Packing your sunscreen in checked luggage for a forthcoming trip can be quite tricky as air travel restrictions restrict carrying certain amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags for safety and guard reasons.
While you require sun protection at your vacation terminus, following TSA policies is essential. This article provides practical tips on how to safely and securely pack your sunscreen bottles and tubes in checked bags. This comprises information on TSA-approved quantities, proper packaging in ziplock bags or travel pouches, and placing containers in easily accessible pockets or compartments.
Learning the correct way to place sunscreen with your other belongings will ensure hassle-free transport. Sticking to these best techniques for checked luggage packing will assist get your sunscreen through security screening without matter.
Can You Bring Sunscreen On A Plane?
Yes, you can pack sunscreen in your checked luggage for flights. Most airlines authorize passengers to safely transport this essential product for sun protection when traveling. There is only one exception to this rule depending on your destination. However, you must be careful of the total volume of sunscreen containers and where they are placed in your bags.
Security regulations limit liquids, gels and aerosol containers to small volumes in carry-on luggage. If your sunscreen exceeds these amounts, you will need to check it. When doing so, properly package bottles and tubes and place them in easily accessible pockets for screening. Following these guidelines will ensure a hassle-free travel experience with the sunscreen you need at your destination.
Read More about: How Do You Measure Luggage?
Which kind of sunscreen is banned?
Travelers to Hawaii may be surprised to learn certain sunscreens are now banned there to guard coral reefs. This statute precisely targets oxybenzone and octinoxate ingredients, which can bleach coral when released into oceans and prevent young coral development. Beyond Hawaii, locations like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Key West, Bonaire, and parts of Mexico and Palau have enacted similar bans on non-biodegradable sunscreens deteriorating ecosystems.
While manufacturers argued product efficacy, authorities prioritized reef preservation, showing true environmental stewardship. Thankfully alternatives like mineral-based zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens remain widely available and reef-friendly options. For a sunscreen to be deemed harmless, its mineral formula must be non-nano and particle size larger than 100 nanometers to avoid coral damage.
How Do You Pack Sunscreen For A Flight?
- Check airlines’ policies on transporting liquids and gels in carry-on and checked luggage. Most allow sunscreen but limit container sizes.
- For carry-on, pack sunscreen in 1 quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag. Place bag in screening bin for X-ray.
- For checked bags, put each container in a sealable plastic bag in case of leakage.
- Pack containers towards the top of your bag for easy access during screening.
- Don’t pack aerosol sunscreens in checked luggage due to fire risk. Carry these smaller sizes in a carry-on.
- Use travel-sized containers when possible to ease packing and avoid oversized bottles.
- Label bags containing sunscreen clearly for TSA visibility during screening.
- Remove partially full sunscreen containers from your carry-on for the security checkpoint.
- Freeze sunscreen bottles or use Ziploc bags to prevent spills with changes in air pressure and temperature during flight.
- Place sunscreen amongst folded clothing for padding and protection from crushing.
For Carry On Bags
Don’t let airline regulations spoil your summer trip. You can easily travel with liquid or spray sunscreen by following TSA guidelines. The TSA allows sunscreen and other toiletries like perfume and deodorant in carry-on bags as long as the container is 100ml/3.4oz or less. This “LAGs” (liquids, aerosols and gels) rule introduced by the TSA is enforced globally to limit liquids in the cabin.
Items under 100ml must be stored in a single clear plastic bag per passenger. In 2021, the TSA briefly proposed an exception for larger sunscreen amounts needed for medical reasons but quickly revised the statement, upholding standard LAGs limits to maintain screening consistency. While some travelers were disappointed, sticking to established quantities simplifies travel with essentials like sunscreen.
For Checked Bags
If you need more than carry-on sunscreen amounts, check your sunscreen bags instead. The TSA liquid rule only applies to carry-ons; the hold has no limits. You can check sunscreen in any amount up to 2kg/2L total with each container under 0.5kg/500ml. So check all your full-size bottles worry-free. The TSA recommends placing excess liquids, gels and aerosols in luggage rather than a carry-on for uncomplicated transport of all needed sunscreen.
Can I Fly With Spray Sunscreen In My Checked Bag?
While spray sunscreens can’t go in a carry-on, you can check them provided you follow TSA rules. Aerosol toiletries and medicines are exempt from carry-on but it’s safest to check all spray sunscreens due to their flammable contents. When packing in hold luggage, remember the 2kg/2L total liquid limit and check airline policies which may have other restrictions.
Aerosol cans pose some fire risk, however minimal, so vigilant packing is advised. For ultimate safety and simplicity, non-aerosol sunscreen options like lotions, creams or pumps are recommended. Contact your airline to confirm any particular bans on transporting aerosol sunscreen and consider leaving sprays at home to avoid stress. Checking the rules helps get the protection you need without issues.
International travel considerations and regulations
Be sure to research your destination’s sunscreen laws before flying so you have the right options. Some locations have tight regulations or limited formulas available. For example, places like Mexico’s Riviera Maya only permit chemical-free mineral sunblocks containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to protect marine life from sunscreen chemicals. Other locales and tours may outright ban all sunscreen use. Having the right sun protection is essential so check requirements beforehand that your family’s preferred sunscreen types will be compliant. Conducting some pre-trip sunscreen research can prevent issues and expenses in finding suitable protection upon arrival.
FAQ’s
What is the fluid limit for sunscreen in carry-on bags?
3.3 ounces or 100ml per container. Larger sizes must go in checked bags.
Should sunscreen bottles be fully sealed before checking?
Yes, sunscreen bottles should be tightly sealed to prevent any leaks in luggage during transit.
Can multiple sunscreen bottles be packed together?
It’s generally fine to pack more than one sunscreen bottle in checked luggage as long as each container is under the 3.3-ounce limit.
What about loose sunscreen in a ziplock bag?
Loose sunscreen powder or liquids in a ziplock bag is not allowed in carry-on but can be packed in checked luggage. The bag should be sealed to prevent spills.
Are there any other tips for packing sunscreen?
Pack sunscreen bottles on the outer parts of luggage or in a toiletries kit for easy access after your bags arrive at your destination. Consider packing in a larger plastic bag in case of any small leaks.
Conclusion
Packing sunscreen when traveling can require some extra planning to ensure it safely makes the journey to your destination. Following TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids is crucial, which means anything over 3.3 ounces has to be checked. When placing sunscreen bottles in checked bags, it’s important to remember a few best practices. Seal bottles tightly so they don’t open during transport and cause a messy spill inside the luggage.
Place bottles on the outer edges or in a separate plastic bag for containment in case of any small leaks. You can pack multiple bottles as long as each container is under the size limit. Loose powder formulas should be sealed in a ziplock bag as well to avoid spills.
Arranging bottles toward the edges of bags also allows for easy access after arrival so you can begin enjoying the sun right away. With a little care taken in packing according to guidelines, your sunscreen can make the trip with your bags to help protect skin on your vacation.
