What to Know Before You Buy Travel-Sized Toiletries for Your Carry-on Bag
When you're flying in the U.S., it's so much more convenient to just travel with a carry-on rather than check a bag. The one downside? The TSA's Liquids Rule.
Basically, any liquids you travel with have to be in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces, which can pose a problem for travelers—especially those who misinterpret the rules. In fact, there are plenty of toiletries you can bring with you without buying the more expensive travel sizes, which exist mostly for the sake of taking up less space. Let us explain!
Deodorant
Many people assume that mini versions of their favorite deodorants exist because the bigger sizes aren't TSA-approved, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In actuality, if your deodorant is in a solid form, there's no size limit at all for what you bring in your carry-on. That's not to mention that the majority of standard-sized deodorants are well under the 3.4 oz. limit, to begin with. While gel deodorants are considered liquids, most are small enough to pass the rules, whereas the majority of aerosol deodorants are always going to be too big, so either check them or leave them at home.
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Also read about: Bring These Beauty Items With You the Next Time You're On a Plane
Toothpaste
While your standard toothpaste tubes are usually going to contain 6 oz. of paste, certain brands (including Crest and Colgate) also have tubes available in 2.5 oz. sizes for a reasonable price, making them just the right size for travel. We recommend those bigger tubes because mini travel toothpastes often come in tubes under one ounce while costing more than the 2.5 oz. sizes. Don't get gouged!
Fragrances
Unless you're into mega-sized fragrances, nice colognes and perfumes tend to be sold in packaging that tops off at precisely 3.4 oz., making them TSA-approved. Of course, if your favorite fragrance is in a delicate glass bottle, we'd recommend packing it up safely or even making use of another, more sturdy, container to bring it along. Keep in mind that "travel-sized" fragrances are there for convenience and space reduction, not because you can't travel with the larger ones.
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Also read about: What to Wear to the Airport: A Girl's Guide to Comfort and Style
Manicure Sets and Shavers
This doesn't fit under the Liquids Rule, but there's a lot of misinformation out there about what is and isn't banned on planes, but things like nail clippers, tweezers, cuticle cutters and manicure scissors (as long as they're less than four inches from the pivot point) are allowed. Disposable razors are also allowed in a carry-on as long as they're in some kind of holder.
Containers Are Your Friend
For bigger items such as shampoo, conditioner and body soap, as well as the components of your skincare routine, we recommend utilizing containers made just for traveling, rather than spending lots of extra money on miniature sizes of your favorite items. For hair washing and soap, we suggest cadence's The Capsules, which each hold a little over half an ounce of liquid in their leakproof, watertight and airtight containers, so that you can bring what you need of your favorites. For the skincare products where just a dab will suffice, we love Palette by pak's Ultimate High Fiver, with five .17 oz. capped wells for bringing your favorite beauty items effortlessly on the go. It even comes with a little spatula for easy filling and application. Most drugstores will also sell small, empty plastic bottles for travel purposes, which will definitely save you money in the long run.
(via cadence)
Preparing for a long flight? Click HERE for a list of all of the essentials that belong in your carry-on.