Can You Bring Sunscreen on a Plane? TSA Carry-On Rules Explained

Sunburns and skin protection shouldn’t be the last thing on your mind when jetting off to your next sun-soaked destination. But between packing the essentials and trying to comply with TSA guidelines, figuring out if that magical elixir of SPF can tag along in your carry-on can be a real brain teaser.

Here’s your cheat sheet — a flight-friendly guide to traveling with sunscreen and comprehending the labyrinthine maze of TSA carry-on rules. Buckle up, fly-venturers! In the next few minutes, get ready to pass your sunscreen through the security check hassle-free!

Yes, you can bring sunscreen on a plane. According to TSA regulations, sunscreen is allowed in carry-on and checked baggage. Packaging sunscreen in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in your carry-on bag is recommended to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Understanding TSA’s Liquid Rules

As a traveler, getting through airport security can be overwhelming at times. One area that raises questions is the transportation of liquids in carry-on luggage, including sunscreen.

Knowing what’s allowed and what isn’t can go a long way in reducing anxiety and ensuring a hassle-free experience.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific guidelines concerning liquids permitted on board airplanes. Let’s delve deeper into these guidelines to ensure an effortless journey.

• Travelers should familiarize themselves with the TSA guidelines for transporting liquids in carry-on luggage, including sunscreen, to have a stress-free experience at airport security.

The 3-1-1 Rule Explained

The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule is one of the critical requirements governing the transportation of liquids in carry-on luggage. It states that each passenger can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Additionally, passengers must limit these items to one quart-sized bag.

Suppose you’re traveling with six ounces of sunscreen for your trip. Unfortunately, it exceeds the allowed limit, so you must transfer the contents to several smaller containers to conform with the 3-1-1 rule.

It’s worth noting that other common travel items fall under this guideline, including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, mouthwash, and lotion.

Failure to abide by these rules could lead to confiscation or further delays at security – something we all want to avoid!

See Related: Can You Bring Snacks on a Plane? 

Exceptions for Medically Necessary Liquids

The TSA recognizes that some passengers may have medical conditions that require them to carry liquids, including sunscreen, in their carry-on luggage in larger quantities than what is allowed under normal circumstances. In such cases, the passenger must declare these items to the security personnel at the checkpoint.

For instance, a person with a severe skin condition or a history of skin cancer may require more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) of medically necessary liquid sunscreen. Such travelers must provide a doctor’s note and notify the TSA officer, who might allow them to take more significant quantities on board.

The exception applies only to medication and other medically necessary liquids and gels. It doesn’t exempt non-biodegradable sunscreens or those containing harmful ingredients from TSA regulations regarding liquids.

See Related: Can You Bring Nail Clippers on a Plane? TSA Carry-on Rules

Applying TSA Rules to Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential daily toiletry for many people, especially when traveling to sunny destinations. The good news is that most flights allow you to bring sunscreen in your carry-on luggage, except for certain banned types in locations like Hawaii.

Different types of sunscreen (lotions, creams, liquids, gels, aerosols/sprays) are allowed on board if they meet TSA volume restrictions. Sunscreens in carry-on bags must be less than or equal to 100 ml/3.4 oz in volume and packed in a clear, zip-lock plastic bag.

Liquid and aerosol spray sunscreens can be packed in checked baggage without volume restrictions. Stick sunscreens are considered solid items and do not have restrictions on volume or packaging.

That said, planning can save you both time and hassle while navigating through airport security checks during your travels. Let’s look at the sizes allowed for sunscreen products in your hand luggage or check-in bags.

Approved Sunscreen Sizes for Carry-Ons

If you’re planning a tropical vacation, sunscreen is an essential item that you won’t be able to do without. However, while packing for your trip, you may wonder if bringing sunscreen on planes is acceptable and how much of it is allowed in your carry-on. Here’s everything you need to know.

See Related: Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane? 

Strategies for Packing Sunscreen in Checked Luggage

According to TSA rules, sunscreen – whether spray, lotion, or cream – can be brought in a carry-on bag as long as each container does not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). This size restriction applies to all types of liquid products and is also considered a standard for international travel.

Remember that the total amount should fit into a single quart-sized clear plastic bag per traveler, stored separately from other items.

For example, if you have four bottles of sunscreen at home, two of which are 6 ounces and the others 2 ounces each, the two larger containers will not make it through security in your carry-on bag. TSA officers might confiscate them.

However, if you don’t mind checking in your bags for storage during the flight, you can opt for larger sizes without restrictions on quantity.

Nonetheless, there is a limit of 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) for restricted medicinal and toiletry aerosols in checked baggage. And yes, sunscreen sprays are included in this category.

Here is a table summarizing the guidelines for carrying sunscreen on airplanes:

	Spray	Lotion/Cream
Carry-on Baggage	≤3.4 oz/100 ml	≤3.4 oz/100 ml
Checked Baggage	≤70 oz/2 kg or 68 fl oz/2 L	≤70 oz/2 kg or 68 fl oz/2 L

• According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over 200,000 sunscreens in containers larger than 3.4 oz were confiscated at airports in the US in 2021.
• The American Academy of Dermatology survey showed that 40% of travelers were unaware they could bring sunscreen in their carry-on, assuming it would be confiscated due to liquid limits.
• The same study outlined that only about 10% of travelers pack sunscreen diligently despite high awareness levels of skin cancer risks and the protective properties of sunscreen.

See Related: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane?

What Happens During Secondary Screening?

During secondary screening, TSA officers will visually inspect the contents of your carry-on bag to check that all items are permitted onboard. If they find a prohibited item or something requiring additional screening, they may need to physically search and ask you to open your bag.

For medically necessary liquids and gels, officers will either test them for explosives or drug residue using a swab kit. In some cases, these products may be X-rayed instead.

While the TSA tries to minimize contact with medical items, remember that privacy is important in this process, and it’s okay to request that your items not be opened in front of other passengers.

If you carry large quantities of sunscreen (more than 3 ounces), you’ll need to go through secondary screening and declare the items before being inspected. This may involve an open-bag search for the sunscreen containers so the TSA officer can physically examine them.

According to TSA guidelines, here are some common steps taken during secondary screening:

Step	Description
After completing primary and secondary screenings, checked bags will be re-screened using technological advancements such as computer tomography (CT) scanners.	Remove items from the bag
Submit bags for X-ray	Your carry-on items will be submitted for X-ray examination.
Bag check / pat-down	Depending on the contents of your bag or what is detected by the X-ray machine, the TSA officer may need to conduct a physical search or pat-down.
Check screened bags again	After primary and secondary screenings have been completed, checked bags will be re-screened using technological advancements such as computer tomography (CT) scanners.

Think of secondary screening as a security checkpoint within a security checkpoint – it’s designed to ensure everyone’s safety while allowing passengers who require special assistance or consideration, like medically necessary products, to travel confidently and conveniently.

Though secondary screening may take time and require some patience from you as a traveler, it’s a process that ultimately ensures everyone’s safety while allowing you to travel with the items you need.

Remember to stay informed about TSA carry-on rules before traveling, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify things during secondary screening.