Long-haul flights can often be tedious and boring. Hence, it may be a good idea to make the best of that time and invest in some self-care. While there is nothing wrong with that idea, you may need to go through the TSA rules and air travel regulations beforehand. Nail glue, a seemingly harmless product, is still subject to some guidelines. If you want to experience a smooth transfer through airport security and a hassle-free travel experience, make sure to learn the relevant information.
This comprehensive guide will explore the carriage of nail glue on the plane and discuss all the aspects. Keep reading to learn more.
What are the TSA Regulations on Nail Care Products
Before we delve into the specific subject of “nail glue”, it is important to understand what the Transportation Security Administration says about nail care products in general. This United States agency is focused on screening luggage, catering to safety concerns, and protecting passengers in air travel. The TSA rules state that individuals can bring nail care items such as nail polish, gel polish remover, nail glue, and other nail liquids as long as these products fulfil the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Other nail care items such as nail scissors and nail clippers can be carried if they comply with the carry-on luggage and checked baggage regulations.
Proper details about your specific item can be found on the TSA website.
TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule
If you wish to carry a nail care liquid item such as nail polish or nail glue in carry-on baggage then you must ensure that it’s within the liquid restrictions.
In response to the increasing security concerns, 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. 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.
Exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule
Moving on, 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 valid reason then they can carry a larger container.
Some examples of this exception include the following items:
- Ice, gel, or freezer packs used to keep breast milk, infant formula, or medically necessary items cool
- Medical items that come in liquid, gel, or cream forms
- Baby formula, toddler drinks, and food items, including puree pouches
- Baby food; breast milk and infant formula
At the end of the day, the final decision rests with the TSA officer in charge of screening your luggage.
Can You Carry Nail Glue in Carry-on Bags?
You can bring your nail glue as a carry-on item on the plane. As per the standards explained above, nail glue will be considered a liquid for the purposes of air travel, and it will be subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule. You can bring it in your hand luggage but you must treat it as nail polish and adhere to all the policies about quantity restrictions. Your nail glue must be non-flammable, non-toxic adhesive, and not classified as hazardous material.
Can You Carry Nail Glue in Checked Bags?
If your nail glue exceeds the quantity limits described by the 3-1-1 rule then you can pack it in checked luggage. However, some nail glues have a hazard label and they are classified as “flammable liquids”. These particular types of nail glue are dangerous goods and hence, not allowed in checked bags.
You must check the label and the manufacturer’s material safety data sheet on your specific glue. Focus on checking if it is one of the following: rubber cement, pipe cement, some super glues, model glues, and industrial-strength adhesives. Security staff must be informed prior to baggage check if your luggage contains such items.
How Can You Measure the Quantity of Nail Glue
If you are unsure about the measuring aspect of packing nail glues, there are some simple things to remember. Firstly, make sure to note that the TSA has placed a limit on the capacity of each container rather than the material inside. Meaning, that your 3.4-ounce container might as well contain 1-2 ounces of content inside. With that in mind, you can check the container’s size by checking the label. If the product label isn’t there, you can use the docker inspect command. This tool matches multiple types of objects and it can help you determine the size of your container. If your container turns out to be too large for air travel, consider buying smaller bottles of nail glue and travel-friendly containers of the same product.
Best Practices for Traveling With Nail Glue
If you are carrying your nail glue on the plane, here are some tips to streamline the entire process.
- Most nail glue containers fall well within the 3.4 oz requirement. However, you should check either way and ensure that your container is appropriate for carry-on luggage.
- If you are packing your non-flammable nail glue in checked baggage, consider putting it in a separate makeup bag. Not only will this prevent spillage and other damage but it will also organize your bag.
- Nail glue in carry-on bags must be put in a sealed plastic bag, as per the 3-1-1 liquid items rule. Be sure to account for temperature changes as well.
- Use travel-sized containers rather than large ones so you can keep your nail care products on the flight rather than having to put them in checked baggage.
- Remember that the final decision rests with the TSA officer. 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.
- Some airlines levy additional rules (especially on international flights). Be sure to check your airline’s policies on their official website or contact someone from customer service.
- If your travel itinerary consists of different countries and layover destinations, make sure to check specific rules on their gov websites. This will help you prevent problems at customs clearance.
- Make sure that your clear bag is quart-sized and accessible during the screening process. You are required to remove it from the carry-on and place it in a separate bin for inspection.
- In order to ensure a quick experience through security checkpoints, only pack the necessary liquid products. Toiletry articles, 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.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, it’s imperative to note that you should always check airline policies, TSA’s regulatory guidelines, and FAA regulations before packing for your flight. The rules may vary based on your airline and final destination but compliance can guarantee a smooth screening process. Whether you are thinking of carrying nail polish, remover, liquid, or any other product; always check what the updated rules and the detailed packaging instructions have to say about it.
We hope this article helped you understand how you can carry nail glue in a plane. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help.
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