There are a lot of doubts concerning the carriage of personal items and toiletries on a plane. When it comes to air travel, the rules have been developed in order to safeguard all the passengers, cabin crew, and stakeholders involved. It is for that reason that luggage undergoes rigorous screening processes and strict criteria.
If you are traveling soon and wondering whether it’s permitted to take your bar soap with you, this comprehensive guide has got all the answers. Keep reading and learn all the essentials!
What are the TSA Regulations on Bar Soap
The good news is that TSA allows passengers to carry bar soap in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. The Transportation Security Administration is a United States agency focused towards promoting safety and ensuring protection. TSA officers are responsible for luggage screening at airport security checks while higher authorities are concerned with laying out rules and definitions regarding air travel. Tsa is also in place to cater to different security concerns.
Carrying Bar Soaps in Carry-on Luggage
You are certainly allowed to carry your favorite type of bar soap as a carry-on item. As long as the item is solid, there are no restrictions on the size or weight of the toiletries; the only requirement is that your hand luggage should be able to fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
It is recommended to pack personal items such as bar soap in carry-on baggage due to accessibility and convenience. High-end bars of soap should also be packed in carry-ons to minimize the risk of damage.
Carrying Bar Soap in Checked Luggage
You are also permitted to carry your bar soap in the checked baggage. Just like it is in carry-on bags, there is no size or weight restriction on bar soaps in checked bags either. However, passengers must ensure that their checked baggage does not exceed the overall weight limit, or else they will have to pay an oversized luggage fee.
As long as you are carrying toiletries for personal use and not commercial purposes, you are less likely to face trouble at security screening or customs regulations. At the same time, be sure to remember that the final decision rests with the TSA agent. If your designated security officer decides that your luggage is inadequate for any reason, you will need additional screening and be asked to adapt on the spot.
Tips for Carrying Bar Soap on a Plane
You can follow some of these best practices to enjoy a smooth travel experience and an easier process through airport security.
- It may be a good idea to buy soap from your destination country or use hotel soap on a short trip. This way, you will be able to avoid any potential trouble during the screening process. It’s also a better alternative when long-haul flights are involved.
- Packing is one of the main aspects, so consider wrapping your bars of soap in a towel or cloth so moisture transfer will be prevented.
- You should check your destination country’s requirements on their gov website to see if they have additional rules regarding your specific item.
- It is always recommended to choose the container properly (to prevent spillage, leakage, or breakage). This means that you should purchase a travel tin or travel soap case with sturdy material. It is better to carry plastic leak-proof containers so your soap will remain intact.
- You can use ziplock bags/reusable plastic bags to prevent leakage, and ventilation pouches help with moisture retention.
- The good news is that you can carry whatever type of soap you prefer and however much (quantity wise) you want. However, one should consider taking something that won’t be a source of trouble or discomfort. Spill-proof containers are more preferred, while it’s recommended to carry unscented soaps.
- If you are traveling with a solid soap bar, the best tip is to research specific rules beforehand. Rather than getting to the airport and navigating through the process in a stressful haze, you should check the guidelines beforehand.
Considerations for Liquid Soap
One of the main things that passengers need to be wary of is bar soap’s distinction from liquid soap. Any and all liquid items are subject to the liquid restriction for air travel.
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.
While most toiletries tend to be categorized as “liquid” items, a “solid bar soap” specifically won’t be considered that and hence, not adequate to be judged under this criteria. Some examples of toiletries and miscellaneous items that are subject to this rule are:
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Hair gel
- Conditioner
- Mouthwash
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail polish
- Hair spray
- Creams
- Peanut butter
Considerations for International Flights
When it comes to solid bar soaps, International travel restrictions may pose more specifications than the original TSA rules. For instance, the carriage of bar soaps in long-haul flights may not be practical. The strong scents can discomfort fellow passengers while the temperature changes can affect the content of your soap. As for checked luggage, products such as soap bars will be prone to breakage during transit, and it may just be easier to buy one at the destination country.
Typically, the international air travel rules say that solid toiletry items such as solid lip balm, eyeshadow pallets, blushes, and other traditional liquid hair care products are easily allowed in your hand luggage. However, liquid products or semi-liquid 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 rules 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 security checkpoints. You can check the updated regulations on the TSA website and learn about the destination country’s restrictions on their gov website.
Final Thoughts
As per TSA guidelines and air travel rules, we can confidently say that passengers are allowed to carry their desired body soap with them on a plane. Solid toiletries are not subject to strict rules while liquid toiletries must comply with the 3-1-1 liquid limit. Items with larger quantities can be packed in checked baggage, but you must take ample measures to pack it properly. TSA rules and airline policies are open to change, so make sure to check the updated ones before your flight.
We hope this article gave you insight into how you can carry solid soap on a plane. If you have further questions or lingering doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Article About Can You Take Bar Soap on a Plane?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!