Do You Have To Follow TSA's Strict Liquid Rules When Packing Lotion?

Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, you're likely familiar with the TSA's standard security dance: Remove your shoes, take out your laptop, and empty out your pockets into those gray plastic bins. After all, despite TSA's frustrating inconsistencies from airport to airport — like sometimes being asked to pull out your laptop and other times being waved through with it still in your bag — most travelers have learned to navigate these ever-changing requirements as best as they can.

And while getting TSA PreCheck might be worth it for the sole purpose of skipping out on some of these steps, there's still one rule that everyone must follow: the 3-1-1 liquid rule. Put simply, the regulation dictates that travelers can only bring a limited amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels in their carry-on bag. Specifically, TSA guidelines state that these containers must be 3.4 ounces or less and must all fit comfortably into one quart-sized clear plastic bag per passenger.

Now, here's where things get a little tricky — especially when you take into account that TSA classifies some pretty bizarre things as liquids, including lotions, moisturizers, and even roll-on deodorants. All of which goes to say: Yes, if you're planning on bringing along your favorite lotion, you must follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule, unless you're ready to wave goodbye to it when it's inevitably confiscated.

Given the fact that TSA does in fact consider lotion a liquid, it's important to note that you'll need to follow the same guidelines you would for other liquid items, like shampoo, conditioner, or toothpaste. This ultimately means either packing just enough product to meet the 3.4-ounce restriction in your carry-on or bringing along full-size bottles safely stored in your checked luggage to then use at your destination.

The good news? Plenty of popular skincare brands out there are now happy to offer TSA-compliant sizes, making it easier to keep your skin hydrated and stick to your tried-and-tested skincare routine while also following aviation security rules. Alternatively, purchasing a set of travel-ready toiletry tubes — like these leak-proof silicone bottles — and then transferring your products into them is also a surefire way to avoid getting flagged. If none of these options are really doing it for you — and depending on how long you'll be traveling for — there are certain products that you're better off buying at your destination than packing from home anyway, which can save you the trouble of having to pack any toiletries at all.