Lotion is an essential product most people carry at any given time. When traveling in an airplane, the skin dries out quickly, and having cream is handy. It is always confusing to know whether the items will pass through TSA, and it makes one wonder, can you bring lotion on a plane?
Lotions and creams are allowed on a plane in full-size containers if placed in checked luggage. Any lotions must be in 3.4 ounces, 100ml, 100mg containers, or less in a carry-on bag or purse. Creams can be decanted into travel-sized containers to make them eligible to pass through airport security.
Related: Can You Bring Sunscreen On A Plane? (through TSA)
Can You Take Lotion In A Carry-On Bag?
The TSA considers lotion as liquid, even if it is a thick cream to you. Passengers must pack any liquids, gels, sprays, creams, etc., in a quart-sized plastic bag that is resealable. Each item must be less than or equal to 3.4oz or 100 ml before placing in the Ziplock bag.
The TSA has a 3-1-1 guideline for what they consider liquid items, which is 3.4 z or less, 100ml or less, and 1-quart clear plastic resealable plastic. Any liquid, lotion, aerosol, paste, etc. That exceeds this standard will not be allowed to be taken through the airport security control.
Can You Take Lotion In Checked Luggage?
Passengers can carry total quantities of lotion in their checked luggage. If you need to take your full-sized lotion for longer trips or as a gift to someone, whether it is a bottle, tube, or tub of cream, you can pack that in your checked luggage.
Always ensure to check that lids and caps are closed tightly and correctly. You can tape them down or put the lotions in plastic bags in case of any pressure bursts and spills during the flight. You don’t want all your clothes are other items to be drenched in cream, even if it smells great!
There are no size or volume limitations unless you carry an excessive amount, which looks suspicious. Airport security will only pull you aside and question you if there is a questionable number of liquid-based items in your bag.
How To Pack Lotion For A Plane?
You might realize it, but there is an art to packing creams and other liquid toiletries. Before you carry any lotions when packing for a flight, ensure you keep the following tips in mind:
- Decant your large lotions into travel-size bottles and containers of 3.4 oz or 100ml or less for hand luggage.
- Ensure that all lids and caps are sealed well.
- Tape the lids and caps to prevent them from bursting due to altitude pressure during a flight.
- Place the travel-sized lotion containers in a Ziploc resealable bag according to the TSA guidelines.
- You can also tape lids and caps down for checked luggage to prevent spillage.
- Put all liquid items in plastic bags before packing them into your luggage. That way, if your lotions open up, it will only mess in the packets.
- Only carry what you need on the plane, and pack the rest into checked luggage.
Is Lotion Allowed In Your Purse On A Plane?
Whether you have a carry-on bag or not, you most likely have a purse or backpack that you keep by your legs on the plane for easy access to items. Most passengers carry lotion in this purse because the skin dried out when flying, and it is great to have it handy to reapply occasionally.
You could safely carry a little face cream, hand lotion, or body cream in your purse if the quantity is less than or equal to 3.40z or 100ml. That quantity will not trigger airport security; you can pass through without issues.
Most stores sell travel-size creams that you can use to carry on a flight, but if you can’t find that or prefer larger lotions, you can decant some into travel-size containers. You can purchase those from any store in the travel sections or reuse something you might already have at home.
Can You Take Body Butter On A Plane?
Body butter tends to confuse many people regarding the guidelines for liquids. Body butter may be super thick and creamy, but it is still considered as part of the liquid items according to the TSA. Even though body butter is a liquid item, it is allowed on the plane.
Body butter can go in your checked luggage if you take full-sized containers. For carry-on bags and purses, you want to ensure that it follows the TSA 3-1-1 rules. Unless your body butter is extremely oily, it will not spill or leak and is an excellent option for flights instead of lotions.
Can You Use Lotion On A Plane?
Body lotions, face and hand creams, and body butter could all be used on a plane if you carried some in your carry-on luggage or purse. If you pack your items safely, they will remain intact. Be careful not to open any “liquid” items if there is turbulence because it could mess out.
Traveling by plane can dry your skin excessively, especially if you already have dry skin. You should have some cream to reapply on your hands after using the toilet or anytime you feel your skin has dried out further.
Can You Take Lotion Bars On A Plane?
Many people are turning to lotion bars because they contain fewer chemicals and smell beautiful. Because of the liquid restrictions, it is also more convenient to carry in a flight. For people who are not carrying checked luggage but need more volume of a lotion than 3.4 oz, bars are ideal.
There are no restrictions on the lotion bar size and quantity. You can carry it in checked luggage or hand luggage. You want to ensure that your lotion bar is enclosed in a container or Ziploc bag in case it melts with any temperature increase.
You can use a lotion bar on a plane, but you want to ensure that your hands are clean and the bar does not fall anywhere to avoid picking up germs. It can be unsanitary to get the bar dirty or have dust stuck to it.
