“Can I bring toothpaste on a plane?” It’s something that most people wonder if they haven’t flown in a while. Airline regulations are constantly changing, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with what you can and can’t bring in the cabin before you start packing.
So, can you take toothpaste on a plane? This article will cover everything you need to know about traveling with dental products.
Can You Bring Toothpaste on a Plane?
Yes, TSA’s rules state that you can bring toothpaste on the plane, but only in limited quantities if it’s in the cabin. So, you can pack as much toothpaste as you want into a checked bag, but you need to be careful with how much you bring in a carry-on bag.
Is Toothpaste a Liquid TSA?
Yes, toothpaste is considered a liquid by TSA. Thus, any toothpaste brought into the cabin must follow the “3-1-1 liquids rule.”
How Much Toothpaste Can You Bring in a Carry-on?
You can bring 3.4 oz/100 ml of toothpaste or less in a carry-on bag or personal item, according to the TSA toothpaste size. The same rule is true for any liquids.
The “3-1-1 liquids rule” is defined as follows:
3 – Passengers can bring liquids, gels, and creams in the plane’s cabin if the containers are 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
1 – All containers with those items should be placed in a clear, quart-sized bag
1 – Each passenger can only have one quart-sized bag
There’s no limit to the number of toothpaste tubes you bring in your carry-on, as long as they’re each 3.4 oz or less and fit in the plastic bag.
Can You Roll Up the Toothpaste Container?
Many people roll up toothpaste containers as they use them to get all the toothpaste out. However, you cannot bring a toothpaste tube on the plane if it’s over 3.4 oz, even if it’s rolled up. The 3.4 oz rule applies to the size of the liquid’s container, not the amount of substance inside the container.
Can Toothpaste Be Packed in a Checked Bag?
Yes, toothpaste can be packed in a checked bag with no restrictions, and there is no limit to how many toothpaste tubes you can pack. The same is true for other liquids. However, you will not be able to access your toothpaste during the flight if it’s in a checked bag.
What About Prescription Toothpaste?
Prescription products are an exception to the airline restrictions for toothpaste. You can bring prescription toothpaste through security even if it’s larger than 3.4 oz because it’s considered a medication, not a toiletry. If asked about it during security, you’ll need to let them know that it’s a medically necessary product.
How to Pack Toothpaste in a Carry-on
If you decide to bring toothpaste in the plane’s cabin with you, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rules. You’ll need to take any liquids, creams, and gels that’ll be in your carry-on and put them in a transparent quart-sized bag that’s resealable. Make sure the bag is easily accessible because airport security often asks passengers to take the bag out of their carry-on when passing it through security.
If you decide to put toothpaste in a checked bag instead of a carry-on, there are no restrictions on how to pack it. If you’re going on a long trip, it may be easier to pack a large tube of toothpaste in your checked baggage. Yet, if you’re only taking a carry-on with you, consider bringing a travel-sized toothpaste tube.
Where to Buy Travel-Sized Toothpaste
Travel-sized toothpaste tubes are sold at nearly any place that sells toiletries. Target, Walgreens, and Walmart are just a few popular stores to check. General stores at the airport may even sell travel-sized toiletries.
If you’re worried about bringing toothpaste in your carry-on, you can opt to bring toothpaste tablets instead. Toothpaste tablets are a solid form that you can chew on to create a foam similar to toothpaste. Then, you can use that foam to brush your teeth.
Are Other Dental Products Allowed on Planes?
Yes, all dental products are allowed on the plane, as long as they follow TSA’s guidelines. For example, if you want to bring mouthwash in a carry-on, it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If you want to bring solid items, like dental floss or a toothbrush, there aren’t any restrictions involved. If you’re ever unsure if a dental product is safe to bring in the cabin, you may want to pack it in your checked bag instead.
Dental hygiene is important, even on vacation, so these are products you won’t want to leave behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before your next flight, here are some questions that may benefit you.
Why Aren’t Large Liquids Allowed on Planes?
The liquid restrictions were put in place in 2006, after terrorists planned to detonate liquid explosives on flights. Luckily, the plan was foiled, but the rules still exist to reduce the risk of similar attacks.
Is Water Allowed on Planes?
You cannot bring a full water bottle through security, but you can bring water onto the plane. To do so, you need to bring an empty water bottle and fill it up after security or buy a water bottle once you’re through security.
Can You Buy Toothpaste at the Airport?
Yes, some airport stores may sell travel-sized toothpaste. However, airport prices are often much higher since people don’t have other options to shop at once they’re through security. Thus, it’s better to buy appropriately-sized toothpaste tubes before arriving at the airport.
Packing Your Dental Products
Hopefully, you now know the answer to, “can you take toothpaste on plane rides?” You’ll need toothpaste on any trip you go on, so it’s good to know how much you can bring and how you can properly pack it.
If you’re bringing your toothpaste in a carry-on or personal item, go for a travel-sized tube. If you don’t mind putting it in your checked bag, feel free to pack as much toothpaste as you want. Either way, it’s an essential packing item you can’t leave behind.
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