Lois Larson
Sunscreen is an essential item for many travellers, but bringing it through the airport and onto a plane is not always straightforward. While you can bring sunscreen with you, there are size restrictions and other regulations you need to know. These vary depending on whether you are travelling with carry-on luggage only and whether you are checking bags into the hold. It's also important to research your destination's sunscreen regulations, as some places have banned sunscreens containing certain chemicals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bring sunscreen on a plane? | Yes |
| Containers for hand luggage | 3.4oz/100ml or less |
| Containers for checked luggage | 17oz/500ml or less |
| Total liquids allowed in checked luggage | 2L/68oz |
| Total liquids allowed in hand luggage | 1L/34oz |
| Plastic bag for hand luggage | 20x20cm/1 quart clear bag |
| Spray sunscreen | Allowed, but falls under liquid restrictions |
| Powder sunscreen | Allowed, but pack in checked luggage if over 12oz/350ml |
| Sunscreen sticks | Allowed |
| Sunscreen wipes | Allowed |
| Sunscreen regulations | Vary depending on the destination |
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What You'll Learn
- Sunscreen is considered a liquid and must adhere to liquid restrictions
- Containers must be under 100ml/3.4oz for hand luggage
- The total liquid allowance per person is 2kg/70oz or 2L/68 fl oz
- Individual containers must not exceed 0.5kg/18oz or 500ml/17 fl oz
- Some destinations ban certain sunscreens, so check local laws
Sunscreen is considered a liquid and must adhere to liquid restrictions
Sunscreen is considered a liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and must adhere to liquid restrictions. These restrictions apply to carry-on luggage and checked luggage. The restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage are more stringent than those for checked luggage.
Carry-on luggage liquid restrictions: Sunscreen in carry-on luggage must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. This means that each container of sunscreen must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and must fit inside a quart-sized, clear plastic bag. This restriction is strictly enforced by airport security, and non-compliant sunscreen will be flagged. It is important to note that the size limit relates to the container and not the volume of liquid it contains. For example, a quarter-full 200ml bottle of sunscreen will not be permitted in hand luggage. Additionally, the total aggregate quantity of liquids, including sunscreen, per person in carry-on luggage cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces).
Checked luggage liquid restrictions: In checked luggage, you can carry any single bottle of liquid sunscreen up to 17 ounces (500 milliliters), and the total liquids carried must not exceed 2 L (68 ounces). However, it is important to check with your airline for specific restrictions, as they may vary. Additionally, it is recommended to pack sunscreen in something that can help contain leaks, such as a knotted plastic bag or by wrapping the bottles in clothing.
It is worth noting that powder sunscreens, such as those in brush-on or matte powder form, are always TSA-approved and are not subject to liquid restrictions. Sunscreen sticks are also solid and have no TSA restrictions. However, spray sunscreens must adhere to the same liquid regulations as other forms of sunscreen in carry-on luggage.
When travelling with sunscreen, it is important to consider your destination's regulations. For example, Hawaii and Mexico have banned sunscreens containing certain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Therefore, it is advisable to research the sunscreen regulations of your specific destination to ensure compliance.
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Containers must be under 100ml/3.4oz for hand luggage
If you're travelling with hand luggage, you need to follow the liquid requirements for carry-on luggage. Sunscreen is considered a liquid, so it must adhere to the 100ml/3.4oz restriction. This rule applies to all forms of sunscreen, including lotions, gels, sprays, and aerosols. It is important to note that this restriction relates to the container size and not the volume of liquid inside. Therefore, a partially full 200ml bottle, for example, will not be permitted in hand luggage.
To comply with these regulations, you can purchase travel-sized sunscreen containers or transfer your sunscreen into smaller containers. These containers must fit inside a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. It is also essential to ensure that the container is sealed to prevent leaks during your trip. You can use a knotted plastic bag or wrap the sunscreen bottle in clothing to protect your other items in case of leaks.
If you are travelling to a destination with specific sunscreen restrictions, such as Hawaii or Mexico, it is important to choose a sunscreen that complies with local laws. These places have banned sunscreens containing certain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Checking the regulations of your specific destination will help you avoid any issues at airport security.
While the 100ml/3.4oz restriction for hand luggage is being phased out in some places, it is still good to assume that the limit will be in place for your travel. This restriction is not permanent and may change at any time, so staying informed about the latest TSA regulations is advisable.
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The total liquid allowance per person is 2kg/70oz or 2L/68 fl oz
Sunscreen is considered a liquid by airport security and is subject to the same restrictions as other liquids. The total liquid allowance per person is 2kg/70oz or 2L/68 fl oz. This means that you can bring sunscreen through airport security, but only if it adheres to the liquid allowance restrictions.
These restrictions vary depending on the airport and the final say always rests with the TSA officer. However, at most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml/3.4oz through security. This includes partially full containers that exceed the 100ml/3.4oz limit. Some airports may allow you to take liquid containers up to 2 litres/68 fl oz through security. This exemption may apply to liquids for essential medical purposes or baby milk and food. However, these containers must be placed in a separate, transparent, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than 1 litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
To ensure that your sunscreen is within the allowed liquid volume, it is recommended to pack it in something that can contain any leaks, such as a knotted plastic bag. Additionally, consider ordering sunscreen to your destination or purchasing it upon arrival to avoid any issues with bringing it through airport security.
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Individual containers must not exceed 0.5kg/18oz or 500ml/17 fl oz
When packing sunscreen for a flight, it's important to consider the quantity and container size, as well as any destination-specific regulations.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines specify that any liquid, gel, or aerosol sunscreen must be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) for carry-on luggage. This rule applies to lotion, gel, stick, or spray sunscreens, all of which are considered liquids by the TSA. These small containers must be placed inside a quart-sized (20x20cm), clear plastic bag for security screening. It's important to note that the size limit relates to the container itself and not the volume of liquid inside. For example, a quarter-full 200ml bottle of sunscreen would not be permitted in hand luggage.
To bring larger quantities of sunscreen, you can pack it in your checked luggage. According to the TSA, each container of sunscreen in checked luggage must not exceed 0.5kg (18 ounces) or 500ml (17 fluid ounces). The total aggregate quantity of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including sunscreen, per person, cannot exceed 2kg (70 ounces) or 2L (68 fluid ounces). These restrictions are in place due to the potential flammability of aerosol sunscreens and to prevent the smuggling of liquids that could be used in terrorist attacks.
It's worth noting that some destinations have specific regulations regarding sunscreen. For example, Hawaii and Mexico have banned sunscreens containing certain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Therefore, it's essential to research the sunscreen regulations of your specific destination to ensure you comply with local laws. Additionally, some airlines may have their own limits on the total volume of aerosols allowed in checked luggage, so it's advisable to check with your airline for specific guidelines.
To ensure your sunscreen doesn't leak during transit, consider using a knotted plastic bag or wrapping the bottles in clothing. For spray sunscreens, make sure the spray nozzle is secure to prevent accidental activation. If you're only travelling with hand luggage, you can always purchase travel-sized sunscreen or transfer your sunscreen into smaller containers that meet the carry-on requirements.
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Some destinations ban certain sunscreens, so check local laws
When travelling with sunscreen, it's important to be aware of the specific rules and guidelines of your destination. While sunscreen is essential for protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, some chemicals commonly used in sunscreens can have a detrimental impact on the environment, particularly coral reefs. As a result, an increasing number of beach destinations are implementing sunscreen bans to protect their local ecosystems.
Hawaii was the first state in the US to officially ban the sale and use of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, with legislation coming into effect on January 1, 2021. These chemicals have been linked to coral reef bleaching, and Hawaii's ban reflects a commitment to preserving its natural environment. Similarly, the US Virgin Islands have banned sunscreens with oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate since March 2020, and Aruba outlawed sunscreens containing oxybenzone in July 2020 as part of broader environmental legislation.
Other destinations with sunscreen restrictions include Bonaire, a scuba diving haven in the Caribbean, which has restricted the sale of sunscreens containing reef-toxic chemicals since January 2021, encouraging tourists to use only biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreens. Mexico has also joined the movement, with some natural water parks like Xcaret and Xel-Ha requiring visitors to use mineral or reef-safe sunscreens when swimming in ecologically sensitive areas.
To avoid any surprises at your destination, it's crucial to research the specific sunscreen regulations in place. Check the websites of your chosen destinations, contact tourist boards or local authorities, or refer to reputable travel sources for up-to-date information. By choosing a sunscreen that complies with local laws, you can enjoy your holiday while also respecting the natural environment of your chosen destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring sunscreen on a plane.
Sunscreen is considered a liquid by the TSA. Therefore, sunscreen in a carry-on must adhere to the liquid restriction, which is 3.4oz/100ml or less per container. All liquid containers must fit in a quart-sized bag.
Powder sunscreens and solid sunscreen sticks are exempt from the liquid restriction. Powder sunscreens are allowed in carry-on luggage, but powders larger than 12oz/350ml should be placed in checked luggage. Solid sunscreen sticks are not considered liquids and do not need to adhere to the liquid restriction.
Sunscreen should be packed in a way that can contain leaks. It should be easily accessible when going through security. It is recommended to clearly label sunscreen that has been transferred to smaller, unlabeled containers.
