restrictions. In that case, you will need to inform the inspector that it is a medicine, so please be careful. Carrying something that shows the information about the medicine (medicine book, medicine label, copy of prescription, doctor's certificate, etc.) will give you peace of mind in case something happens.
Also, insect repellent spray is classified as medicine, so you can bring it on board as long as it is within the limit.
Eye drops and contact lens solution
iStock/megaflopp
Both domestic and international flights
You can bring it on board if you apply for an exception.
Detergent
iStock/Floortje
<Domestic flights>
You can bring it on board (however, each container must be no more than 0.5kg or 0.5L, and each person must be limited to 2kg or 2L).
<International Flights>
Liquids can be brought on board if they are in a container of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent bag (such as a zipper bag) with a total length and width of 40cm or less. Make sure to put all liquids in one bag.
However, bleach, insecticides, and detergents that are chlorine-based or have a "Do not mix" label are considered hazardous materials and cannot be brought in regardless of volume.
How to pack liquids
Now that you know the rules about what liquids you can bring on board, let's talk about how to pack them.
iStock/anilbolukbas
① Use small containers
We recommend using small containers that can be purchased at 100 yen shops, drug stores, supermarkets, etc. Transfer your regular cosmetics and skin care products to small containers and bring them with you.
2. Use a travel set
If you find it difficult to transfer the contents into smaller containers, we recommend purchasing a travel set available at drugstores. You won't have to worry about exceeding the capacity, and you can simply throw it away after use, which saves space.
3. Take measures against leakage
It's a good idea to put liquids in a plastic bag just in case the lid opens. Even if the liquid leaks out, it won't get your other belongings wet. It's also effective to tape the lid shut.
[Q&A] What should I do in these situations?
Finally, we will introduce some common questions that may suddenly come to mind when you are preparing to bring your carry-on luggage on board.
What if I forget my clear plastic bag?
Even if you are within the permitted volume, you cannot bring it on board unless it is all packed in a clear plastic bag. If you are not going to use it on the plane, make sure to put it in your checked baggage.
Also, makeup removers and disinfectants can be brought on board in sheet-type products, which are not considered liquids, without having to be placed in a clear plastic bag. These can also be purchased at convenience stores and drugstores at the airport, so be sure to check.
Are "gel" and "cream" cosmetics liquids?
It is classified as a liquid. Anything that cannot maintain its shape unless it is placed in a container = semi-liquid is a liquid. For example, hair setting gel and cream foundation are also liquids.
Please note that gel-type lip balms and lipsticks are also subject to the restrictions. Stick-type lip balms and lipsticks are not included, so it is convenient to have a solid one on hand.
Similarly, hair styling gels and cream foundations can be replaced with solid wax or powder foundations.
Do the rules change if I have a connecting flight?
If you are on a connecting flight, you may be subject to baggage inspection again, so be careful. Basically, there is no problem if you take the precautions introduced above, but if you purchase liquids at a duty-free shop at the previous airport after security check, they may be subject to liquid regulations and may be confiscated.
In such cases, if you inform us that you have a connecting flight when you purchase your luggage and have the luggage placed in a sealable plastic bag (a Security Tamper Evident Bag that meets ICAO standards), you will be able to carry liquids of 100ml or more during your connecting flight in some countries and airports (※).
*Conditions apply, such as the sealable plastic bag having not been opened and the receipt from the time of purchase being included (or the receipt having to be presented).
If you are worried about whether you can make the purchase according to the conditions, but you really want to buy liquid duty-free items, we recommend purchasing them at your final transfer point.
Carrying on liquids on an aircraft is not that difficult as long as you understand the rules. If you create your own set of liquids for the ones you always take with you on your travels and make sure to bring that with you, you won't have to panic right before you depart. Please follow the rules and enjoy a comfortable flight.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
