Can you take ice packs on a plane UK?

You should only carry the amount you need for your trip. If the label on the medication or medical confirmation states that medication must be kept cool, you may carry an ice pack or cooling gel pack in cabin baggage. These will need to be removed for separate screening.



Taking ice packs on a plane in the UK in 2026 is permitted, but they are strictly subject to the 100ml liquid restriction unless they are for a documented medical purpose. Standard "gel" ice packs are classified as liquids/gels; therefore, if the pack contains more than 100ml of liquid (which almost all do), it will be confiscated at security if it is in your carry-on luggage. The only way to bypass this in the UK is if the ice pack is being used to keep essential medicines (like insulin) or baby food/milk cool. In these cases, you must declare the ice packs to the security officer, and they may be subjected to additional "liquid testing" using specialized scanners. For all other purposes—such as keeping your lunch cold—the "gold standard" alternative is to use a bag of frozen peas (which are solid and usually pass) or to bring an empty "Ziploc" bag and ask a restaurant or flight attendant for ice once you have cleared security. If you are packing ice packs in your checked (hold) luggage, there are no volume restrictions, and you can carry as many as your weight limit allows.

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Checked Bags: Yes Frozen liquid items and gel packs are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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Dry ice sublimates to gaseous C02at aircraft environment temperatures. Excessive C02in the aircraft can cause aircrew incapacitation. Dry ice is generally carried aboard aircraft to keep food (galley or cargo), medicine, or biological materials in a frozen or chilled condition.

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Make sure you use pouches or reusable containers that are suitable for the freezer and leak-proof, like the Stasher Go Bag or Stasher 1-Cup Bowl. Pack the frozen breast milk pouches into an insulated cooler bag, and fill any air pockets with homemade ice packs prepared ahead of time by freezing water in Stasher bags.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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When items need to stay frozen, ditch the wet ice and place additional dry ice on top.
  1. Step 1: Place dry ice at the bottom of the cooler.
  2. Step 2: Add a layer of insulation (newspaper, cardboard, etc.)
  3. Step 3: Add items to be frozen.
  4. Step 4: Add another layer of insulation.
  5. Step 5: Place dry ice on top and close cooler.


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Baggy clothing can include low-hanging pants, flowy skirts, heavy sweaters or sweatshirts, and loose dresses – things that would allow malicious travelers to hide prohibited items. Airport security may need to do a pat-down inspection if your clothes are too loose and they suspect you may be hiding prohibited items.

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