Are you packing for your trip and contemplating whether it’s okay to bring toiletries such as face wash on the plane? Air travel tends to have well defined guidelines regarding all products, including personal items and cosmetics. In order to facilitate the journey through security checks and streamline the process, one should always ensure that they are complying with the rules and airline policies.
This comprehensive guide will expand upon the subject of bringing face wash on the plane and discuss any rules that influence it. Keep reading to learn all the essentials before your flight!
What are the TSA Regulations on Face Wash
The TSA’s rules allow passengers to bring cosmetic items and toiletries such as face wash while accessing air travel. However, there are certain conditions that must be met.
Face wash is a liquid and hence, it will be subject to the infamous TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is an agency established by the United States to limit security threats and screen luggage. Their main purpose is to ensure maximum security for passengers, flight attendants, cabin crew, and all parties involved. In order to achieve said goal, they have placed limits on what can and can’t be carried.
Face wash, specifically, can be categorized as a personal item that can be packed in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. Naturally, different rules and considerations will need to be accounted for in either case.
Face Wash in Carry-on Bags
Most individuals prefer carrying toiletries such as face wash in their hand luggage. Not only is it more accessible but practical as well. If you are also doing this, then familiarise yourself with the 3-1-1 rule and use adequate travel-sized containers.
TSA’s liquid limit rule
The TSA has limited the quantity of fluid ounces you can carry on a plane. This generally applies to liquids, aerosols, and gel packs of all sorts. Since face washes are either liquid or gel, it will have to comply with this limitation. The 3-1-1 rule efficiency sums up the requirements, and following it can help you pack accordingly.
The fluid limit rule for carry-on states that an individual can only carry 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid, gels, and aerosols per container. This quantity is under the international rule of carrying 100 milliliters. Breaking down the “3-1-1” part, the 3 stands for 3.4 ounces. Furthermore, the first 1 indicates that all 3.4-ounce containers must be placed in a clear ONE-quart bag (an average bag should be “7” by “8” to avoid problems with TSA). The last 1 specifies that each passenger is allowed ONE bag in total. Other than that, containers exceeding the 3.4-ounce limitation must be in a checked bag.
According to the TSA, all substances that can be spread, sprayed, and squeezed will be subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Some general examples other than face wash are listed below:
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Mouthwash
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail polish
- Hair spray
- Creams
- Peanut butter
Exceptions to the rule
There are some exceptions to the previously specified 3-1-1 rule. The periphery of this restriction is quite flexible and it can cater to special cases and extreme circumstances. If the passenger can justify their reasoning and show proof of a valid reason, then they can carry a larger container.
Some examples of this exception include the following:
- Ice, gel, or freezer packs used to keep breast milk, infant formula, or medically necessary items cool
- Prescriptions that come in liquid, gel, or cream forms
- larger amounts of medically necessary liquids
- Baby formula, toddler drinks and food items, including puree pouches
- Baby food, breast milk, and infant formula.
However, TSA officers or security officers must be informed of this. If there are any items that you don’t want passed through the x-ray machine (break milk or infant formula), make sure to take full responsibility and tell the relevant TSA agent.
Face Wash in Checked Bags
If your desired product exceeds the TSA’s quantity limit, then you can pack it in your checked luggage. The 3-1-1 rule doesn’t necessarily mean that the content should exactly comply with guidelines. Instead, it entails that the maximum capacity of your container shouldn’t exceed 3.4 ounces.
If you are having trouble finding a travel-sized liquid version of your favorite face wash or you simply don’t want to spend extra money on acquiring the same product, you can do two things. Firstly, you can squeeze your product in a smaller container; this includes face wash, lotions, creams, etc. better yet, you can just pack it in your checked luggage. There are no quantity restrictions for check-in luggage but unusual amounts may spark the tsa agent’s attention and result in a longer screening process.
As long as you are carrying face wash products for personal use and not commercial purposes, you won’t face trouble at security screening or customs regulations.
Best Practices for Traveling With Mascara
If you are carrying your face wash on the plane, here are some tips to streamline the entire process.
- Most skincare routine products have containers that fall within the 3.4 oz requirement. However, you should check either way and ensure that your container is appropriate for carry-on luggage. It shouldn’t be too difficult finding travel containers.
- If you are packing your face wash in checked baggage, consider putting it in a separate cosmetics or makeup bag. Not only will this prevent spillage and other damage but it will also organize your bag.
- Face wash in the carry-on baggage must be put in a clear plastic bag, as per the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
- Remember that the final decision rests with the TSA agent. If they deem the product unsuitable for any reason or if it causes trouble with metal detectors, you’ll need to do as they instruct. Security officers may even subject you to additional screening.
- Make sure that your clear bag is accessible during the screening process. You are required to remove your quart-sized bag of liquids from the carry-on and place it in a separate bin for inspection.
- In order to ensure a quick and worry-free experience, only pack the necessary liquid products. Toiletries, medicines, and cosmetics might be important, but if you can easily get something at your destination, then don’t carry it in your carry-on bag.
Airline policies
The TSA allows you to carry face wash on domestic and international flights easily. However, specific airlines may have additional rules and policies regarding the carriage of beauty products. Individual airlines are bound to have contrasting policies and their own set of rules. You should always go on their official website or contact someone from customer service to familiarize yourself with the regulations.
If you are accessing multiple airlines or having layovers, follow the rules each time to pass through security. Make sure to adapt to different rules.
Considerations for International Flights
When it comes to face wash, International travel restrictions may pose more specifications than the original 3-1-1 rule. For instance, international flights require that the four sides of the plastic bag must not add up to more than 80 cm. Typically, the international air travel rules say that solid cosmetic items such as lipstick, solid lip balm, eyeshadow pallets, blushes, and other powder makeup are easily allowed in your hand luggage. However, liquid makeup products or semi-liquid makeup items must be less than 3.4 oz in quantity, they must fit in one quart-sized bag, and each passenger must not carry more than one bag.
If your travel itinerary includes multiple destinations, then it may be a good idea to check the gov website of each country. Your destination country may impose restrictions on specific items or their ingredients. It’s always better to check these details beforehand.
A little research on an airline’s specific rules will take you a long way and guarantee a smooth journey through airport security. You can check the updated regulations on the TSA website and learn about the destination country’s restrictions on their gov website.
Final thoughts
The carriage of face wash through airport security checkpoints should not be too much of a daunting task. The product is pretty much harmless and can be categorised under the personal items area. As long as you follow the regulations, as determined by the TSA and your specific airline, you’ll be good to go.
We hope this article helped you understand whether you can carry face wash on the plane and the best practices to do so. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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