Does mascara need to go in liquids bag?

Yes, mascara is considered a liquid by the TSA and must go in your clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids and gels (like foundation, lip gloss, setting sprays) in carry-on luggage, following the 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fitting into one bag per passenger. Even if it seems solid in its tube, the cream/gel formula classifies it as a liquid for security purposes, so it's best to pack it in the designated bag to avoid issues.

Does mascara need to go in liquids bag on plane?

Yes, mascara is considered a liquid by the TSA when flying and must follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, with only one bag per passenger. This applies to all mascara formulas (cream, gel, waterproof), as anything with a liquid or gel consistency falls under this rule for carry-on luggage. 

Does mascara count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers mascara a liquid or gel, even though it seems thick, falling under the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags, meaning it must be in a container 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit in a single, clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids. This rule applies to other creamy makeup like foundation, concealer, and cream blush, as well as gels and pastes that could potentially leak or spill, requiring them to be packed with your other toiletries.
 

What makeup can I not bring on a plane?

What makeup can I take on flights? You can bring solid and powder cosmetics without restriction. However, liquid products like foundation and mascara must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all liquids must fit into one quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.

Does lipstick need to go in a liquids bag?

No, traditional solid lipstick does not need to go in the liquids bag for TSA in the U.S., as it's considered a solid cosmetic; however, liquid/gel lip gloss, lip gels (like Carmex), and liquid lipstick do go in the clear 3-1-1 bag, but stick lipstick is fine to pack freely in your carry-on. Always remember that the final decision rests with the TSA officer.
 

Liquids That Do NOT Go In Bag for TSA (Regular Airport Security)

Does roll-on deodorant count as a liquid when flying?

Yes, roll-on deodorant is considered a liquid/gel by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), so it must follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, separate from other toiletries. Solid sticks are fine outside this bag, but gels and roll-ons need to be in the liquids bag.
 

Do you still need to put toiletries in a plastic bag in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, you still need to put travel-sized toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes) in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for carry-on luggage due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, though some airports are testing advanced scanners that might ease this, it's not universal, so always be prepared to use the bag. Solid items (like lipstick, powders) and medically necessary liquids have different rules, but the quart-sized bag for liquids remains the standard.
 

How strict is TSA with makeup?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Does foundation have to go in a clear bag?

Tip 3: Pack Your Makeup

Some airports will require that all of your liquids fit in one clear plastic bag– TSA says that all of the liquids that you're traveling with in your carry-on must fit in 1 quart sized, clear, plastic, zipped bag– so it's smart to have that handled before departure.

Do makeup wipes count as a liquid?

No, makeup wipes (and other wet wipes) do not count as liquids for TSA liquid rules; they are allowed in carry-on bags and don't need to fit in your 3-1-1 liquids bag, but they might be subject to extra checks by security officers at their discretion. They fall under the category of moist solids, not gels, creams, or liquids, so you can pack them freely in your carry-on. 

Will TSA take my mascara?

Yes, TSA considers mascara a liquid/gel/cream, so it must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-ons: containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fitting into one clear, quart-sized bag, packed separately for screening. For larger or full-sized mascaras, pack them in checked luggage where size limits don't apply, or decant into travel-sized bottles for carry-on.
 

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, toothpaste counts as a liquid, gel, or paste and must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with only one bag per passenger. This rule applies because toothpaste is a cream or gel, similar to lotion, shampoo, or mascara, which can be squeezed or spread.
 

Is chapstick a liquid TSA?

No, traditional stick chapstick is generally not considered a liquid by the TSA and can go in your carry-on without going in the 3-1-1 liquids bag, but it's a solid cosmetic. However, if it's a liquid lip balm, gloss, or cream, it is subject to the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml container in a quart-sized bag). Always remember the final decision rests with the TSA officer, and if unsure about a cream/gel product, it's best to put it in checked luggage. 

Where do I put my makeup when flying?

When flying, pack liquid makeup (foundation, mascara, gloss) in a clear, quart-sized bag, with containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in your carry-on for security. Solid makeup (powders, pencils, palettes, brushes) can go in your regular makeup bag in your carry-on or checked luggage, but keeping them in carry-on is best to avoid loss or damage, says Reddit users.
 

Is foundation makeup considered a liquid?

Yes, foundation comes in many forms, but liquid foundation is a very common type, alongside powders, creams, and serums, all designed to even skin tone and create a smooth base for makeup. If you're traveling, the TSA considers most liquid and cream foundations as liquids**, requiring them to be in containers 3.4oz/100ml or smaller and in a clear bag.
 

Is deodorant a liquid?

Deodorant can be a liquid, solid, or spray; liquids (roll-ons, gels, aerosols) must follow travel liquid rules (3-1-1 rule for carry-ons), while solid sticks are generally permitted without restriction, though TSA has the final say. Essentially, if it can pour, ooze, or spray (like aerosols), it's treated as a liquid for travel, but solid sticks are treated as solids. 

Can I put my makeup in a Ziploc bag for a plane?

Yes, you can put makeup in a Ziploc bag for a plane, and for liquid/gel makeup in your carry-on, it's required to be in travel-sized containers (3.4oz/100ml or less) within one clear, quart-sized Ziploc bag for security screening (TSA's 3-1-1 rule). Solid makeup (like powders, lipsticks) goes in your carry-on or checked bags without the liquid bag restriction, but using a Ziploc for all makeup prevents leaks. 

Does lip balm count as a liquid?

It depends on the type and airport rules, but in the U.S., solid stick lip balms (like Chapstick) generally don't count as liquids and bypass the 3-1-1 rule, while gel, gloss, or cream-based lip products (especially in pots or with rollerballs) do count as liquids/gels and must fit in your clear bag. International airports and other countries (like the EU) can have stricter rules, sometimes treating all lip balms as liquids. 

Does TSA still require clear toiletry bags?

Yes, the TSA still requires you to put travel-sized liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols (3.4 oz/100ml or less) in a single, clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, known as the 3-1-1 rule, for carry-on luggage to facilitate screening. While enforcement can vary, especially with TSA PreCheck (though the rule technically still applies even then), having them in the designated bag makes the process smoother and prevents potential extra screening. 

What makeup cannot be taken on a plane?

Generally, any item that is in a liquid, gel, or aerosol form and is over 100ml/3.4 fl. oz is considered a liquid by the airport security. The list also includes other beauty products such as foundation, moisturiser, and hair spray.

Does lipstick have to go in a clear bag?

No, you usually don't have to put solid lipstick in the clear plastic liquids bag for air travel because the TSA considers it a solid, but it's often easier to put all makeup together in your carry-on and remove it for screening, especially if it's a gloss or cream formula that might look like a liquid, though some travelers put everything in the bag just to be safe. Lipstick (solid), powder makeup, and solid blush are okay outside the liquids bag, while lip gloss, mascara, and cream blush must follow the 3-1-1 rule (under 3.4oz/100ml in a quart-sized bag).
 

What happens if TSA flags my makeup?

What happens if my makeup items exceed the TSA's liquid limit? If your liquid makeup items in your carry-on exceed the 3.4-ounce limit per container, the TSA officer will confiscate them at the security checkpoint.

Can I take hand sanitizer on the plane?

Yes, you can bring hand sanitizer on a plane in your carry-on, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, fit in one quart-sized bag with other liquids, and the temporary exception for larger bottles is over, so standard rules apply now. You can pack larger quantities in checked bags, adhering to FAA guidelines for medicinal/toiletry articles (total under 2kg/70oz, individual containers under 500ml/17oz).
 

Can I take snacks through airport security?

Yes, you can take most solid snacks through airport security in your carry-on or checked bags, like chips, cookies, nuts, and protein bars, but liquids, gels, and spreads (like hummus, dips, or yogurt) must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz/100ml containers in a quart-sized bag) for carry-ons, and you should check international customs rules if flying abroad. TSA officers have the final say, so it's best to pack items in their original packaging or clear containers. 

What are the new carry-on rules?

New carry-on rules for 2025/2026 focus on stricter enforcement of size (including wheels/handles, generally 22x14x9 inches for major airlines) and potential weight limits (especially internationally), with more gate-checking and fees for oversized bags, plus heightened scrutiny on electronics and medications, requiring chargers and original bottles for better compliance.