Owais Crawford
When travelling by plane, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on what you can carry in your luggage. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in carry-on luggage, but they must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must fit in a quart-sized bag. This includes items such as lotion, creams, and pastes. Any containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked baggage. Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport can be carried on board in secure, tamper-evident bags, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lotions with certain ingredients | Can be detected by airport scanners |
| Ingredients | Glycerin, ammonium nitrate, nitrates |
| Impact | Embarrassment, inconvenience, missed flights |
| Solution | Avoid using lotions before passing through airport security, read ingredient lists carefully |
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What You'll Learn
- Lotions containing glycerin can set off airport sensors
- Ammonium nitrate in lotions is detected by explosive trace detection
- Nitrates in lotions can cause false positives in airport scans
- Lotion ingredients can remain on the skin, causing false positives
- Lotion can cause a positive test for explosives, leading to further searches
Lotions containing glycerin can set off airport sensors
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in carry-on luggage, but only in small quantities. Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and they must fit in a quart-sized bag. Liquids that do not meet these requirements must be packed in checked baggage. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
Glycerin, a common ingredient in hand lotion, cosmetics, and drugs, can trigger a false positive in airport explosives screenings. This is because glycerin can be detected by the Transportation Security Administration's Explosives Trace Detection technology. As a result, travelers who have recently applied lotion containing glycerin may be pulled aside for additional screening. This can cause inconvenience and embarrassment and even cause travelers to miss their flights.
To avoid this issue, travelers can check the ingredient lists of their lotions and avoid using products containing glycerin before passing through airport security. It is also recommended to wash hands thoroughly after applying lotion to remove any residue.
While it may be inconvenient to be pulled aside for additional screening, it is important to remember that TSA professionals work hard to ensure the safety of travelers. Their obligation is to take each potential threat seriously, as the safety of many individuals is at stake.
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Ammonium nitrate in lotions is detected by explosive trace detection
Liquids, gels, creams, and pastes are allowed in carry-on luggage at airports, but only in small quantities. Containers must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and must fit in a quart-sized bag. Any liquid, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
Ammonium nitrate is a common fertilizer that has been used as a blasting agent since 1867. It is also a component of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). When used in explosives, ammonium nitrate is typically mixed with 6% fuel oil. Ammonium nitrate is a salt of nitric acid that can be detected on the skin or clothing of individuals who have handled it or on surfaces they have touched.
Ammonium nitrate in lotions can be detected by explosive trace detection methods such as FTIR, but this technique lacks sensitivity. More sensitive methods for detecting trace amounts of ammonium nitrate include non-aqueous solvent electrospray ionization with mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and crystal violet (CV) concentration detection. These methods can distinguish ammonium nitrate from other similar salts and have been shown to be rapid, reliable, and cost-effective.
To avoid issues at the airport, it is recommended to check the ingredient lists of products for ammonium or nitrate components. However, ammonium-containing compounds like ammonium lauryl sulfate, commonly found in body washes and shampoos, are not believed to be detected by screening machines. Nitrates are more commonly used in creams and lotions, so these products are more likely to cause a false positive during screening.
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Nitrates in lotions can cause false positives in airport scans
Airport security has strict rules regarding the types and quantities of liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers can carry through security checkpoints. Liquids, gels, and creams are subject to screening, and any items that alarm during screening will require additional screening. This is due to the sensitivity of the technology used to detect explosives, which can sometimes result in false positives.
Nitrates are a common ingredient in lotions and creams, and these nitrates can trigger false positives in airport explosive detectors. This is because the nitrates in lotions can leave a residue on the skin, which can then be detected by the sensitive machines. In one instance, an NBC 5 employee was pulled aside after passing through a full-body scanner at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The swab tested positive for explosive material, and the TSA screener asked if she had recently used lotion, which she had.
Nitroglycerine, a type of nitrate, can be found in some medications and is used to treat heart conditions. The residue from these medications can also trigger false positives during airport security screening. This has happened to a paramedic whose bag tested positive for nitroglycerine residue due to the presence of nitro spray. Similarly, a toddler's car seat set off the explosive detectors due to the nitrates in the child's urine.
To avoid triggering false positives, it is recommended to avoid applying lotions or creams containing nitrates shortly before passing through airport security. Passengers can also check the product labels to identify if a moisturizer contains nitrates or glycerin. However, it is important to note that the TSA considers it unlikely that lotion will trigger a false positive unless it is applied shortly before going through security.
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Lotion ingredients can remain on the skin, causing false positives
Lotion ingredients can remain on the skin and cause false positives during security screenings at airports. This is because certain ingredients in lotions, such as glycerin, ammonium nitrate, and other nitrates, can be detected by explosive-screening machines and trigger alarms. These false positives can lead to embarrassing and inconvenient situations, including missed flights, as travellers are subjected to additional searches and questioning.
To avoid such situations, travellers are advised to carefully read the ingredient lists of their lotions and avoid using products that contain these potentially flagging ingredients on days they have a flight. While the presence of these ingredients in lotions is not a safety concern, they can slow down the security screening process and cause delays. It is recommended to arrive at the airport with ample time to accommodate any potential setbacks.
In addition to lotions, other personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, and creams, may also contain these ingredients. The challenge is that it may not always be possible to verify the ingredients in products, especially when using public restrooms or unfamiliar brands. This uncertainty highlights the importance of allowing extra time when travelling to navigate any unforeseen complications.
While the TSA acknowledges the uncommon nature of these incidents, they also emphasise the obligation of their professionals to treat each potential threat with seriousness. The priority is to ensure the safety and security of all travellers. As a result, travellers who use lotions with these ingredients may be subjected to additional screening procedures, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious and mindful of the potential impact of lotion ingredients on airport security screenings.
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Lotion can cause a positive test for explosives, leading to further searches
Airport security has strict rules regarding liquids, gels, and aerosols. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage unless they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. These rules are in place due to the possibility of certain chemicals being used as explosives.
Lotions can sometimes cause a positive test for explosives, leading to further searches and inconvenience for travellers. This is due to the presence of glycerin, a common ingredient in hand lotion, cosmetics, and drugs. Glycerin can be detected by the Transportation Security Administration's Explosives Trace Detection technology, which is designed to be sensitive enough to detect even the slightest presence of explosives.
An NBC 5 employee shared her experience of testing positive for explosive material after using lotion. She was pulled aside after passing through the full-body scanner, given a light pat-down, and had her hands swabbed, which tested positive for explosives. Similarly, a Reddit user shared their experience of using corn huskers lotion, which is glycerin-based, and triggering the explosives test at airport security.
To avoid this inconvenience, it is recommended to avoid using hand lotion when packing bags and before passing through airport security. Additionally, travellers with service dogs or special circumstances may be subject to additional screenings, which can be further delayed by the presence of lotions or other cosmetic products containing glycerin.
In summary, while lotions and cosmetics are allowed in carry-on bags, certain ingredients like glycerin can cause a positive test for explosives, leading to further searches and delays. Travellers are advised to be aware of the ingredients in their cosmetic products and to follow the guidelines provided by airport security to ensure a smooth and efficient screening process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lotions can be detected by airport security scanners. Some common ingredients in lotions, such as glycerin and ammonium nitrate, can trigger the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) technology.
If you have lotion on your person or in your luggage when passing through airport security, you may be asked to step aside for additional screening. This could include a pat-down, swabbing your hands, or a full-body scan.
No, not all lotions will set off airport security scanners. The likelihood of triggering the scanners depends on the ingredients in the lotion. It is recommended to read the ingredient list of your lotion and avoid those containing glycerin or ammonium nitrate.
Remain calm and cooperate with the security personnel. They may ask you questions or conduct additional searches to ensure there are no potential threats.
Yes, in addition to lotions, other cosmetic products such as soaps, deodorants, perfumes, and makeup may also contain ingredients that can trigger security scanners. It is recommended to be mindful of the ingredients in all cosmetic products when travelling and to follow the guidelines provided by the airport and TSA.
