Emirates Airlines has not put any severe restriction on transporting the volume or quantity of personal liquids, gels or aerosols in passengers’ checked baggage. As a matter of fact, the airline allows them to pack full-sized toiletries in their hold luggage, but this should be done by keeping in mind whether they are securely closed to avoid any chance for possible leakage and that they do not contain any prohibited hazardous materials. 

An important consideration is also worth mentioning which is associated with how some travelers find it confusing when packing liquids for their air travel. This sort of confusion, in large part, is related to the situation when they see that their airline has put in place separate regulations for carry-on and checked baggage. Even though most travelers think that they are familiar with airline-enforced restrictions on liquids in cabin bags, it is also true that not all of them have an inkling about the gravity of such restrictions governing liquids packed in checked luggage. 

If you are flying with Emirates and want to know guidelines associated with transporting liquids in checked baggage, consider this write-up your qualified resource for the same. It packs guidelines you should know to avoid situations like delays, damaged belongings, or confiscated items during your journey. 

Difference Between Checked and Carry-On Baggage 

Before we talk about specific rules related to transporting liquids in checked baggage on Emirates, it is important to understand the difference between checked baggage and cabin baggage. 

• Carry-on baggage - You take your carry-on baggage to the aircraft cabin. In other words, this baggage stays with you in the aircraft cabin either in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. This means it remains with you at all times during your flight journey, and the weight of it is typically capped between 7 kg to 10 kg.
• Checked baggage - You hand over your checked baggage at the airport check-in counter and it is transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold, meaning you can’t access it until you reach your final destination. The weight of it is typically capped between 15 kg to 23 kg (33-50 lbs) per standard bag.

Note that checked baggage has to go through different screening procedures, therefore, travelers generally have more flexibility when packing liquids. But this doesn’t mean that the airline permits all liquids or lets it slide. 

Transportable liquids without standard container size limits

While checked baggage doesn’t apply any restriction in transporting liquids, the same is restricted to 100ml per bottle in carry-on bags. Checked luggage has not standard container size limits for liquids, such as - 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Lotion
• Perfume
• Makeup products
• Hair oil
• Liquid soap
• Contact lens solution

In addition, Emirates also says that containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), regardless of amount inside must be in checked baggage, whereas containers with size of 100 ml or less than it may go in carry-on and through checkpoint security. 

Important consideration for packing liquids

Though it is just a common sense understanding almost all the travelers are aware of, yet you need to ensure that packing liquids should be done in a way that it rules out any chance for possible leakage. This is because checked baggage is frequently moved, stacked and exposed to changes in air pressure at the time of flight. 

Considering this, it is virtually undeniable that even tightly closed containers may spill if they are not packed in the correct measure. To stop encountering such unpleasant situation, follow these quick tips:

• Make sure that the bottle caps are securely tightened
• Place liquids in sealed plastic bags.
• Use leak-proof travel containers.
• Fragile or breakable bottles must be wrapped in clothing or protective material.
• Keep liquid items upright when practical.

These are basic yet very important precautions you can maintain that will help you protect your belongings as well as other passengers’s luggage from accidental damage. 

Guidelines by Emirates related to liquid containers

According to Emirates, all liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and related items must be placed in containers with a capacity no greater than recommended 100ml. Otherwise, containers larger than the prescribed capacity will not be accepted, even if the container is partially filled. 

Travelers should ensure placing these containers in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding one litre. No permission for non–reusable bags such as fold-over sandwich bags. Make sure that your containers fit within the plastic bag comfortably and are completely closed. Visual examination of the plastic bag will be done at the security screening point, with permission to be given to one bag per customer. 

Alcoholic beverages in checked baggage: Key points

Are you planning to carry alcoholic beverages in Emirates? The airline has a certain set of guidelines regarding this. It allows passengers to transport alcoholic beverages containing 24% to 70% alcohol in checked baggage. Caution should be given to the fact that the drinks must be sealed in retail packaging together with ensuring that each bottle or container can hold up to 5 liters, and the total quantity per passenger cannot exceed 5 liters.

 Key Highlights:

• Alcoholic drinks containing 24% to 70% alcohol in checked baggage are generally permitted.
• The drinks must be sealed in retail packaging.
• No permission granted for alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol content.

Guidelines: Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in Cabin Baggage

Emirates sets forth its rules regarding LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) restrictions on cabin baggage in accordance with regulations recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These guidelines are applicable on travelers boarding from or transportation through various other international airports, including Dubai. 

• Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and similar items must be in containers of 100 ml or less.
• Place containers in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 liter.
• The containers must fit comfortably inside the bag, ensuring it is fully sealed.
• Present the plastic bag separately at the security screening checkpoint.
• Each passenger is allowed one transparent plastic bag only.
• Medications, baby food, baby milk, and special dietary items are exempt, but supporting proof may be required.

Emirates mentions that passengers transiting through Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur airports must leave and re-board the aircraft, as these airports have enforced strict LAGs regulations and so will confiscate liquids during transit. 

Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) for US-bound Passengers

US bound passengers traveling on direct Emirates flights from Dubai International hub to the USA are allowed to carry LAGs items that they may have purchased from duty free Shops inside Dubai international concourse regardless of how much and of what volume of the said items. Once they reach their destination, they would need to place any items over 100ml in their checked baggage for any onward US domestic/international flights. More on this reference guide.

Final Words

Emirates Airlines does have draconian rules in place for restricting transportation of personal liquids, gels or aerosols in checked baggage of passengers. The airline allows them, but passengers have to ensure if these items are securely closed and within the permissible limits to avoid any chance for damage or confiscation of the same by airline authority during check-in. The blog has attempted to be as thorough as possible in detailing all the important rules governing transportation of liquids in checked baggage on Emirates.