Packing Toiletries for Carry-on Luggage to Get Through TSA

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Packing toiletries for carry-on luggage can be extremely confusing and daunting with many of the regulations in place. But if you are trying to save money on the cost of your flight and want to skip the excessive baggage fees then you might be wondering what you are allowed and not allowed in your toiletries for carry-on luggage.

In this post, we are going to cover what you can and can’t pack in your toiletries for carry-on, the best types of toiletry bags and accessories, what you should pack, and how to pack it all so you can get through TSA with little hassle and all of your toiletries.

Table of Contents

• What can and can’t you bring in a carry on?
• Best toiletry bags
• What to bring
• Packing tips
• Final Thoughts

What can and can’t I bring in carry-on luggage?

TSA Regulations

When it comes to toiletries you might be like me who is used to throwing everything from your hairbrush and floss to shampoo and body wash all into the same bag. However, in 2001 the regulations for this method changed, and packing toiletries for carry-ons’ became a little more strategic.

Liquid Requirements

When flying with a carry-on, your liquids must fit into a quart-sized bag and each container must be no more than 3.4oz (ounces) per item.

What is classified as a liquid?

• Liquids
• Gels
• Aerosols
• Creams
• Pastes

What about powders?

TSA states that as of June 2018 you are allowed up to 12oz of powders. These do have to be screened the same as other toiletries, but they do not have to go into the clear bag.

If you are traveling overseas just know that each country is different & you should look into the individual requirements before packing.

Exemptions

Medication

Pill or solid forms of medication will undergo security screening like all other items. They can be tested either via x-ray or visual inspection, in rare cases, they may also be tested for traces of explosives.

Ensure that your medication is packaged in well-labeled bottles, if possible keep them in their original containers.

*Note – you are responsible for showing and handling your medication when screening.

Liquid medications are allowed through TSA but you do not have to place them in a plastic bag, according to the TSA website. You should declare your medication at the TSA inspection checkpoint and they will walk you through the process for screening.

Make sure your medication is accessible similar to your toiletries bag. This will make screening move faster through the security lines.

Medical Accessories

If you have ever had to go through TSA with an injury or medical situation where ice packs or gel packs are needed, you might feel nervous about what to do. With personal experience after breaking my ankle, I found that ice packs or gel packs are easy to declare as a medical accessory as long as they are in the frozen or partly frozen state.

Supplies such as syringes, pumps, and IV bags that are medically necessary will also require screening before permitted through the airport.

We found the TSA website to be helpful in explaining the procedures and requirements for these items when we first started traveling with a CPAP machine.

Sharp Objects

I hate not shaving, like for me there is a sense of calm when I slide into bed with fresh shaved legs. But can you pack a razor in your carry-on?

Razors

You can bring disposable razors or razors with cartridges, such as my go to razor the Schick Intuition, in your carry-on.  Electric razors are also allowed through in carry-on luggage.

Metal Nail Files & Tweezers

According to TSA, you are allowed to bring both metal nail files & tweezers in your carry-on.

Best Toiletry Bags

While TSA requires liquids to be in a clear quart-sized sealable bag, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a toiletry bag that isn’t functional.

Here are our favorite toiletry bags that we have used over the years to help give you some ideas for what you can use to stay organized and TSA-ready.

TSA Approved Toiletry Bags

Clear Quart Size TSA Approved Toiletry Bags

Most people resort to quart-size Ziplock bags.

But others rely on a more sustainable bag such as

Non-liquid Toiletry and Dopp Kits

Bottles for Your Liquids

What to toiletries for carry-on luggage do you pack?

Now that you have your TSA-approved bag, what do you actually pack?

We break down our toiletries into 2 categories:

1. Liquids/ Powders/ Aerosols/ Gel/ Powders
2. Non-Liquids

Liquids Include

Ok, you might notice that this list isn’t exactly liquids only. But we try to be cautious about what to put into our toiletry bag.

Non-Liquids

• Hair Ties
• Razors
• Tooth Brush
• Hair Brush
• Comb
• Makeup Wipes
• Makeup
  • Eye Liner
  • Foundation
  • Concealer
  • Blush
  • Toner
• Tweezers
• Nail file/clippers

How to Pack Toiletries for Carry-on Luggage

Create Your Own Toiletries for Carry-on Luggage

I started doing this a few years ago when I couldn’t find my hand lotion in a premade 3.4oz bottle. By making my own bottles of hand lotion from my larger bottles that are around the house, I actually save money. The travel-size bottles you find in Walmart or the grocery store can cost anywhere from $1-5, and when you are trying to pack for a week at a time, that can start to add up.

The best part about utilizing empty travel-size bottles is that I can utilize products I like. When purchasing the travel size at the store, you are usually stuck with whatever brand they may be offering at the time. For instance, one week they might have Head and Shoulders mini bottles another week it might be Pantene.

With the savings you have from those mini bottles, you can spend a small amount, between $3-16, for empty bottles that you can use over and over again throughout your travel lifestyle.

Pare Down Your Routine

With the list of liquids so long, you might be wondering how the heck you get it down to just a few 3.4oz bottles. The true answer is to downsize your routine. For example, when we travel, I rely on hairspray over gel or mousse most trips, this is easier and lighter for me, but also goes a long way compared to my normal routine.

Or you might consider utilizing solids such as shampoo and conditioner bars which don’t have the same requirements as a liquid version.

When it comes to makeup, think the same way. The majority of my makeup is a powder or pressed powder, so I don’t usually have a problem leaving it in my carry-on, but I do have a much smaller makeup bag for when flying vs. road trips. This is because I know I don’t want to lug around 3lbs of makeup, but I also don’t want to worry about something getting stopped in the security line.

Paring down your routine or habits can feel weird in the beginning, but once you have a method that works for you while traveling, then you will definitely notice the difference.

Keep Non-Liquid in a Separate Bag

This might sound weird especially if you want to keep everything organized, but it will make your security check go much easier. Keeping your liquids in an easy-to-access pocket compared to the deep insides recesses of your carry-on will make it so much easier to get your toiletries scanned.

Arrangement

When you are starting to put your liquids into your clear toiletry bag, you want to ensure you provide some space. This allows for easier scanning of your liquids when going through the x-ray machine.

Keep it Accessible

Lastly, when you are finalizing your carry-on luggage, make sure your clear liquids bag is easy to access. Because security check lines can get very long, having all the items you need to put into a separate bin easily accessible, it can make your time in the security line go much faster.

We usually put ours in the top zip of a backpack or carry-on suitcase.

Final Thoughts

When packing toiletries for carry-on luggage to get through TSA, it can definitely feel overwhelming. But give yourself some wiggle room and remember mistakes happen. The best rules to stick to when considering traveling with a carry-on only is 3.4oz for liquid(s) and 1 clear quart-size bag. Everything else will become second nature to your wants and needs the more you travel.

Do you have any stories about going through TSA with your toiletries? Let us know in the comments below & tell us your funny or scary stores & what you learned to make sure it doesn’t happen again.