Traveling by plane can be a breeze when you’re well-prepared, but navigating the rules and regulations around what you can and cannot bring on board can sometimes be a bit confusing. One common item that many travelers wonder about is toothpaste. Can you bring toothpaste on a plane? The answer is yes, but there are some important details to consider depending on whether it’s in your carry-on or checked bag, and if you’re flying internationally.
So let’s walk through everything you need to know about bringing toothpaste on a plane so you can travel with confidence and avoid any issues at security as we cover the rules for carry-on bags, checked luggage, and international flights, and address some frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, you’ll be prepared to pack your toothpaste with confidence.
Table of Contents
Can You Bring Toothpaste in Your Carry-On Bag?
The good news is yes, you can bring toothpaste in your carry-on luggage! However, there are some important rules to keep in mind:
- Toothpaste must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less. This follows the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-ons.
- The toothpaste container must fit comfortably in a single quart-sized plastic bag along with any other gels, liquids, pastes, etc. This plastic bag will need to be removed from your carry-on and screened separately during security screening.
- Toothpaste labeled as “travel-size” is usually 3.4oz or less and is designed to make the screening process easier.
- You are allowed multiple travel-sized toothpaste tubes in your quart bag as long as the size for each of them is 3.4oz or less.
- Any toothpaste over 3.4oz will need to be placed in checked luggage.
It’s important to note that the 3.4-ounce limit applies to the entire container, not just the amount of toothpaste inside. If your toothpaste container is larger than 3.4 ounces, even if there’s only a small amount of toothpaste left, Security will confiscate it. It’s best to purchase a travel-sized toothpaste container to avoid any issues at the security checkpoint.
As long as you follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, getting toothpaste through security in your carry-on is a breeze. Just remember to have it ready to pull out separately for screening.
Can You Bring Toothpaste in Your Checked Bag?
If you don’t want to bother with the liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage, you have the option to pack toothpaste in your checked bags instead. The rules for checked luggage are much more relaxed.
- You can pack toothpaste of any size and quantity in your checked bags.
- Toothpaste does not need to be in a plastic quart bag when in checked luggage.
- The same goes for any other liquid, gel, or aerosol toiletries.
This means you can feel free to pack that value-sized 8oz tube or even multiple tubes of toothpaste in your checked suitcase without worrying about size restrictions. Just make sure the toothpaste is safely sealed and wrapped to prevent any leaking or messing during transit.
Packing toothpaste in checked bags is great if you want to maximize space in your carry-on. It also allows you to bring specialty toothpaste that may not come in a travel-friendly size. Just keep in mind that any toothpaste or toiletries in your checked luggage won’t be accessible during your flight.
Can You Bring Toothpaste in Your Luggage on International Flights?
When traveling internationally, you can absolutely bring toothpaste in both your carry-on and checked luggage. While the rules regarding toothpaste may vary depending on the country you’re visiting. In general, most countries have similar regulations to the TSA when it comes to carrying toothpaste in your carry-on or checked bags.
The same TSA rules outlined above apply for carry-ons:
- Toothpaste must be 3.4oz or less
- It must fit in a single quart-sized plastic bag with other liquids/gels
- This bag needs separate screening at security
For checked bags on international flights, you can also continue to pack toothpaste of any size and amount, just like on domestic U.S. flights. However, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- Check if your destination country has any restrictions on the types or amounts of toiletries allowed.
- When passing through customs, you may need to declare any items over a certain value threshold, including pricey toothpaste for personal use.
- If transferring flights, be sure to re-check baggage containing liquids/gels as they often require additional screening.
Packing toothpaste for international travel is easy if you adhere to the TSA guidelines along with any specific restrictions from the customs agency or similar authority of the country you are visiting. Just remember to check for any particular rules of the country you’re visiting to avoid any hiccups going through customs.
FAQs About Flying With Toothpaste
Does the TSA Consider Toothpaste a Liquid?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers toothpaste to be a liquid or gel. Therefore, when you’re packing your carry-on bag, it must comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. This means it should be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, and all containers must fit into a single quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag.
Does Toothpaste Need to Be in a Plastic Bag When Packed In Carry-on Luggage?
Yes, any toothpaste in your carry-on must be sealed in a single quart-sized plastic bag along with other liquid, gel, and aerosol toiletries. This plastic bag will be screened separately at the TSA checkpoint.
Can I Pack a Full-Sized Toothpaste Tube in My Checked Bag?
Absolutely! When toothpaste is in checked luggage, there are no size restrictions. You can pack full or value-sized tubes with no issues.
What if My Toothpaste Is Over 3.4oz and I Only Have Carry-on Luggage?
If you only have carry-on luggage, any toothpaste over 3.4oz will need to be discarded before passing through security. Your best option is to purchase travel-sized toothpaste after clearing security.
Can You Bring Prescription Toothpaste in Your Carry-on Bag if It Is Over 3.4oz?
The TSA allows passengers to carry larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for their trip, but you must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. This includes prescription toothpaste.
If your prescription toothpaste is over 3.4oz, you should inform a TSA officer about it before the screening process begins. It may be subject to additional screening, and it’s recommended that you bring supporting documentation for your medication. However, it’s always best to check with the airline and TSA guidelines before traveling to ensure there have been no recent changes to these rules.
Can I Bring Toothpaste in My Purse as a Carry-On?
Yes, as long as your toothpaste follows the 3-1-1 liquid rules for carry-ons. All liquids, including toothpaste, will need to be removed from your purse and placed in the screening bin at security.
Is There a Limit to How Many Tubes of Toothpaste I Can Pack?
For carry-on luggage, there is no limit as long as all tubes are 3.4oz or less and fit inside a clear quart-sized plastic bag with your other liquids. For checked bags, you can pack as many tubes of toothpaste as you want, regardless of size.
Should I Pack My Toothpaste in a Plastic Bag Even if It’s in Checked Luggage?
No plastic bag is required for toothpaste in checked bags, but it’s still a good idea. Packing it in a sealed plastic bag will prevent it from opening, leaking, or spilling inside your luggage during transit.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we have answered all your questions about traveling with toothpaste! To recap, for carry-on luggage, be sure all toothpaste follows the 3-1-1 rule by being under 3.4oz and in a clear quart bag. For checked bags, you have no restrictions and can pack as much toothpaste as you want. On international flights, follow TSA guidelines plus any destination-specific rules. And consider packing your toothpaste in plastic bags as an extra precaution, even in checked luggage.
