Before you read this, please keep in mind that I am NOT a professional or an authority on the TSA. I just tend to overpack and typically like to bring a lot of liquids, creams, and other things that may be not be allowed over certain quantities for trips. What can I say? I’m a little too over prepared sometimes.
So, the main thing to keep in mind is the 3-1-1 liquids rule. 3-1-1 stands for 3 mL maximum for any liquid or cream, in one quart sized bag, per each person.
My issue with this rule is my makeup collection. I sometimes go overboard with packing makeup because I know I want to look great during my trips to take nice pictures and capture those memories. My last day at Disney I spent with no makeup on because I packed all my toiletries other than my toothbrush and toothpaste in advance without thinking! I looked horrible in the photos- especially with the bags under my eyes from the lack of sleep that entire week.
I definitely should have planned that out better and packed my toiletries last, but its always good to learn from past mistakes. It’s still a lot better than my original mistake with the TSA where I forgot to separate my liquids into one bag and ended up having to dig around for my toiletries to show them my liquids. I almost missed my flight, so I don’t recommend that.
With the liquids rule, its perfectly fine if you want to just buy regular Ziploc bags to store your things in but I felt like I needed a little bit more heft to my bag. I ended up wandering through the travel section of T.J. Maxx and found a set of six clear plastic baggies, but they were a lot thicker than a normal Ziploc bag.
In my opinion, I found the bags to be better just because they were easier to close since the seal was a lot thicker and held better than the Ziploc. Also, I felt like my products were a lot more secure inside because of the thicker plastic. It seemed less likely to puncture the plastic and is 100% more re-usable.
Even though the liquids rule specifies one quart sized bag per person in a carry on, it is not as small as you might think. Most travel items are sized to be less than 3 mL just because of TSA regulations items like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions can be bought as a smaller size or you can always buy containers to add your own product into.
Things like mascara, eyeliner, and liquid lipsticks should be perfectly fine to add to your bag, but the real issue is not overpacking or packing duplicates where it may take up a lot more space.
With liquids and creams, people don’t necessarily think of liquid lipsticks or lip gloss as liquids that would count against the liquids rude, but it does! Before stuffing your bag with 5 different nudes just because they have different finishes, it may be best to look into taking lipsticks simply because you can take as many as you want without it counting as a liquid.
Why is it important to stick to and know the liquid rule while packing? It’s a regulation. There are some things that are at the discretion of a TSA agent when you go through security, but often, this can take a lot more time than you would anticipate. Beyond that, it just helps to make sure that you can get your items on the plane with you instead of having to leave them behind.
Do you want some hacks or have some hacks to get around the liquids rule? Leave a comment down below!
XOXO Beauty Bound Beta
Beauty Bound Beta 