Skip to content

93 Comments

  1. Pristie Yoo
    July 9, 2023 @ 8:17 pm

    can i have a clear plastic bag in my carry-on bag and another one in my luggage?

    • Ali Garland
      July 10, 2023 @ 5:53 pm

      You can have one liquids bag in your carry on, and it must be 1 quart, and every bottle in it must be 3.4 ounces / 100ml or less. You can put several bags of liquid toiletries in your checked luggage if you want to. The one bag restriction is just for the baggage you take into the cabin with you.

  2. Sehar
    May 13, 2020 @ 8:01 pm

    How much quantity of makeup is allowed in a suitcase? Not in a carry bag…..

    • Ali Garland
      May 14, 2020 @ 3:28 pm

      Hi Sehar! There aren’t any restrictions on how much makeup you can pack in your checked bag. There aren’t any limits on liquids for checked luggage, other than large amounts of aerosols. Just be sure not to go over the weight limit for your checked bag.

  3. Tara
    February 13, 2020 @ 10:30 pm

    What about makeup remover wipes, will they be considered a liquid?

    • Ali Garland
      February 17, 2020 @ 12:34 am

      Hi Tara! Makeup wipes are not considered liquid and are allowed in your carry on wherever you want to pack them.

  4. Warda
    December 17, 2019 @ 10:53 pm

    Please help me one thing…i am a makeup lover so thats why i want to bring my liquid foundation on my vanity bag…is this allowed on Qatar airways?? I am going to Europe country like france for the first time from dhaka,Bangladesh! So please answer my Question! And yes,one more thing can i bring a perfume also in my vanity bag????

    • Ali Garland
      December 18, 2019 @ 11:38 am

      Hi Warda! Any liquid toiletries or makeup will have to abide by the TSA liquid rule. This means that each makeup container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and all containers must fit inside a one quart (one liter) clear zip top bag. You are allowed to have one liquids bag per passenger. So your liquid foundation and your perfume must comply with these limits if you want to pack them in your carry on bag. If you’re checking luggage, you can pack as much makeup as you want in your checked bag. I hope this helps!

  5. Darlene Stratton
    December 11, 2019 @ 10:51 pm

    Thanks for the info hopefully my security check will be smooth

    • Ali Garland
      December 16, 2019 @ 12:08 pm

      Glad to help!

  6. Sue
    November 11, 2019 @ 11:38 am

    I have compact make up, will this be ok in my hand luggage. Thanks.

    • Ali Garland
      November 11, 2019 @ 2:17 pm

      Hi Sue! Yes, that’s fine. If TSA views it as powder, there’s a small chance they’ll want to pull it out for closer inspection, but it’s still completely allowed in your carry on bag. And any liquid makeup needs to comply with the liquids rules.

  7. Jenae
    November 5, 2019 @ 8:09 pm

    If I have prescription pain meds and I don’t have a bottle with my name on it, but I have them in my carry-on in a random bottle, is that allowed or will they not accept that if they aren’t prescribed to me?

    • Ali Garland
      November 6, 2019 @ 10:52 am

      Hi Jenae! If you’re traveling domestically, I wouldn’t worry about it. TSA doesn’t care about your pills, they are just looking for things that could be a security threat. If you’re traveling internationally, you should research the rules for the country you’re traveling to since some countries have strict rules about certain types of medications, especially pain pills.

  8. Cindy Christensen
    October 8, 2019 @ 4:36 am

    My husband is diabetic. And wears an insulin pump. However he has been advised to also carry a bottle of insulin and small syringe as a back up. Is there any problem with this?

    • Ali Garland
      October 8, 2019 @ 11:01 am

      Hi Cindy! Yes, he is allowed to bring his diabetic supplies, just make sure they’re all properly labeled, and he should let the TSA officer know he has them, including the pump, before his things go through the x-ray and before he goes through the metal detector. If you go to this page on the TSA site and type “diabetes” into the search box, you’ll see a bunch of different diabetic items listed, and that’ll give you some more info about what you should do.

    • Soph
      August 17, 2020 @ 6:03 pm

      Hi, I am going away with only hand luggage and was just wondering if pressed powders like bronzer have to go in the bag with my liquids or if they can be in a separate bag?

      • Ali Garland
        August 18, 2020 @ 6:38 pm

        Hi Soph! Powders do not need to go in your liquids bag, however TSA has implemented new rules about powders a couple years ago. Powders over certain quantities need to be taken out to be screened separately, like you do with your liquids. Makeup is generally well below that limit, but some TSA agents want to screen it no matter what. Scroll back up and read the section titled “Can you bring powder makeup on a plane?” for more info on the limits and more details.

  9. Patricia King
    October 4, 2019 @ 5:45 pm

    Hi does pencil eyeliner and powder blush need to go in liquid bag.

    • Ali Garland
      October 5, 2019 @ 10:48 am

      Hi Patricia! No, those aren’t liquids, so you don’t have to pack them in your liquid bag.

  10. Amy
    September 17, 2019 @ 2:01 am

    Okay so if i am leaving all my makeup in my checked in luggage .. all i need to do is separate my liquid makeup into a ziplock ? And it will be okay ? Or should i carry it on the plane with me and leave my palettes in luggage?

    • Ali Garland
      September 18, 2019 @ 10:06 am

      Hi Amy! If you’re packing your makeup in your checked luggage, you don’t have to separate liquids from non-liquids. I’d recommend putting them in a bag (ziplock, makeup bag, whatever) in case they leak while in transit, but that’s it really. And your bottles can be larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) if they’re in checked luggage, so a big bottle of lotion or shampoo can go in your checked luggage but not carry on. And you only have to worry about the liquids rule for items in your carry on bag.

  11. Janice
    September 16, 2019 @ 6:12 pm

    I need to take 2 allergy inhaler energy day, do I. Need to place these in my wet TSA bag for an international flight.

    • Ali Garland
      September 18, 2019 @ 9:33 am

      Hi Janice! TSA says inhalers are allowed, and since they are medical, they don’t count against your liquids limit, but you do need to let the security agent know you have them before your stuff goes through the xray. You can read what they say about inhalers here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/inhalers

  12. Jackie Mabrey
    September 4, 2019 @ 4:53 pm

    I will b carrying a purse along with a backpack can I have two liquid bags one in each.

    • Ali Garland
      September 5, 2019 @ 11:20 am

      Hi Jackie! Unfortunately no, you are only allowed one liquids bag per person.

  13. Becky
    September 3, 2019 @ 7:36 pm

    Hi
    Just a few things I need to know about items you can take on a carry on bag
    Hair straighteners
    Travel hair dryer
    Baby talc in power
    Travel razor sealed
    Foundation cream
    mascara sealed not opened
    what needs to go in your suitcase and in a zip clear bag

    • Ali Garland
      September 4, 2019 @ 10:42 am

      Hi Becky, that’s quite a list! Hopefully I can help:

      Read more about bringing hair straighteners, hair dryers, curling irons on a plane here.

      Baby powder is fine, but be aware of the somewhat new rules about powders. TSA now says that any powders over 12 ounces must be taken out to be screened separately, like how you take out your laptop.

      Read more about taking a razor on a plane here.

      Foundation cream and mascara are both liquids, so they must follow the liquids rule. The rule states that all liquids you bring in your carry on baggage must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and all containers must fit into one quart-sized zip top bag.

      The liquids bag is just for your liquids, no other items need to go in there. But if you don’t fill the bag and you put something that isn’t liquid in your liquids bag, that’s fine.

      Any liquids that don’t fit in your liquids bag or liquids in containers that are bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) must go in your checked luggage. You can read more about what not to pack in your carry on bag here and what to pack in your carry on here. I also have a post about my travel packing checklist for carry-on only that might be helpful.

  14. Jane Mohr
    September 1, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

    Hi!
    Am I allowed to bring my sealed box of kitties ashes and her certificate of cremation, in my carry on bag with Alaska Airlines? It is a domestic flight.

    Thank you!

    • Ali Garland
      September 3, 2019 @ 10:40 am

      Hi Jane, I’m so sorry about your cat! Mostly what I’m finding online refers to human ashes, but I imagine pets have similar policies. TSA says ashes are allowed in carry on baggage, and even states that some airlines don’t allow them in checked luggage: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/cremated-remains. Alaska Airlines has some info here and here that might also be helpful. You might want to call their customer service and find out if there are any procedures you should follow.

  15. Del
    September 1, 2019 @ 10:35 am

    I was just wondering is it fine if I have all my makeup brushes (I do have a few) in my carry on bag or would they take them off me when my bags being checked?

    • Ali Garland
      September 3, 2019 @ 10:34 am

      Hi Del, there’s no security issues with makeup brushes, so you can pack them in either carry on or checked luggage.

  16. Sara
    August 26, 2019 @ 1:54 am

    So this might be a silly question, is mascara liquid for tsa regulations?

    • Ali Garland
      August 26, 2019 @ 10:37 am

      Hi Sara, yes mascara is a liquid, along with foundation, nail polish, etc.

  17. Naomie
    August 26, 2019 @ 1:01 am

    Do you know if I can take my vanity facial spin brush in my carry on?

    • Ali Garland
      August 26, 2019 @ 10:36 am

      Hi Naomie! I’m not sure what that is, but I see no reason why a brush wouldn’t be allowed. If it’s electronic, it should still be fine to bring in carry on, and it might even be better to pack it in carry on because of the batteries.

  18. Olivia Melia
    August 22, 2019 @ 11:56 pm

    Can I take a hair dryer as well as curling irons in my carry on

    • Ali Garland
      August 24, 2019 @ 11:42 am

      Yes, hair dryers and curling irons are allowed, but please read more about taking them in carry on luggage here, especially if you’re taking them on an international trip or if you have certain types.

      • Ashley
        February 5, 2020 @ 8:08 am

        Hi so I’m confused. You have to have a checked bag and a carry on bag you can’t have on or the other to have the hair straightener in? Like say for instance I have the hair straightener in my carry on bag I can’t just do that?

        • Ali Garland
          February 5, 2020 @ 4:57 pm

          Hi Ashley! No, you can put your hair straightener in either your checked bag or your carry on bag. If you don’t have checked luggage, that’s fine. The only issue is if your hair straightener is the kind with the butane cartridges, that type must go in your carry on bag and it must have a safety cover to prevent it from accidentally turning on, and it cannot go in checked luggage. Read more about taking hair straighteners on a plane here.

  19. yvonne sacker
    August 14, 2019 @ 10:56 am

    Can I bring an electric hair drying brush in hand luggage.

    • Ali Garland
      August 15, 2019 @ 11:47 am

      Yes, just remember that sometimes security officers want you to take out electronics for closer screening.

  20. Helen Clayton
    August 10, 2019 @ 2:02 pm

    Hi. What are make up remover wipes classed as. Thanks

    • Ali Garland
      August 15, 2019 @ 11:29 am

      Hi Helen! Makeup wipes are not considered liquids, and they are allowed in your carry on bag.

  21. S. abbott
    August 4, 2019 @ 8:13 am

    Thanks found this very helpful and straight talking great

    • Ali Garland
      August 4, 2019 @ 12:41 pm

      Glad to help!

  22. Linda Hook
    July 16, 2019 @ 1:59 pm

    Can you carry on a round brush hair dryer?

  23. Linda Hook
    July 16, 2019 @ 1:54 pm

    Is a 4 oz jar of face cream allowed for carry on

    • Ali Garland
      July 17, 2019 @ 11:30 am

      Hi Linda! No, since creams are considered liquids, you’re only allowed containers that are 3.4 ounces or smaller in your liquids bag in your carry on. So if you can find a smaller container (3.4 ounces or smaller) and scoop some out into it for your trip, that would be fine, but not the 4 ounce jar.

  24. S B Park
    July 7, 2019 @ 9:54 pm

    Can I bring a small hair spray can in a carry-on luggage?

    • Ali Garland
      July 8, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

      You can bring hair spray in carry-on luggage as long as the bottle is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fits in your liquids bag.

  25. Sheina
    July 7, 2019 @ 5:50 am

    Can I bring a GLASS foundation bottle in my hand carry luggage. I’m worried that because it’s glass, then security might not let it through.

    • Ali Garland
      July 8, 2019 @ 11:42 am

      Hi Sheina! That is fine to pack in your carry on baggage, TSA does allow glass.

  26. Mary Anne Thacker
    June 30, 2019 @ 3:13 pm

    How can I carry a variety of vitamin supplements without bringing several bottles? Can I mix them in one bottle?

    • Ali Garland
      July 1, 2019 @ 11:57 am

      Hi Mary Anne! TSA and most other security agencies in other countries don’t really care about pills, especially if they’re legal like vitamins, so I wouldn’t worry about it. Customs agencies in a handful of countries have stricter rules about medicine you bring into the country, but even that is usually with controlled substances like steroids or codeine. So if you’re traveling within the US, I think you’re fine to put your vitamins in one bottle. If you’re going to another country, do a quick search for that country’s customs rules about medications.

  27. Bella capple
    June 27, 2019 @ 4:25 am

    I have this james charles palette and i’m wondering if i’m able to bring it on the plane

    • Ali Garland
      June 27, 2019 @ 12:01 pm

      Hi Bella! I’m not familiar with that exact one, but if the makeup is solid or powder, you can bring it on the plane in your carry-on. If the makeup is liquid/gel/cream, it must comply with the liquids rules in order to go in your carry-on bag.

  28. Emily
    June 24, 2019 @ 6:43 pm

    Do stick foundations count as a liquid and do I have to put it in a quart sized bag with the other liquid products?

    • Ali Garland
      June 26, 2019 @ 11:48 am

      Hi Emily! That’s a tricky one, but I think I’d consider it a solid, not a liquid. I can’t guarantee TSA will see it the same way, but I feel like a stick foundation is similar enough in consistency to a regular lipstick. If you’re worried though, pack it in your liquids bag.

  29. Nan Kogler
    June 24, 2019 @ 3:49 am

    Since I don’t fly often, this was very helpful.
    Nan

    • Ali Garland
      June 26, 2019 @ 11:21 am

      Glad to help!

  30. Joan
    June 16, 2019 @ 8:56 pm

    Do my prescription medications need to be in their original bottle–prescription bottles??

    • Ali Garland
      June 18, 2019 @ 11:32 am

      Hi Joan! It doesn’t seem to be an absolute requirement, but it is recommended. Here’s what the TSA website says about traveling with medication:

      “Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels. You are responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication when screening is required. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.”

      In general, TSA is not looking for things like pills. They’re looking for potentially dangerous things, something that could be used as a weapon, etc. So they’re not out to get you if you transfer your pills into a smaller bottle or something. My prescription pills come in a giant box of blister packs, so I travel with the number of blister packs I need for the trip, not the entire box, and I’ve never had a problem in the US or any other country I’ve traveled in. But this is a judgement call you have to make.

  31. Summaya
    June 14, 2019 @ 9:06 pm

    Is eyelashes curl ok

    • Ali Garland
      June 15, 2019 @ 12:00 pm

      That should be fine.

  32. Sherry Forrest
    June 12, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

    The 3.4 ounces of liquid is that total of liquid in the bag ? Or say my foundation is 1.0 ounces and face wash is 2.3 and eye cream o.5 my moisturizer is 3.0 anyway the total is over 3.4 are all those allowed ?

    • Ali Garland
      June 13, 2019 @ 11:03 am

      Hi Sherry! Each bottle can be 3.4 ounces or less, and all of your bottles must fit into a one quart clear zip-top bag. So the makeup you listed is all fine, as long as they all fit into your liquids bag with whatever else you’re bringing, like shampoo or whatever.

  33. Mita
    May 22, 2019 @ 7:46 pm

    Can I take foundation

    • Ali Garland
      May 23, 2019 @ 4:38 am

      Yes, but if you’re packing it in your carry-on, the bottle must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, and it must fit inside your one quart liquids bag.

  34. Emma
    April 16, 2019 @ 6:58 pm

    This was so helpful thanks very much

    • Ali Garland
      April 17, 2019 @ 11:49 am

      Glad to help!

      • JENNY Fajardo
        May 18, 2019 @ 4:26 pm

        Hi.
        Can I bring a polaroid camera in my shoulder bag and travel size lotion, alcohol, hand sanitizer and wet wipes? T.I.A.?

        • Ali Garland
          May 20, 2019 @ 7:10 am

          Hi Jenny! That all sounds fine. Just remember any liquids, like your lotion and hand sanitizer, must be in 3.4 ounce containers and all containers must fit in a 1 quart clear zip top bag.

  35. Michelle
    April 3, 2019 @ 7:19 am

    What about eyeshadow palettes and liquid lipsticks like Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink?

    • Ali Garland
      April 3, 2019 @ 11:09 am

      Hi Michelle! Liquid lipsticks should be packed in your liquids bag. The eyeshadow should be fine, just know that TSA is doing closer checks of powders occasionally, but it’s still permitted in your carry-on.

  36. tina
    April 2, 2019 @ 10:41 pm

    Can i take boxed chocolates on my carry on bags?

    • Ali Garland
      April 3, 2019 @ 11:02 am

      Yes, you can.

  37. Maya
    March 24, 2019 @ 9:36 am

    Hi, I was just wondering if a contour stick would classify as a liquid and if I would have to put it in another bag.
    Thanks!

    • Ali Garland
      March 25, 2019 @ 11:46 am

      Hi Maya! If it’s similar consistency to lipstick or an eyeliner pencil, I would not consider that a liquid, and you can pack it wherever. If it’s more of a gel consistency or similar to liquid eyeliner (which I don’t think they are? I don’t use them, sorry!) then they’d be considered a liquid and they’d need to be packed in your liquids bag.

      • Penny
        July 15, 2019 @ 5:16 am

        Everything doesn’t have to be in its own bag……right ? You can put more than 1 item per bag……. right ? Can u just put your whole makeup bag in a quart size zip bag ?

        • Ali Garland
          July 15, 2019 @ 12:22 pm

          Hi Penny! Only liquids need to go in the one quart zip top bag. But you are only allowed one bag of liquids. So pack your shampoo, conditioner, foundation, mascara, etc. in the one quart clear zip top bag, and pack any non-liquid toiletry in a regular makeup bag. That quart sized bag doesn’t hold a ton, so I personally wouldn’t pack non-liquid items in it because they’ll just take up precious space. And remember your liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller.

  38. 'Phia Visser
    March 11, 2019 @ 3:28 pm

    Can I take basic medication, like paracetamol, anti-inflammatory, in my carry on luggage?
    What medication is not allowed with check in luggage?

    • Ali Garland
      March 13, 2019 @ 12:19 pm

      Hi Phia! Medicines are fine in carry on or checked luggage. There are certain rules around liquid medications, but even those are allowed in carry on as long as you take them out for screening just like your normal liquids bag. In general, I recommend always packing medicine in carry on in case your checked bag gets lost.

  39. Diane Leonardo
    February 19, 2019 @ 5:07 pm

    I will be carrying my purse along with a carry on onto the plane. Can I keep my small makeup bag in my purse or does that have to be in the carryon?
    Also what about meds like Excedrin or Tylenol or like prescription pills, prescription cough syrup and prescription eye drops. Can that be in a second one qt ziplock bag in the carryon?

    • Ali Garland
      February 19, 2019 @ 8:22 pm

      Hi Diane! Your makeup bag can go anywhere you want to pack it. Just make sure any liquid makeup goes in your liquids bag. Pills, whether they’re prescription or over the counter, don’t have to be taken out of your bag at security, and they don’t need to go in any special bag. Prescriptions that are liquids, like your cough syrup and prescription eye drops, should be packed in a second one quart zip top bag. You’re allowed to have medical liquids in addition to your normal liquids but they do need to be taken out of your luggage to go through security just like you take out your normal liquids bag.

  40. Donna Marie Souza
    January 18, 2019 @ 7:59 am

    Can my daughter take her Nintendo switch in her carry-on?

    • Ali Garland
      January 18, 2019 @ 10:54 am

      Hi Donna! That should be fine. Often security officers want you to take all your electronics out of your carry-on at the checkpoint, so she just needs to be aware of that. Probably worth just taking it out to start with, like you would for your liquids bag or laptop.

      • Donna Marie Souza
        January 18, 2019 @ 6:21 pm

        Thank you!

      • Bobbie
        December 28, 2019 @ 10:20 pm

        Can I take a 4 oz tube of toothpaste in a carry on?

        • Ali Garland
          December 30, 2019 @ 10:10 am

          Hi Bobbie! No, 4 ounces is too big since toothpaste is considered a liquid. Either pack it in your checked bag or buy a smaller one to take in your carry on bag. Pharmacies/drug stores and places like Target (if you’re in the USA) usually have an aisle with travel sized items, and I’ve bought small tubes of toothpaste there that are 3.4 ounces or smaller.

  41. Anita
    January 17, 2019 @ 7:30 am

    Can I take fine sewing needles in carry on okease