Carrying liquids in cabin with AirChina

Hi there,

Since I can’t reach AirChina by phone, I’m posting here to see if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can shed some light.

I’m flying on Sunday for a CDG-Beijing-Canton flight with AirChina, then Canton-Bangkok with Spring Airlines.

I’m a bit worried about my luggage. I’m only traveling with a backpack, a carry-on bag.

I’m not entirely clear on the rules about carrying liquids in the cabin, and I’m hesitant to bring a small toiletry kit (small perfume, cream, deodorant stick—all under 100ml, in a ziplock bag, with a total volume of 350ml).

From what I understand, liquids are allowed but only in checked baggage for domestic flights. On the other hand, it’s stated that they’re permitted in cabin if they meet the 100ml rule and are packed in a ziplock. It’s a bit contradictory, and the airline isn’t responding.

Since my connection is tight and I’m not familiar with Beijing Airport, I’m afraid of breaking the rules, getting held up during security checks, and having to throw away my things.

If anyone can clarify this for me, I’d really appreciate it! !

Hi,

Would it really be that bad if your "small perfume, cream, stick deodorant" got thrown away? Anyway, when an airline makes you toss stuff in the bin, it’s usually super quick—it’s not like that’s gonna make you miss your flight. Unless said items are a gun or a bomb, obviously, but a "small perfume"...

Hi there,

No problem if each container doesn’t exceed 100 ml. Anyway, you’ll be checked at CDG specifically for that too. If there’s an issue, they’ll let you know. Anything over 100 ml will be confiscated. In China, no lighters, no scissors in the cabin on top of the 100 ml limit.

Hi,

The airline won’t respond to you because this kind of thing depends on the airport, not the airline. I don’t really see why containers under 100 ml in a ziplock bag wouldn’t be accepted when flying from Europe to China; it’s the Chinese airports you’d have to check, though. Even in Europe, the rules have gotten pretty unclear. If they don’t want your items, at least destroy them before leaving them behind.

Michel

Hello, you’ll have a security check at CDG, and another one in Beijing when you arrive for your connection. If your layover time is short, hurry up when you get off the plane at PEK because it can take a while. Are you doing a CDG/PEK/CAN/BKK route? That’s a lot of layovers… but if it’s cheap… By the way, I’m not sure about the liquids rule, but as Patrick said, no lighters or large power banks.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I’ll give it a shot—worst case, I’ll just ditch my stuff, no big deal.

Yeah, it does have a lot of layovers, but it was still the shortest flight despite them, and not necessarily the cheapest either.

It doesn’t bother me, though I *am* a little worried about the 1h30 connection in Beijing. Otherwise, I’ve got a self-transfer in Guangzhou, but I’ve got 5h30 to handle it, so I’m not stressed.

Otherwise, I have a self-transfer in Guangzhou but 5h30 to do it, so I’m taking it easy.

How do the formalities work?

This is my first time taking this kind of flight, so I’m not entirely sure about the process.

From what I understand, you have to leave the visa-free zone, so you need to make sure you have a visa if required. In my case, I don’t need a visa for China for the coming year, so I’m all set.

But I think you have to check in again, along with your luggage, go through security and immigration one way, then the other… quite an adventure.