Lotion is permitted in a carry-on bag, but its inclusion is strictly governed by size limitations established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These regulations apply to all items classified as liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, or pastes, which is the category under which lotion falls. Understanding these specific rules is the only way to ensure a smooth experience when passing through the security checkpoint.
The Standard Liquid Rule
Lotion is categorized by the TSA as a cream or paste, meaning it is subject to the agency’s well-known 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage. This regulation is designed to limit the total volume of certain substances a passenger can bring past the security checkpoint. The first “3” in the rule refers to the maximum size of each container, which must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
The second “1” dictates that all individual containers must fit completely inside a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag. The final “1” specifies that each passenger is limited to only one of these quart-sized bags. It is important to note that the 3.4-ounce limit applies to the size printed on the container itself, not the amount of lotion remaining inside. A half-full 6-ounce bottle of lotion will not be permitted through security because the container size exceeds the limit.
Packing Your Lotion for Compliance
To ensure your lotion complies with the 3-1-1 rule, travelers must use appropriately sized containers. This often means purchasing travel-sized versions of your preferred product or decanting the lotion from a larger container into reusable travel bottles that are clearly marked as 3.4 ounces or less. These small containers must then be placed into the single, clear, quart-sized bag.
The clear bag serves a specific purpose, allowing security officers to visually inspect the contents without extensive handling. This bag must be completely sealed and easily accessible within your carry-on luggage. Travelers are required to remove the quart-sized bag from their carry-on and place it separately in a bin for X-ray screening, which helps expedite the security process.
Special Circumstances and Alternatives
There are specific scenarios where the standard 3-1-1 rule does not apply to creams and lotions. Medically necessary creams, gels, or ointments are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit, but they must be declared to a security officer at the checkpoint. These items will undergo separate screening, which may include additional inspection procedures.
Another exception involves duty-free liquids, such as cosmetic lotions purchased internationally. These items are permitted in a carry-on if they are sealed in a transparent, tamper-evident bag and accompanied by the original receipt, provided the purchase was made within the last 48 hours. For travelers who require a large volume of lotion, the simplest alternative is to pack it in checked luggage, where the 3-1-1 liquid restrictions do not apply.