Is Chapstick considered a liquid when flying?

No, in the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not consider solid Chapstick or lip balm a liquid, so you can pack it in your carry-on or checked bags without needing to put it in the 3-1-1 liquids bag. It's treated as a solid cosmetic, but be aware that softer lip glosses or balms might be scrutinized differently by security officers.

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 mascara considered a liquid when flying?

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. 

Can I have chapstick in carry-on?

Unusual items you can bring in your as carry-on

Chopsticks. Drumsticks (for drums, not chicken). Duct tape. Forks.

Is Vaseline lip balm considered a liquid?

Unlike to Vaseline, a lipstick (providing it's solid) won't count as liquid and you don't have to place it in the bag. A tin of Vaseline (paste/cream texture) is considered a liquid and must be included in your liquid allowance.

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.
 

Does lipstick need to be 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).
 

Can you carry chapstick in carry-on?

Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA. They can be in your handbag, carry-on or hand luggage without being separated into your clear plastic liquids bag.

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks

1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
3. Firearms. ...
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
6. Ammunition. ...
7. Flammable Household Items. ...
8. Restricted Powders.

What items will not go through TSA?

The TSA bans items like firearms, explosives, sharp objects (knives, ice picks), large tools, and flammable liquids from carry-on bags, with many of these restricted to checked luggage (if properly packed/declared) or completely prohibited, while rules also cover liquids, powders, and specific sporting goods, so always check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool for specifics before flying.
 

Does makeup need to be in a ziploc bag TSA?

Place Products into Clear, Quart-sized Bag

You may want to opt for something a little sturdier than a Ziploc that still meets TSA guidelines. Remember, quart size is the largest bag allowed; you can take something smaller.

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.
 

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.
 

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

(As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container). Spray deodorants are often subject to additional rules. They can be dangerous on planes because they are pressurised containers that might leak or burst under changing cabin pressure.

Do toiletries have to be in clear bag in 2025?

Yes, for carry-on bags in 2025, toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols) must still fit in a clear, quart-sized, sealable bag, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml max per container, one bag per passenger). While some airports are upgrading to CT scanners in 2025 that might eventually allow you to keep them in your bag, for now, you'll likely need to remove the clear bag for screening. Solid toiletries (like shampoo bars) and makeup (lipstick, powder) are exempt.
 

Can I have hand sanitizer in my purse on a plane?

Yes, you can have hand sanitizer in your purse on a plane, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag with your other liquids, gels, and aerosols. The special COVID-19 exception allowing larger bottles is no longer in effect, so if your sanitizer bottle is over 3.4oz, it must go in checked luggage.
 

Can TSA see my tampon?

No, TSA body scanners generally cannot see inside your body to identify a tampon, as the millimeter wave technology doesn't penetrate skin; however, the density of menstrual products (like pads or even a tampon's applicator/material) can sometimes create an anomaly that flags for a pat-down, but they don't reveal what the product is, only that something is there. You might get pulled aside for extra screening, but it's usually quick and discreet, and you can request a private room for the pat-down. 

Can I take my phone charger in my carry-on?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

Are wipes considered liquid for TSA?

No, wet wipes (baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, makeup wipes) are not considered liquids by the TSA, so they don't need to go in your 3-1-1 liquids bag and can be carried in unlimited quantities in both carry-on and checked baggage, though they are generally allowed in carry-ons without issues. They are treated as a moist solid or a non-liquid item, making them convenient for cleaning surfaces like tray tables during your flight. 

What is the best way to pack toiletries for travel?

If you can remember the 3-1-1 liquids rule, you'll never forget how to pack toiletries.

1. 3 - Put liquids in 3.4-ounce containers (or smaller)
2. 1 - Place containers inside one clear, quart-size toiletry bag.
3. 1 - Pack only one of these toiletry bags in your carry-on luggage.

Can you bring gummy bears through TSA?

Yes, you can bring regular gummy bears through TSA in your carry-on or checked bags as they are solid food, but they might cause extra screening because they can look like gels or liquids on X-rays. Keep them in original packaging or a clear bag to ease inspection, and remember that liquid/gel candies (like squeeze tubes) are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule (under 3.4oz/100ml). 

Can I bring unopened water bottles on a plane?

No, you generally cannot bring an unopened bottle of water larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) in your carry-on through airport security because of the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule, but you can bring it in your checked luggage, buy it after security, or bring an empty bottle to fill up. For carry-ons, containers must fit in a single quart-sized bag, limiting them to travel size, or be frozen solid. 

Can I carry lipstick in my purse when going through TSA?

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.

What do I need to take out of my bag at airport security?

At airport security, you generally need to remove your 3-1-1 liquids bag, laptops and other large electronics, and sometimes foods, powders, and bulky items, placing them in bins; you also take off shoes, belts, and outer layers (jackets, hoodies), empty your pockets, and put these items in bins for X-ray screening, but always follow the instructions of the TSA officers.