TSA Regards an Unanticipated Skincare Product as a Liquid, Potentially Triggering Screening Alerts
In the world of travel, navigating airport security can be a daunting task. One item that often causes confusion is body scrubs, due to their semi-liquid state. Sharon Kong Perring, an author, sheds light on this issue, providing insights on TSA-friendly body scrub alternatives.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforces the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. This rule dictates that liquids must be packaged in a 3.4 ounce or smaller container, must be packed in one, quart-sized resealable bag, and each traveler is entitled to one of those bags.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Exfoliating, solid soap bars like Marlow's Body Scrub Exfoliating Soap Bar are TSA-friendly and not subject to the liquid rule. These bars perform the scrubbing function similarly to traditional body scrubs but are in solid form, so they are not considered liquids or gels by TSA and can be taken in carry-on bags.
Another option are dry body scrubs with minimal essential oils. If no excess liquid pools in the container, these scrubs are unlikely to be flagged as a 3-1-1 rule violation. Caution is advised to ensure the product remains mostly solid and dry.
In contrast, traditional wet body scrubs and gels are subject to the 3-1-1 liquid restrictions, so carrying larger amounts in a carry-on is prohibited unless packed in checked luggage. Such searches can result in damaged packaging, so keep that in mind when packing your beauty products.
Additional airport screenings are not totally random; they can occur if the TSA feels the bag contains items in need of more scrutiny or the passenger warrants questioning. If a body scrub can be squeezed through a tube or doesn't hold its shape without a container, it is considered liquid-enough and needs to abide by the 3-1-1 rule.
There isn't a limit to the amount of liquids you can have in your checked bag, but the TSA can conduct additional screenings if necessary. If a traveler does not follow the 3-1-1 rule for body scrubs, there is a risk of confiscation and disposal.
In summary, the best dry, TSA-friendly body scrub alternatives are:
- Exfoliating solid soap bars with abrasive natural ingredients (like fruit seeds, oatmeal).
- Very dry or solid scrubs with small amounts of essential oils, ensuring no pooling liquid.
These options avoid violating the 3-1-1 rule, allowing you to bring body scrub alternatives in your carry-on without extra screening. If you stick to the 3-1-1 rule and leave bigger containers of liquids, gels, creams, and body scrubs at home, you shouldn't have an issue going through airport security.
[1] Marlow's Body Scrub Exfoliating Soap Bar: https://www.marlowsapothecary.com/products/body-scrub-exfoliating-soap-bar
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests that travelers bring exfoliating solid soap bars, such as Marlow's Body Scrub Exfoliating Soap Bar, or very dry or solid scrubs with minimal essential oils as TSA-friendly home-and-garden lifestyle alternatives for body cleansing in their carry-on bags. These items perform the scrubbing function without violating the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols.
