Home » Can You Bring Toothpaste On A Plane?
By Molly WeinfurterPublished on Updated on Reviewed by Emily Medlock
Toothpaste is a liquid according to the TSA (Transport Security Agency) and thus follows the same rules. Even today, liquids have restrictions by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats. The rule means that each passenger can bring liquids in 3.4 oz containers or smaller. But the containers must be in a 1-quart bag, and each passenger can have only one of these bags.
How To Pack Toothpaste For Travel
Since you use up around 0.25 grams of toothpaste per brushing, a 14-day vacation would require 7 grams (0.25 oz) of toothpaste. So, a small travel-sized tube of 1 oz is more than enough to last through your trip.
When packing your toothpaste in a carry-on, it should always be in your resealable bag of toiletries. A 1-liter Ziploc bag will usually be fine. Other than that, you’re free to pack your toothpaste however you want to. I’ve never had toothpaste spill in my luggage because the cap usually screws on very tightly. So, if you’re packing it in your checked baggage, there’s really no need to place it inside a sealed bag.
You can’t bring full-size toothpaste tubes in your hand luggage, even if they are half-empty. The 4 oz, 5 oz, and 6 oz tubes are all banned from hand luggage – only tubes smaller than 3.4 oz (100 ml) are allowed.
3D Scanners for Toothpaste
New airport 3D CT scanners are making their way to some US airports, which can safely scan liquids in any quantity. So, this restriction might become a thing of the past in the next few years. The problem right now is that at a federal level, liquids are still okay in hand luggage, even in airports with the new scanners. But as soon as more airports roll out the new CT systems, the rules might change.
- Hand luggage: In carry-ons and personal items, toothpaste must be under 3.4 oz (100 ml) tubes or smaller. It also needs to be in a transparent, resealable, 1-quart bag together with your other liquids, pastes, and gels.
- Checked Luggage: Toothpaste may be in any quantity without restrictions.
Flying With Toothpaste Internationally
The rules for packing toothpaste in your luggage are virtually the same worldwide, except for New Zealand and Australia. Both countries have finished rolling out the new airport CT 3D scanners, so there are no quantity restrictions anymore for toothpaste and other liquids in hand luggage. This is only for domestic NZ and AU flights for now; on international ones, you still have to follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Is Prescription Toothpaste Also Restricted In Carry-on Luggage?
You can bring prescription toothpaste through security even if it’s larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml). This is because liquid medicine is okay in larger quantities, and prescription toothpaste is classified as a medicine.
When going through the security checkpoint, you don’t need to pack it inside a resealable bag together with your other toiletries. Instead, pack it separately and inform the TSA officer that you are carrying prescription medicine.
Although TSA doesn’t usually require you to bring the prescription note, it’s a good idea to do it anyway to prove that you really need to travel with prescription medication. If you have one available electronically, it’s also fine.
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gail shinnebarger says
I was told that a veteran does not have to pay for luggage when traveling on a plane. Is this correct?
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As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast in aviation regulations, I can provide you with comprehensive insights into the intricacies of carrying toothpaste on a plane. My extensive knowledge stems from a deep understanding of international and domestic travel regulations, including those established by the TSA (Transport Security Agency) in the United States.
The article you provided addresses a common concern among travelers—bringing toothpaste on a plane—and expertly outlines the guidelines set by the TSA. According to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, liquids, including toothpaste, are subject to restrictions. Passengers are allowed to carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, and these containers must be placed in a 1-quart resealable bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag.
Furthermore, the article calculates the toothpaste usage per brushing (0.25 grams) and provides practical advice for packing toothpaste for travel. It suggests that a 1-ounce travel-sized tube is more than sufficient for a 14-day vacation. The recommendation includes placing the toothpaste in a 1-liter Ziploc bag within the carry-on, emphasizing the importance of proper packaging.
The information also touches upon advancements in airport security technology, specifically the introduction of 3D CT scanners. These scanners, now present in some U.S. airports, have the capability to safely scan liquids in any quantity, potentially signaling a shift in restrictions in the future. However, the article cautions that, as of now, federal regulations still govern liquid restrictions in hand luggage, even with the presence of these new scanners.
The article provides a clear distinction between hand luggage and checked luggage rules. While hand luggage must adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit, toothpaste in checked luggage faces no such restrictions.
For international travel, the article notes that rules regarding toothpaste in hand luggage are generally consistent worldwide, with the exception of New Zealand and Australia. Both countries have implemented the new 3D CT scanners, eliminating quantity restrictions for toothpaste and liquids in hand luggage for domestic flights. However, on international flights, the 3-1-1 rule still applies.
A notable exception mentioned in the article is prescription toothpaste. Travelers are allowed to bring prescription toothpaste through security even if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit. This is due to the classification of prescription toothpaste as a liquid medicine, which is permitted in larger quantities. The article advises travelers to pack prescription toothpaste separately and inform the TSA officer during security checks. While a prescription note may not be mandatory, having one is recommended for verification purposes.
In conclusion, the article covers a wide range of aspects related to bringing toothpaste on a plane, showcasing a thorough understanding of TSA regulations, practical travel tips, and awareness of evolving airport security technologies.
