Can you bring makeup on a plane?

Aug 12, 2019

Some people require makeup when boarding a flight for a business trip or going on a vacation.

The answer to the question “Can you bring makeup on the plane?” is almost 100% Yes. You can bring almost all kinds of beauty products and toiletries. But the most time consuming process is packing the makeup.

While packing the makeup, try segregating which makeup is in liquid form and solid form. Cosmetics that are squirtable, spreadable can be termed as liquid makeup. Do note that mascara, nail polish, lip balm, moisturizer, liquid eyeliner, and liquid foundation all come under this category.

The rules for packing makeup in hand luggage and checked luggage is governed by the United States agency Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

So let’s start with the makeup rules.

Makeup in carry-on bags

Makeup products which are in liquid form must be packed keeping the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule in mind. Liquid cosmetics must be kept in 3.4 ounces (100 ml) containers. Try to stow them in a clear quart-sized ziplock plastic bag.

Since most makeup products’ bottle sizes are usually under 3.4 ounces, you don’t have to worry much about the ounces.

Make sure your powder substance makeup (blush, foundation, face powder, etc) sums under 12 ounces (350 ml). Try packing sample size containers and bottles of makeup, to ease up the hassle.

Makeup in checked luggage

All kinds of makeup is permitted in checked baggage.

There are no rules allocated on the quantity of liquid makeup in checked luggage. Try packing all the makeup in checked bag for easy screening.

What toiletries can you take on a plane?

All toiletry items that you daily use is permitted on the plane. Do note, liquid toiletries must be placed separately following the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Carry-on toiletries rules:

There are certain rules for carrying toiletries in hand luggage.

1) Toiletry items such as liquid soap, mouthwash, hair gel, shower gel and toothpaste are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Do note that for TSA, toothpaste is considered as a liquid.

Tip: You can also buy travel size tube of toothpaste. Try purchasing liquid soap, mouthwash, hair gel and shower gel in travel size containers.

2) For toiletries packing, have a separate bag for these items. Try packing them in a clear plastic quart size ziplock bag (1 liter).

You can also opt for dry shampoo and conditioner. Try to use a non-liquid detergent, such as detergent sheets.

3) For convenience, transfer your must-haves liquid toiletries (such as shampoo, conditioner and shower gel) from its original bottles into travel-size containers. Leave the original bottles at home.

This would ease your screening process. Also avoid you from any inconveniences at the security checkpoint.

Tip: Always prefer buying travel size toiletries.

Checked bag toiletries rules:

All kinds of toiletries are permitted in checked bag. You can easily pack original large bottles of toiletries in your checked luggage.

Ensure that they are leak-proof, break-proof and are sealed properly. Try packing liquid toiletries with a bubble wrap or plastic wrap. You can also stow it in a plastic ziplock bag.

Can you bring nail clippers on the plane?

There is no harm in providing nail care to your fingers and toes while you’re aboard. But, airport security avoids objects that can be used as a weapon. Usually, nail clippers are assumed as weapons or sharp objects at the airport security checkpoint.

Needless, one can bring these items in carry-on bags and checked luggage. But, there are some TSA rules for packing them.

➤ Nail clippers in carry-on bags

You can carry nail clippers in hand luggage. But, there are certain restrictions to it. According to the TSA nail clipper rule, make sure that the nail clippers do not exceed more than 4 inches.

As stated by the TSA, nail file, even the metal ones are permitted. But, if the TSA officer finds anything unusual in it, he can confiscate it.

Do consult someone at the checkpoint and inquire about the nail file or nail clipper you’re carrying before bypassing through security cheeking.

➤ Nail clippers in checked luggage

You can pack nail clippers in checked luggage with inches more than 4 inches. Do make sure that the nail clipper is sheathed or securely wrapped in bubble wrap, plastic wrap. It could also be stowed in a ziplock bag.

Can you bring scissors on a plane?

Yes! You can bring scissors on the plane. According to TSA, safety scissors and cuticle scissors are permitted on the plane. But, there are certain restrictions for carrying it in carry-on bag. The scissors must be within the range of 4 inches.

Do note, every country has a different set of rules for the size of scissors. Try to pack them by referring to the rules stated by the country you’re flying to or from. While packing scissors in the checked luggage, the inches are not an issue.

But, make sure you stow and wrap them properly in the checked luggage. It would prevent harm inside the bag as well as injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Can you bring tweezers on a plane?

Tweezers are permitted in carry-on bags and checked bags. According to TSA, disposable tweezers are permitted in carry-on luggage.

Straight tweezers are only permitted in checked bags. Remember to pack it in bubble wrap, plastic wrap. Try stowing it in a ziplock bag.

Tip: Pack slanted tweezers for a stress-free bypass through security checking.

Can you bring deodorant on a plane?

Deodorant and perfumes are permitted in carry-on luggage and checked luggage. The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule applies here as well for carry-on bags.

Deodorant and perfumes in the form of spray, gel, liquid, roll-ons, paste and cream must be stored in less than 3.4 ounces. Stick deodorant and solid deodorant can be packed in hand luggage as they approve the TSA deodorant restriction for hand luggage.

For perfumes, you can always use small containers. You can pack large perfume bottles or deodorant in checked bags. Buy duty-free perfumes for usage in large quantity. Do check, the perfume is stowed properly in the bag. Make sure that you do have the receipt of it.

In Conclusion:

To avoid hassle while finding toiletries in your carry-on bag, try packing the items in separate quart size ziplock bags.

Such as:

All makeup equipment
Daily toiletries – toothpaste, brush, etc.
Shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Deodorant, perfume

You can also pack all these items in a single quart size ziplock bag and stow it in carry-on luggage. Pack the toiletry bag in checked luggage, to avoid the tedious screening process.

When packing nail clippers, scissors and tweezers (sharp objects) in checked bags, make sure it is securely wrapped to prevent injury to bag handlers.

Hopefully, we’ve ease your toiletries packing and makeup storage issues while boarding a flight.

Have Secure & Safe Travels!

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Anitha Perumal

Content Strategist

Anitha Perumal is a Content Strategist at Claim Flights GmbH. She is a digital influencer, content specialist, analyst and always loves to do new things with new ideas. She holds a Master's degree in Information Technology.