So can you bring nail polish on a plane? And how do you pack nail polish for a flight?
Here is the short answer:
According to the TSA, you can bring nail polish on a plane, but in your carry-on, each bottle must be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less and packed in a quart-sized bag. You can pack nail polish in checked luggage without any limits.
Nail polish remover is also allowed in checked bags but must not exceed 18 ounces because it’s flammable. Always check your airline’s rules before traveling for a smooth experience.
If you are thinking about bringing a lovely nail varnish set with you on your next flight, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this post I will unpack everything you need to know about flying with nail polish on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Let’s find out more.
TL;DR
- You can bring nail polish in both carry-on and checked bags.
- In carry-on, each bottle must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and fit in a quart-size clear bag.
- In checked baggage, you can pack larger amounts for personal use.
- All colors of nail polish are allowed.
- Don’t paint your nails on the plane the smell can bother passengers.
- Nail polish is flammable, but it rarely explodes unless exposed to extreme heat.
- Pack bottles in a makeup or nail polish case to prevent leaks or breakage.
- Nail polish remover wipes are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
TSA Checkpoint Nail Polish Rules
Nail polish (or fingernail polish) is considered a liquid by the TSA.
All types of liquids have strict restrictions on planes, so you’ll need to take only bottles of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and place them inside a transparent quart-sized bag along with your other liquid makeup or toiletries.
You’ll be required to remove your nail polish from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin at the security checkpoint, so the TSA officer can properly inspect what’s inside.
Thankfully, most nail polish bottles are small and under 3.4 oz / 100 ml, so you won’t find any issues regarding the size.
Your priority is keeping your nail polish safe and secure during your flight. I recommend taking your items in a makeup carrying case that ensures your nail polish and makeup reach your destination unharmed.
Can I Bring Nail Polish In My Carry-on Bag?
As stated above by the TSA, it’s easy to take nail polish in hand luggage.
In fact, it’s preferable to take your nail polish in your carry-on baggage, as it’s safer for you and the airline.
That way, you don’t have to worry about it getting thrown accidentally or damaged during the flight.
This is some answers from the AskTSA on X.
In this screenshot they stated that Nail polish must be 3.4 oz or less when packed in carry-on bags, the bottles must fit comfortably in a single quart-sized resealable bag with other travel sized liquids, lotions and gels.
Nail polish remover wipes are allowed in carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions.
Please note that the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the airport, who decides whether an item is allowed or not. So ensure that your nail polish is in its original bottle and that you don’t carry any other dangerous or flammable items with it.
Can You Take Nail Polish In Checked Baggage?
Nail polish, nail enamel, or nail varnish is allowed in checked baggage.
The TSA guys says that you can bring nail polish in checked baggage; however, it comes with some limits.
Nail polish should not exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) in total, and a single bottle must not exceed 0.5 kg.
If you’re taking nail polish for personal use, there will be no issues and you won’t exceed these limits.
A standard nail polish bottle contains about 0.46 oz in volume, so you’d need more than 100 bottles to reach the 70-ounce limit in checked baggage.
A 4-piece set like this Mirror Shine Nail Polish has 0.46 fluid ounces each, which is 1.84 oz in total.
What Color Of Nail Polish Is Allowed On Planes?
There’s no restriction for a specific color on airlines, all colors are allowed and the same regulations apply.
Just make sure that you place your different colors in a sealed transparent bag so the TSA officer can easily identify them.
Can You Paint Your Nails On An Airplane?
If you’re late for your flight or just in a rush, painting your nails on a plane isn’t against airline rules but it’s not recommended.
Nail polish can have a strong, unpleasant odor that may bother nearby passengers.
Nail polish contains acetone, which can cause headaches or nausea for some people in an enclosed environment.
It’s better to apply your nail polish at home, at the airport, or once you reach your destination.
Also, if a passenger is sick or has breathing issues, you’ll make their trip uncomfortable by using nail polish close to them.
Will Nail Polish Explode On a Plane?
Yes, nail polish can explode but it’s very rare.
Nail polish is flammable and can explode if it gets hot enough or is exposed to direct sunlight.
That’s why the FAA regulates the amount of flammable items you can take in checked baggage.
Nail polish doesn’t need to be on fire to explode. If the bottle gets hot enough, the acetone inside can produce vapors that may ignite.
Tips On Traveling With Nail Polish
It’s smart to properly pack your nail polish, or makeup in general.
Especially in checked baggage, the risk of damage is higher, and you don’t want to find your makeup spoiled when you arrive.
The second tip is to make sure your items won’t be stolen. It’s rare, but just in case, pack them neatly and securely.
A nail polish organizer case is truly a lifesaver for transporting nail polish and makeup in checked baggage.
Final Thoughts On Taking Nail Polish On Planes
There are some limits to the amount of nail polish you can bring in carry-on baggage.
Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml containers or less are allowed in hand luggage and must be packed in a quart-sized bag.
You can fit as many as you can inside a single quart-sized bag.
If you’re bringing nail polish in checked baggage, it doesn’t need to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
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