Liquids in checked luggage

The 3-1-1 rule does not apply to checked luggage so No need for clear bags. But you do want to make sure they won't leak with the pressure changes so ziplock bags can be a good idea.

Do not have the containers full -- leave room for expansion due to air pressure changes. Freezer zip lock bags are a must. Better yet, double bag them -- has save the day more than once.

Just how much liquid do you want to carry? If you have a lot, you probably will get a note from the TSA but as long as there are no wires or batteries attached to the liquid you will be fine.

I've never heard of a note from TSA. Is this something new?

No, something old. Have gotten a bunch of notes over the years. Every time TSA opens your luggage for inspection they are suppose to leave a note indicating that your bag was opened and checked by TSA. Have no idea if that happens with the foreign inspectors.

Re: TC's suggestion not to have a full container: You are better off to have a full container or at least squeeze out as much air as possible before packing. It is the air inside the container which expands as the pressure outside drops, causing the container to sometimes burst or open and leak. Put everything in plastic bags just in case.

carry some bubble wrap if you have room...also plastic shopping bags to wrap the bottles in...and some clothing as well to cushion, either in the bag or outside of it...never have had any breakage..

With regard to Funpig's suggestion, perhaps that is a better solution. Or maybe it is best to not fill it with liquid, squeeze out the excess air, and then put the cap on. I do not know. I can only say we've never had a container burst due to leaving some air in the plastic bottle. We have had, however, full containers leak around the caps and we assumed it was from having the container too full. Can anyone with a physics / engineering background offer a definitive answer?

We have transported wine and beer in bottles across the country. No problem so far. Lots of bubble wrap and padding with clothes. I have heard that disposable diapers as a wrap will protect your clothes in case of spills.

Cushion it (ie. wrap it in newspaper)- plastic bag it- surround/pad it with clothes, and there will generally be no issues.

And if you're flying back to the U.S. through Heathrow, know that they mean business about one small ziploc and one small ziploc only in your carry-on. (not your checked bag)

Have touched on this in another forum--stuff that's rolling around on its own at the bottom of your carry-on bag (lotion, mini shampoo, makeup bottle) that TSA might overlook doesn't get overlooked in the UK.

Not only should liquids be bagged, they should be double bagged with each sealed separately for extra protection. But, in general, I prefer to buy liquids at my destination and discard any remaining in the bottle before our return flight.

You can also take the cap off, secure a small piece of saran wrap over the opening and then put the cap back on. We tried this recently and it worked on full and partially full bottles. I would still suggest putting them in Ziploc bags, but it did seem to help with the leaking around the cap that can still be a mess inside the bag.

We have drifted a long way from the original question.

The original question was answered in the first response, which brought up a related matter.

Thank you everybody. I have some prescription lotion and shampoo I use but I'm going to put them in a smaller container. And will definitely use zip lock bags.