When you’re traveling, it’s important to limit the size of your personal care toiletries. Otherwise, you risk having them confiscated and thrown out by airport security. If you’ve ever lost a water bottle you just paid $10 for at the airport, then you understand the struggle! However, these rules apply to both liquids and gels – and that includes toothpaste.
Yes, you can bring toothpaste on a plane, but how much depends on if you’re checking or carrying on a bag. There are some rules you need to follow if you plan on bringing it in a carry-on bag.
Key Takeaways
- Toothpaste can be brought on a plane, but it must adhere to size limitations for liquids and gels in carry-on luggage. The toothpaste must be less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and must fit in a 1-quart bag.
- If you have a larger toothpaste tube, you can bring it if it is partially used, but there is still a risk of it being confiscated by airport security.
- There are no size restrictions on toothpaste in checked luggage, but it’s still important to pack liquid and gel items carefully to avoid spills or damage.
- If your toothpaste (or other liquid or gel item) is confiscated by airport security, you will need to repurchase it either at the airport or later once you arrive at your destination.
- It’s important to be patient and understanding with airport security officers, as they are only adhering to regulations in place to protect the health and safety of passengers.
What Are The Size Limits On Toothpaste?
There are size limitations on any liquid or gel items in your carry-on luggage, and these rules apply to toothpaste. Your toothpaste must be less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Additionally, all of your liquid and gel items must fit in a 1-quart bag.
You will need to remove this bag from your luggage unless you have TSA pre-check or other special security clearance, though you’ll want to check local laws as regulations can change from state to state and country to country.
You could, in theory, bring a larger bottle of toothpaste if it were partially used; however, you run the risk of it getting confiscated and thrown out.
What To Do If Your Toothpaste Is Confiscated?
Unfortunately, there’s not much that you can do if your toothpaste is confiscated by airport security. You will need to repurchase the toothpaste either at the airport or later once you arrive at your destination.
Some hotels may comp you for personal care items if you ask for them to be sent to your room, while others offer convenient lobby shops should you forget some of your personal care or most used items at home.
These rules exist for a reason, and the airport security officer is only adhering to a protocol to help protect the health and safety of other passengers. While it may be frustrating to lose your personal items, be kind and patient to the officers. They don’t make the rules.
Do These Rules Apply To Checked Luggage?
No, you do not have the same size restrictions on your toothpaste if you are putting it in your checked luggage. They only care about what is in your carry-on luggage as that is easily accessible on the plane and could be a security risk.
Take care as you pack liquid and gel items in your carry-on luggage, as it can spill onto your items while in transit. Even if you aren’t required to place your items in plastic bags, it may be helpful to ensure nothing gets ruined or damaged.
So Can I Bring Toothpaste On A Plane?
Yes, you can bring toothpaste on a plane, but how much depends on if you’re checking your bag or putting it in a carry-on. If you are carrying on, then you need to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule, which essentially is 3.4 ounces for one passenger in a one-quart bag.
All of your liquid or gel items must fit in this bag. Otherwise, you need to check the items. There are no limitations to the number of liquids or gels that you can put in your checked luggage.
If you do not adhere to these rules, your items may get confiscated by airport security, and you’ll need to repurchase the items when you get to your final destination. It’s not the end of the world – but it can add up if you routinely have to replenish, so it’s best to stick to the rules than risk losing your personal toiletry items.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring toothpaste to my carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can bring toothpaste on a plane in your carry-on luggage, but it must adhere to size limitations for liquids and gels. Toothpaste must be less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and must fit in a 1-quart bag.
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Can I bring a larger tube of toothpaste in my carry-on luggage if it’s partially used?
You could bring a larger tube of toothpaste if it’s partially used, but there is still a risk of it being confiscated by airport security.
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Are there size restrictions on toothpaste in checked luggage?
No, there are no size restrictions on toothpaste in checked luggage, but it’s still important to pack liquid and gel items carefully to avoid spills or damage.
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What should I do if my toothpaste is confiscated by airport security?
If your toothpaste (or other liquid or gel item) is confiscated by airport security, you will need to repurchase it either at the airport or later once you arrive at your destination.
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Why do these rules exist for bringing toothpaste on a plane?
These rules exist for the safety and security of all passengers. Liquid and gel items in carry-on luggage must be limited in size to prevent the risk of hazardous materials being brought on board.
