Sunscreen is a crucial part of a healthy skincare routine, but can you bring sunscreen on a plane?
You can bring sunscreen in carry-on and checked luggage, but only containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less are allowed in carry-on bags, packed inside a quart-sized bag (only one bag allowed per passenger). Larger containers of sunscreen must be packed in checked baggage.
This post covers everything you need to know about taking sunscreen on a plane.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring sunscreen on a plane in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Carry-on limit: 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, all liquids must fit in one quart-sized bag.
- You will need to pack full-size spray sunscreen in checked luggage (FAA allows up to 70 oz total, max 18 oz per container).
- Don’t worry, spray sunscreen will NOT explode on a plane under normal conditions.
- If your sunscreen is too big, transfer it into 3.4 oz travel bottles for carry-on.
Can you take sunscreen through the security checkpoint?
According to the TSA, sunscreen is allowed through the security checkpoint and in carry-on bags, but it must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less.
You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag.
One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.
The TSA doesn’t limit the size or quantity of liquids in checked bags.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.
Can you bring spray sunscreen in carry-on?
While packing your items, it can feel like everything is allowed, though at the airport a simple product can be suspected by security and become an issue if the officer doesn’t recognize the type of ingredient.
Most airlines allow spray sunscreen in carry-on baggage with limited quantities. For example, if you are traveling within the U.S., you will be required to take only 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of sunscreen per container inside a quart-sized bag.
The rules for bringing sunscreen are the same as the rules for bringing other types of liquid in your hand luggage.
Each passenger is only allowed one bag of liquids (including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and even your spray sunscreen).
This passenger wanted to bring Cancun sunscreen and asked if they could bring a 4 oz (118 ml) container in carry-on luggage.
The TSA replied, “Sunscreen must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags.
You’re allowed to take as many travel-sized liquids as can fit into a single quart-sized, zip-top bag.”
Can you bring spray sunscreen on a plane in checked luggage?
If you want to take your full-sized spray sunscreen of more than 3.4 oz (100 ml), it is better to pack it inside your checked bag, so there is a higher chance it will make it to your destination without being removed.
The FAA suggests packing a maximum of 2 kg (70 oz) in total and only in containers of no more than 0.5 kg each.
This passenger asked the TSA if spray sunscreen is permitted in checked baggage, and the TSA confirmed that aerosol sunscreen is allowed in checked bags.
How to pack sunscreen for your flight?
When packing your toiletries along with your sunscreen, don’t try to jam the whole shelf into your carry-on.
It is always best to put your essentials in your carry-on and send the extra items in your checked bag.
If you have containers larger than what is allowed in carry-on baggage, you can use these empty travel bottles (3.4 oz) and fill them with your sunscreen.
They are widely used by passengers.
Though you want your carry-on to be light and uncomplicated, you also don’t want to waste time at the airport because your travel makeup bags are not well organized or don’t fit properly in your luggage.
Make sure that you protect your sunscreen well when placing it inside your checked bag so it won’t leak during transport.
You can place it in the middle of your suitcase and surround it with clothes, and you are good to go.
Best travel-friendly sunscreen containers
Traveling with TSA-sized sunscreen in carry-on baggage is the best idea when traveling with carry-on only. You can take as much as your quart-sized travel bag can fit.
I did the research and found these sunscreen travel sizes below 3.4 oz.
You can use whichever kind you prefer they are top-rated and popular with most travelers.
Just slip them in your bag and voilà.
- Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant-Infused Body Mist w/ sunscreen, 3 fl oz.
- RAIN OR SHINE Anti-Aging Face Sunscreen / Green Tea, 2.03 oz.
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50+ / PA++++ (1 Count)
Will spray sunscreen explode on a plane?
NO, it will not.
However, sprays and aerosols are still risky, which is why they are regulated by the rules.
But sunscreen will not explode on planes as long as it is kept under normal conditions and at normal temperatures.
Most sunscreen sprays contain alcohol, which is highly flammable and can ignite but not on its own.
Aerosols are more dangerous on planes if a fire starts.
They don’t explode on their own unless they are overheated by a fire or another external source.
As long as the FAA and the majority of airlines approve transporting sunscreen in both carry-on and checked baggage, that means it is considered safe.
Final thoughts: Can you bring sunscreen on a plane?
You can take spray sunscreen or any other toiletry aerosols in both carry-on and checked luggage.
But they must be in containers of 3.4 oz or less when transported in carry-on baggage and up to 18 oz in checked baggage.
If your sunscreen is large and want to take it in carry-on consider rebottling your sunscreen into a travel-sized and a leak-proof container if you are not traveling with a checked bag.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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