Can you use transparent zipped travel bags for cosmetics?

[King Mustard]

One of these:

View attachment 14574

I saw one at Gatwick Airport a few days ago and thought they were a great idea.

However, my partner said she had one at Birmingham Airport a year ago and they wouldn't let it through until she put the cosmetics in one of those free bags they give out.

 

[thunderchild]

One of these:

View attachment 14574

I saw one at Gatwick Airport a few days ago and thought they were a great idea.

However, my partner said she had one at Birmingham Airport a year ago and they wouldn't let it through until she put the cosmetics in one of those free bags they give out.

I had something similar which I used through BHX a few times no problem but this year they were adamant you could only use the small bags they provided. No idea why, at the end of the day the liquids were still in the 100ml bottles and perfectly visible so what difference does the bag make?

 

[Aviador]

No it's not suitable. It's essentially about the volume of the bag. 20cm square flat prior to being used with a zip/push together style closer.

We discussed the style of bag at great length when the rule originally came in and couldn't decide why it was so important but the DfT insisted.

From a security point of view, the equipment used to detect explosives wouldn't work as effectively in one of those make-up style bags meaning it would probably require transferring to the correct style bag at the airport during testing process.

Just to clarify, using one of those make-up style bags doesn't make it any more or any less effective to detect explosives but it could possibly slow down the process to test your liquids if your belongings are stopped to be checked.

If you want a quick transit through security those abiding by the rules will be appreciated by the security officers at the airport and it will speed up the process if you are selected for additional screening.