Over the years I've shared various different hand luggage packing blog posts and tips. But I've finally refined my packing process to the point where I don't feel like I've taken too much or forgotten something essential. And today I'll be showing you how to pack the perfect hand luggage liquids bag.
As someone who's done hand luggage only a few times, not having the luxury of having more space whilst also trying to leave some space in case you buy anything on your trip, means you have to get quite brutal with what you stuff into your liquids bag.
Along with my tips on how to pack the perfect hand luggage liquids bag, I wanted to share a printable PDF packing list for you to use on your next flight. So be sure to scroll down and/or bookmark this page for when you next fly. But until then, here are my top tips;
Invest in a clear bag
If you don't want to spend time decanting all your liquids into one of the plastic zip lock bags before you go through security, or even worse, have your bag stopped, delaying you even further, all you have to do is invest in a clear bag that meets current flight restrictions.
And you don't have to spend a small fortune on one. The bag that I always rely on is just £2.99 from Superdrug (or £1.99 if you get it whilst it's on sale).
Keep it in your hand luggage bag either empty or prepacked ready for your next trip to save you having to worry about it. You'll also be doing your bit for the planet as you won't be grabbing one of the plastic bags at security.
Here are a few of the other great picks currently on the market;
But also be prepared to decant into a plastic bag
One of my biggest things when it comes to travelling is not to let the little things get to me. Flights are delayed, queues are long and no matter how much you plan in advance, you've got to be prepared to roll with the punches.
I have a 100% success rate with my clear liquids bag but I've only went through Glasgow, Edinburgh, New York and Orlando with mine. It's worth double checking if restrictions differ in other countries or continents before you arrive at the airport.
Don't be afraid to decant your favourite products
Whilst it's easier than ever to pick up travel friendly sizes of most beauty products, skincare, specific shampoos and most foundations don't normally come in mini sizes but don't let that stop you. Most High Street drugstores and supermarkets do little bottles and tubs to fill with your favourite products before you leave the house. Primark have also seriously upped their game when it comes to their options this year.
Keep an eye out for travel exclusive sets
Travel exclusive sets are normally great value for money and include minis of some of the biggest and best loved products. World Duty Free do so many great sets and you can even grab them right before you even board your flight. The Benefit Parisian Pin-Up Makeup Kit* has all the makeup bits that you'll need no matter what trip you're taking.
And the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Eye Trio* comes with two full size products, both of which are both under the 100ml limit. It also comes with the added bonus of some genius Hydra-Gel Eye Masks to apply either in the air or once you land.
Use your sample stash
You know the shampoo and conditioner sachets that you got in a magazine a few months ago or what you've accumulated from beauty boxes like Glossybox or Birchbox, take them with you, use them up whilst you're away. This leaves crucial space free for bringing back some souvenirs or if you're anything like me, even more beauty bits.
What to include in your bag:
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser // SOLEIL TOUJOURS SPF 30 Sheer Sunscreen Mist // Isle Of Paradise Light Self Tanning Drops // This Works In Transit Skin Defence // Saturday Skin Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel // Pixi Rose Flash Balm* // Alex Steinherr Sleep Spa Every Night Eye Mask* // HERBIVORE Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Face Mist // IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Air-Dry Styler // Soap & Glory Wonder Serum Multi-Action Leave-In Spray // Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip
I also thought that it would be really handy to share the hand luggage liquids checklist that I use, which is why I've added it below.
You can download this and print it out ready for your next trip, whether you're doing hand luggage only or just like to have your essentials with you just in case your checked bag goes missing.
PIN THIS:
What is an absolute must in your hand luggage liquids bag? Do you use a clear bag or rely on grabbing a plastic bag at security? And are you a fan of packing or put it off until the very last minute?
Here are a few great travel sets to top up your liquids bag this year:
