Summary:
Here’s everything you need to know about flying with these must-have travel items.
Fact checked by Elizabeth MacLennan
As you’ve no doubt experienced when flying domestically or internationally, there are strict regulations surrounding what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on and checked luggage.
Whether you’re planning for a long weekend in Austin or you’re jetting off on a two-week romp through Asia, it’s prudent to ensure you’re following all the rules, therefore avoiding any surprises at airport security.
To ease the stress of packing and ensure your airport experience is a little less stressful, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shared the top five items they get asked about the most in this informative blog post. From razors to deodorant, here’s what they want you to know if you’re planning to bring these must-have travel items on your next vacation.
Everything You Need to Know About TSA Liquid Rules
Razors
According to the TSA, certain types of razors are permitted on board while others are not. Disposable razors, replacement blades, and electric razors can go in either your carry-on or checked baggage. However, if you have a safety or straight razor, you must remove the blades and pack them in one of your checked bags.
This Travel Hack Will Let You Transport Your Favorite Beverage Through Security
Batteries
Fortunately, in our tech-centered age, you can pack a wide range of batteries and battery chargers in your carry-on bag. The TSA allows dry cell alkaline (e.g., AA, AAA, C, and D), dry cell rechargeable, lithium-ion, consumer-sized lithium-ion, and lithium-metal batteries. These power essential devices like cell phones, digital cameras, camcorders, laptops, and other small electronics. You can also bring up to two larger lithium-ion batteries; however, you must get the airline’s approval for batteries between 101 and 160 Watt-hours.
Lithium batteries, portable chargers, external battery chargers, and power banks cannot go in checked luggage, so you must take them with you. All other batteries allowed on board may be checked, but the TSA recommends packing them in your carry-on in case there’s a fire and the cabin crew needs access to them.
On the other hand, car batteries, wet batteries, and spillable batteries are prohibited on flights altogether. However, if you need one of these types of batteries for a scooter or wheelchair, you can bring it in your checked luggage only, as long as you inform the aircraft operator. For more information about batteries, contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Makeup
There are no restrictions when it comes to solid and powder makeup; you can pack as much, or as little, as you desire in either your carry-on or checked luggage. However, if you want to pack liquid, lotion, gel, paste, or creamy makeup, it must be stored in containers 3.4 ounces or less, and all containers combined must fit inside a single quart-sized zip-top bag. Makeup that cannot fit in the liquids bag must be checked.
Shampoo and Deodorant
The same rules that apply to liquid makeup also apply to shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and deodorant. Shampoo and conditioner, as well as roll-on, aerosol, and gel deodorant, must be travel-sized and fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag to comply with standard carry-on bag requirements. If any containers exceed 3.4 ounces, you will need to pack them in your checked luggage. However, if you prefer to use solid or powder deodorant, you can pack it in your carry-on without needing to store it in your liquids bag.
