When packing for your next trip and you want to make sure you have everything you need for your manicure and pedicure, you want to make sure if your type of nail file is allowed in carry-on.
Ok I have you covered with this guide, beauty enthusiasts.
Here’s what you need to know about bringing nail files and other sharp objects on a plane.
Are nail files allowed in carry-on bags? Well, yes (and no)
To avoid any inconvenience and make your trip hassle free, when traveling within or from the U.S, it’s important to keep the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in mind before placing any item in your bag and rush over to the airport.
But, can you bring nail files in my carry-on bag?
The answer is yes, you can bring metal nail files of any size in your carry-on bag.
This is also an answer on X, formerly Twitter stating that this 4 inches metal nail file are good to go in carry-on bags.
But can you bring electric nail files in your carry-on bag?
Nope, TSA has strict rules about these tools.
Electric nail files and machines must be packed in checked bags, in both domestic and international flights.
The AskTSA team does not give a specific reason why electric nail files must be packed in checked baggage.
But obviously because it is considered a power tool, on top of that electronic nail files have other sharp tools like nail drills.
So don’t take it in your carry-on item, chargers and uninstalled lithium batteries must be packed in your carry-on bag.
Remember that in most cases the TSA officer will ask you to remove your manicure & pedicure kit from your bag and place in a separate bin for additional screening before sending them to the X-ray machine.
So be prepared and flexible, by organizing your items and making them easy to reach.
If you are a frequent flier you can always skip the long lines at the airport and speed up the security screening by applying to a TSA PreCheck membership.
Tip
FAQ:What other sharp objects are allowed (and not allowed) in carry-on?
Yes, you can take nail clippers in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, if your nail clipper has a knife attached to it or other sharp tools, you will need to place it in your checked bag. You can read more about traveling with nail clippers in this post.
Yes, nail picks (plastic and metal) are good to go in carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions.
No, the TSA and most airport securities do not allow nail drills on carry-on baggage, you must pack them in checked baggage, as I mentioned above nail drills are considered power tools.
Yes, dead skin pliers are good to go on carry-on, just ensure that they are less than 4 inches from the pivot point.
No, knives of any kind, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are not allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, utility knives, box cutters, and any other knife that has a blade. all knives must be packed in checked baggage.
Make sure it is sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
You can bring only disposable razors or replaceable disposable cartridges on board the airplane, straight razors, also known as cut-throat razors, are considered dangerous by the TSA, and they are not allowed in carry-on but you can place them in checked luggage.
But keep in mind that all types of scissors are dangerous, so the final decision whether razors will be allowed through the security checkpoint will be for the security officer searching your bags at the airport
Ear digging spots are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Yes, you can bring fabric scissors on a plane carry-on, as long as they are less than 4 inches long from the pivot point. If your scissors are longer than 4 inches will not be allowed in carry-on luggage. You can pack them in your checked luggage, but make sure they are sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, if you’re wondering whether or not you can bring nail files in your carry-on bag, the answer is a solid yes.
If you are planning to bring other tools along in your manicure & pedicure kit, remember that you can only bring sharp tools with blades less than 4 inches in carry-on, while all types of sharp tools are good to go in checked baggage.
Just ensure that they are well sheathed and covered to avoid any injuries for luggage handlers and inspectors.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
