Can You Bring Lotion On A Plane?

Making a checklist of your preferred cosmetics to pack in bags for travel? Your sunscreen lotion must be one of those. 

You must be someone who sticks to their daily routine, be it beauty, fitness, or any other habit. So, you might not miss packing a few items like deodorant, nail polish, shampoo, spray sunscreen, and the like, for a flight to another location.

Of course, several personal care items are among them, with lotion also among those. Also, you might be packing them for your loved ones or bringing them with you while coming back home.

Given that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only permits the carrying of approved items on a plane, you need to be careful. Looking for an answer to the question, “Can you bring lotion on a plane?” – We are here to respond. Go ahead and read what rules have been defined by the TSA for packing lotions.

TSA Lotion Rules

TSA has defined separate rules for liquids taken in carry-on bags. Since lotion is a liquid, you need to comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. According to this, you can bring liquids packed in 3.4 ounces or 100 ml of containers, kept in one clear quart-sized bag. This bag can then be placed in your carry-on. 

If you feel there will be a requirement for more quantity of lotion on your trip, you need to pack it in your checked luggage. 

However, there is one more aspect to it. TSA has also defined rules for medically necessary liquids. So, if your lotion has been prescribed to you by a medical practitioner, you can bring the same amount more than the restricted limit in a carry-on.

Please keep in mind to inform the TSA officer that you have kept lotion as per medical terms.

TSA Medications (Liquid) Rule

As acknowledged by TSA, passengers might need to bring liquids, gels, or even aerosols that have been prescribed to them by medical experts.

Therefore, in this case, you are exempted from the liquids rule and can bring such liquids or gel items in containers even greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. In fact, you need not place them in a plastic zip-top bag.

But, you are suggested to inform the TSA officers at the checkpoint so that they can inspect that medically necessary lotion product. You need to take such products out of your carry-on bag, as they will go through screening separately from the rest of your belongings.

Nevertheless, if the alarm buzzes during screening, you might be questioned and additional checking will be done. You can even be asked to open the containers. Such steps are necessary, as there could be explosives or other harmful items hidden in the form of daily essential products.

Hence, the final decision to let you go through the security checkpoint, along with this product, will depend on the TSA officers.

Here are some situations under which you can carry the liquids in more quantities in your carry-on bag. Of course, you have to tell TSA officers about taking them.

• If you cannot find it in the sterile section at the airport.
• If you need to use it on the flight and/or at your destination location.
• If you know that it will not be available at your destination location.

At the same time, please also consider the fact that if you take items like syringes, IV bags, pumps etc., which are usually related to medically required liquids, you must also take them out for screening. Not doing so will put you in an unfavorable situation.

Can I Bring Lotion In My Carry On?

Of course, there is no denial by the TSA on taking lotion on a plane. So, you can keep your favorite sunscreen lotion or moisturizer without any trouble. 

But yes, as you know lotion is a liquid, you can only pour them in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces, which means 100 ml. Containers must be put in one transparent quart-sized bag. If the containers are large,  you must pack them in your checked luggage.

So, that’s all as per the TSA’s liquids rule. Also bear in mind, if you go beyond this limit in a carry-on, your lotion will be taken away or disposed of. 

Can I Bring Lotion In My Checked Luggage?

Why not? It’s a Yes by the TSA. 

You can keep lotion in unlimited quantities or in large containers in your checked baggage. However, keep it all well-arranged or in a manner that things do not look messy inside your bags and it enables smooth screening.

How To Pack Lotion In Checked Luggage?

You must take care to avoid accidental leakage of lotion during baggage transfers and pack them carefully. So, it is better to:

• Pack each bottle in a separate bag so that if one bottle gets leaked, the product won’t spread over the other items. 
• Cover the opening of the bottle with a good quality plastic material and then put the cap over it. 
• Keep bottles in a separate hard case so that when you need only the lotion, you can easily locate and take it out from your bag.

What Size Lotion Can You Bring On A Plane?

Well, if the lotion is in your carry-on bag, make sure to go with the TSA’s liquid rule and store lotion in containers that are not larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml. This rule is necessary unless the lotion is being brought by you, owing to medical issues. In that case, you can take it in more quantities even in hand luggage.

But, do inform the TSA officers about this situation and take out the containers for separate screening at the security checkpoint. And, as the rule of liquids goes for checked luggage, they can have your lotion bottles or containers in unlimited quantities, but of course, while maintaining the baggage weight allowed by your airline.

Concluding Lines

So, it’s as simple as that. You have to be aware of TSA’s liquids rules for taking lotion in your hand luggage. If the lotion comes under the medically necessary liquids rule by TSA, you can take it in more quantities. But yes, you must declare it at the TSA security checkpoint. In any case, you are good to go with unlimited quantities in your checked baggage. So, pack your bags as per these norms. Wish you a happy journey!

Frequently Asked Questions