Hair Oil, Ghee, and Butter
Limited
Counts as liquid/gel. Cabin up to 100ml; checked baggage allowed with leak-proof packing.
Quick answer
Even if ghee is solid at room temperature, scanners treat it like a gel because it softens quickly. Officers swab opaque tins to ensure no explosive residue hides inside, so transparent containers speed things up.
Cabin allowance mirrors other liquids: 100ml containers only. Families heading abroad often carry homemade ghee for kids—split it into multiple mini jars for the flight and stash the bulk in checked luggage.
Checked baggage requires smarter packing. Pressure changes can force lids open, so triple-seal jars, place them inside pressure bags, and cushion them with clothes you don’t mind washing.
Cabin prep
- ✔Use leak-proof silicone travel jars (≤100ml) for hair oil or ghee.
- ✔Label jars clearly to show it’s food or cosmetic, not chemicals.
- ✔Store inside the 1L liquids/gels pouch with other toiletries.
Checked baggage
- ✔Shrink-wrap or tape lids, then place jars in double zip bags.
- ✔Freeze ghee overnight so it stays solid longer.
- ✔Pack jars upright inside a rigid lunchbox or steel dabba to contain leaks.
Where each format fits
| Product | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| 50ml hair oil | ✅ | ✅ |
| 250ml ghee jar | ❌ | ✅ With leakproof packing |
| Solid butter block | ❌ | ✅ Keep chilled |
Do this
- ✅ Line jars with parchment before screwing lids to catch drips.
- ✅ Keep receipts when transporting artisanal food items for customs queries.
- ✅ Use stainless containers instead of glass to avoid breakage.
Avoid this
- ⚠️ Don’t carry unlabeled homemade oil in soda bottles—it will be confiscated.
- ⚠️ Don’t pack jars near electronics; leaks ruin laptops.
- ⚠️ Avoid carrying huge quantities without declaring; customs may treat it as commercial import.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry coconut oil solidified under 24°C?
If the container exceeds 100ml, it is still treated as a gel. Decant into smaller jars for cabin travel.
Q. Are Ayurvedic oils treated differently?
No. They follow the same LAG rules. Carry prescriptions if the oil is for medical therapy.
Q. What about ghee in hand baggage for infants?
If it’s essential baby food, declare it. Officers often allow slightly bigger quantities when the infant is present, but approval is discretionary.
Tips before you fly
- ✈️ Use mason-jar silicone sleeves to add grip and prevent cracks.
- ✈️ Pack a small bottle of dish soap to clean accidental spills in hotel sinks.
- ✈️ Carry disposable gloves for handling greasy containers after landing.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.