Can You Still Pack Toiletries When Traveling By Air

Can You Still Pack Toiletries When Traveling By Air?

Can you still pack toiletries when traveling by air?

The short answer is yes. However, there are guidelines that must be followed in order to prevent having any toiletries that do not adhere to those rules confiscated. There are also exceptions to the guidelines as well.

When you are traveling by air, pack toiletries in a clear, sealable one quart bag. This is both for the convenience of the travelers and the screening agents. Agents will be able to clearly see what you have packed without having to open a large case and dump out the contents. It will make the screening process more streamlined and move passengers through more quickly.

All of your toiletries, in general, should be in containers that are equal to or less than 3.4 ounces, or 100ml, in volume. This is a strict safety precaution that the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has put in place. This applies to liquids, gels and aerosols. 3.4 ounces is the volume of most travel sized bottles.

Make sure that all of the items in the baggie fit comfortably. It should not be ripped, overflowing or unstable in any way. Also be certain that what you are putting in the bag is clearly a toiletry. There are TSA rules that prohibit aerosols and other products that, while they may be less than 3.4 ounces, are still banned.

There are a handful of exceptions to this rule. These include all prescription drugs, saline solutions, petroleum jelly and diabetic medical supplies. If you are uncertain about what category an item falls into, contact the TSA or your local airport and ask for clarification since the guidelines change frequently.

If you absolutely must bring an item, and it is banned from carry-on luggage, put it into your checked baggage instead. Most items (excluding aerosols) can be placed in your checked bags and transported safely.

When you pack toiletries for traveling by air, be sure to follow all of these guidelines to the letter. It is also important to keep up with changes to the rules. As a final note, once you have passed through security and have been screened, you are free to purchase liquid containers of any size that you want. So in some cases, it may be better to wait until you have passed through security before buying a bottle of water.