If you are a passionate traveler, you know how important it is to pack smart and light. But you also know how frustrating it can be to deal with airport security and their rules for what you can and cannot bring on board. That’s why we have created this guide to help you understand what are TSA-Approved Toiletries and how to pack them properly. By following these tips, you will not only avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of your items but also enjoy a more comfortable and hassle-free flight.
TSA Rules for Carry-On Bags
One of the most common questions travelers have is what they can bring in their carry-on luggage. Carry-on bags are the ones that you can take with you on the plane and store in the overhead bin or under the seat.
The TSA has some general rules for carry-on bags, such as:
You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop, or backpack.
Your carry-on bag must fit in the sizer at the checkpoint and in the overhead bin.
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
The maximum dimensions for your carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.
The maximum weight for your carry-on bag varies by airline, but it is usually between 15 and 25 pounds (7 and 11 kg).
But the most important rule for carry-on bags is the liquids rule. This rule limits the amount and type of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that you can bring in your carry-on bags.
The liquids rule states that:
You can only bring liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per item.
You must place these items in a single, clear, quart-sized (1 liter) bag.
You must remove this bag from your carry-on bag and place it in a bin for screening.
You can only bring one such bag per traveler.
The liquids rule applies to all kinds of toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. So, what are some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that comply with the liquids rule? Here are some:
Travel-sized bottles of your favorite products, as long as they are 3.4 ounces or less.
Solid or powder versions of your products, such as solid shampoo, soap, deodorant, or powder foundation.
Sample-sized or mini products, such as those you get from hotels, subscription boxes, or beauty stores.
Refillable containers or bottles, such as silicone tubes, spray bottles, or pumps, that you can fill with your own products.
To pack TSA-Approved Toiletries in your carry-on bags, here are some tips:
Use a clear, quart-sized bag that is easy to open and close, such as a zip-top bag or a reusable pouch.
Label your items with their names and contents, especially if they are not in their original packaging or if they look similar to other products.
Place your bag of liquids in an accessible location in your carry-on bag, such as on top or in a side pocket, so you can easily take it out for screening.
Pack only the essentials that you need for your trip, and leave the rest at home or in your checked bags.
TSA Rules for Checked Bags
If you have more toiletries that you want to bring with you, or if you prefer to use full-sized or liquid products, you can pack them in your checked bags. Checked bags are the ones that you check in at the counter or kiosk and retrieve at the baggage claim.
The TSA has some general rules for checked bags, such as:
Your checked bag must not exceed the size and weight limits set by your airline, which vary depending on the destination, class, and fare.
You must pay the baggage fees set by your airline, which also vary depending on the factors mentioned above.
You must lock your checked bag with a TSA-approved lock, which can be opened by the TSA agents if they need to inspect your bag.
The good news is that there are fewer restrictions on liquids and other items that you can bring in your checked bags, as long as they are not prohibited by the TSA or the airline. The TSA has a list of prohibited items that you can check on their website or app, but some of the common ones are:
Flammable or explosive items, such as fireworks, gasoline, or matches.
Sharp or dangerous items, such as knives, scissors, or guns.
Illegal or controlled items, such as drugs, drug paraphernalia, or weapons.
So, what are some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that you can bring in your checked bags? Here are some:
Full-sized bottles of your favorite products, as long as they are not flammable or explosive.
Nail polish, nail polish remover, and other nail care products, as long as they are in their original packaging and not leaking.
Makeup wipes, wet wipes, and other disposable wipes, as long as they are sealed and not saturated with liquid.
Powder makeup, solid makeup, and other compact cosmetics, as long as they are not loose or broken.
To pack TSA-Approved Toiletries in your checked bags, here are some tips:
Use a sturdy, leak-proof bag or container to store your toiletries, such as a plastic bag, a toiletry bag, or a cosmetic case.
Wrap your items in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or tissue paper to prevent them from spilling, leaking, or breaking.
Secure your items with tape, rubber bands, or zip ties to keep them in place and avoid movement.
Distribute your items evenly throughout your bag and avoid placing them near the edges or corners, where they are more likely to get damaged.
TSA Rules for Special Items
Some items may require special attention or approval from the TSA, such as medical items, baby items, or religious items. These items may be exempt from the liquids rule or other restrictions, but they may also be subject to additional screening or documentation.
Some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that fall under this category are:
Prescription medications, such as pills, liquids, inhalers, or injectables, that you need for your health condition.
Over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers, cough syrup, or allergy pills, that you need for your comfort or well-being.
Medical devices, such as insulin pumps, glucose meters, or CPAP machines, that you need for your treatment or therapy.
Baby items, such as formula, breast milk, juice, or baby food, that you need for your infant or toddler.
Religious items, such as holy water, anointing oil, or ashes, that you need for your faith or worship.
To pack TSA-Approved Toiletries that are special items, here are some tips:
Declare your items to the TSA agent at the checkpoint and explain why you need them.
Provide documentation for your items, such as a prescription, a doctor’s note, or a religious certificate, if requested by the TSA agent.
Separate your items from your other toiletries and place them in a clear, plastic bag or a labeled, zip-top bag.
Follow the instructions of the TSA agent on how to handle your items, such as removing them from your bag, placing them in a bin, or holding them in your hand.
TSA PreCheck® and Other Ways to Speed Up Security Screening
If you want to save time and hassle at the airport, you may want to consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck® or other programs that can help you bypass some of the security screening steps. TSA PreCheck® is a program that allows eligible travelers to enjoy expedited screening, such as:
Not having to remove shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, or liquids from their bags.
Using a dedicated lane at the checkpoint that is usually faster and less crowded.
Having a reduced chance of being selected for additional screening.
To enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you need to:
Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
Apply online and provide your personal information, travel history, and background information.
Pay a non-refundable fee of $85 for a five-year membership.
Schedule an appointment at an enrollment center and provide your fingerprints and valid identification.
Receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when booking your flights.
Some alternatives to TSA PreCheck® are:
Global Entry, which also allows you to skip the customs and immigration lines when entering the U.S. from abroad. The fee is $100 for a five-year membership, and it includes TSA PreCheck® benefits.
CLEAR, which uses biometric technology to verify your identity and allow you to skip the ID check at the checkpoint. The fee is $179 per year, and it does not include TSA PreCheck® benefits.
Mobile Passport, which is a free app that allows you to submit your passport information and customs declaration form electronically and use a designated lane at the customs and immigration. It does not include TSA PreCheck® benefits.
Some general tips on how to speed up security screening are:
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight or three hours before your international flight.
Wear simple clothing and shoes that are easy to remove and put back on, and avoid wearing jewelry, metal accessories, or bulky items.
Follow the instructions of the TSA agents and the signs at the checkpoint, and do not argue, joke, or make any suspicious comments.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you understand what are TSA-Approved Toiletries and how to pack them properly for your next flight. By following the TSA guidelines for toiletries, as well as other security screening procedures, you will not only avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of your items, but also enjoy a more comfortable and hassle-free flight.
If you want to learn more about travel, visa, immigration, scholarship, and other opportunities related to travel, visit our website at Travel Mind. We help people from all around the world discover and pursue their travel dreams. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates and tips on travel.
Do you have any questions or comments about TSA-Approved Toiletries or airport security? Feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and answer your queries. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
Q&A Section
Q: What are TSA-Approved Toiletries?
A: TSA-Approved Toiletries are the items that you can bring in your carry-on or checked bags that comply with the TSA rules and guidelines for airport security.
Q: What is the liquids rule and how does it affect my toiletries?
A: The liquids rule is a TSA rule that limits the amount and type of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that you can bring in your carry-on bags. You can only bring items that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per item, and you must place them in a single, clear, quart-sized (1 liter) bag. You must also remove this bag from your carry-on bag and place it in a bin for screening.
Q: What are some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that comply with the liquids rule?
A: Some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that comply with the liquids rule are travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, perfume, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. You can also use solid or powder versions of your products, such as solid shampoo, soap, deodorant, or powder foundation. You can also use sample-sized or mini products, or refillable containers or bottles that you can fill with your own products.
Q: What are some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that I can bring in my checked bags?
A: You can bring more toiletries in your checked bags, as long as they are not prohibited by the TSA or the airline. You can bring full-sized bottles of your favorite products, nail polish, nail polish remover, makeup wipes, wet wipes, powder makeup, solid makeup, and other compact cosmetics.
Q: What are some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that require special attention or approval from the TSA?
A: Some examples of TSA-Approved Toiletries that require special attention or approval from the TSA are medical items, baby items, or religious items. These items may be exempt from the liquids rule or other restrictions, but they may also be subject to additional screening or documentation. Some examples are prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical devices, formula, breast milk, juice, baby food, holy water, anointing oil, or ashes.
Q: What is TSA PreCheck® and how can it help me speed up security screening?
A: TSA PreCheck® is a program that allows eligible travelers to enjoy expedited screening, such as not having to remove shoes, belts, jackets, laptops, or liquids from their bags. They can also use a dedicated lane at the checkpoint that is usually faster and less crowded. To enroll in TSA PreCheck®, you need to apply online, pay a fee, schedule an appointment, provide your fingerprints and identification, and receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can use when booking your flights.
