Earlier this month, several outlets reported that the Transportation Security Administration designated sunscreen a “medically necessary” liquid allowed in carry-on bags in containers larger than 3.4 ounces. Unfortunately, it’s not true.
On Monday, April 12, TSA backtracked and said the addition of sunscreen to the list on its website of medically necessary liquids was an error on its end. “Our website incorrectly reported that sunscreen containers larger than 3.4 ounces were allowed in carry-on bags, if medically necessary. That error has been corrected,” the TSA statement said.
“Travelers still need to ensure liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags meet the 3-1-1 requirements and are no larger than 3.4 ounces,” the statement continued. “TSA advises passengers who need larger quantities of sunscreen, or other liquids, gels and aerosols, to add them to checked baggage for use at their destination.”
Thankfully, each and every one of the recommendations in AFAR’s roundup of dermatologist- and editor-approved face sunscreens come in containers less than 3.4 ounces. If you’re already stocked up on your favorite brand, you can always decant it into AFAR-Approved Matador FlatPak toiletry bottles.
It is worth noting that TSA is still allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container “up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice,” as part of the rules it changed due to COVID-19.
Oftentimes, people are getting on airplanes to visit a sunny paradise and spend a few days relaxing in the sun. If that sounds like you, one thing you don’t want to forget to bring with you is sunscreen. Otherwise, you could be in for a rough couple of days towards the end of your trip!
Speaking from experience, I spent five days in Hawaii without any sunscreen, and by the fifth day, I could barely go outside without being in pain. Don’t be like me. Pack your sunscreen.
But with all the rules around what you can and can’t bring on an airplane, many travelers are left wondering whether you even can bring your own sunscreen, or if you should just buy some once you land.
So, let’s clear up any confusion and get you ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Is sunscreen allowed on airplanes?
We’ll get into the different ways that you can and can’t bring sunscreen on an airplane shortly, but let’s get down to the nitty-gritty right away. The answer is yes, you can bring sunscreen on an airplane when you fly. This includes lotions, aerosols, gels, and any other standard form of sunscreen that you might find at the store.
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The only things you need to worry about when you’re packing your sunscreen are which bag you pack it in and how big the container is.
Can you bring sunscreen in your carry-on?
Many travelers seem to think that you can’t pack any liquids or aerosols in your carry-on bag, but that’s simply not true. You can bring liquids – including sunscreen – in your carry-on luggage, they just can’t exceed 3.4 ounces in volume. This requirement is outlined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and we’ll explain this rule more later on.
There is some conflicting information about bringing sunscreen in your carry-on bag out there right now because of an errant report from the TSA from 2021. In this report, the agency stated that large containers of sunscreen could be packed in a carry-on bag if it was medically necessary. However, this was corrected in April of 2021, and the above rule still applies across the board.
If you aren’t sure what classifies as carry-on luggage, all airlines have their own policies. Thankfully, there are standard carry-on bags that work for just about all airlines.
Here are some of the best carry-on bags to pack sunscreen in:
Made By Design Hardside Carry-On Spinner
Made By Design Hardside Carry On Spinner
Made By Design
Target
Shop Now
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Samsonite
amazon.com
$144.99
Shop Now
Away Standard Carry-On
Away The Carry-On
awaytravel.com
$275.00
Shop Now
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Luggage
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage
Travelers Club
amazon.com
$47.65
Shop Now
Do personal items have different rules than normal carry-on bags?
Just like with carry-on bags, all airlines have their own rules and guidelines surrounding the specifics of a personal item. But in most cases, these include things such as backpacks, tote bags, laptop cases, purses, and other small items.
Some examples of personal items include:
The Away Everywhere Bag
The Away Everywhere Bag
awaytravel.com
$195.00
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July Carry All Backpack Series 2
July Carry All Backpack Series 2
july.com
$175.00
Shop Now
Open Story Traveler Backpack
Open Story Traveler Backpack
Open Story
target.com
$119.99
Shop Now
Samsonite Upright Wheeled Underseater
Samsonite Upright Wheeled Carry-On Underseater
Samsonite
amazon.com
$189.99
Shop Now
As long as you’re allowed to bring a personal item on the plane in the first place, the rules for carrying sunscreen are the same as they are for carry-on bags. So if you’re traveling light and only have a personal item, you can still bring your sunscreen as long as you adhere to TSA guidance.
Can you pack sunscreen in a checked bag?
If you’re planning on traveling with a larger container of sunscreen, don’t fret. The 3.4-ounce limit only applies to carry-on luggage and personal items. In your checked baggage, you can bring much more. According to the TSA’s sunscreen guidance, the container is limited to 17 fluid ounces (2L), which should be enough for most larger containers of sunscreen.
Anyone planning on bringing a bigger container like this will have to check their bags, which almost always incurs an additional fee. If you’re not sure if you have to, just keep in mind that any bags that are bigger than the airline’s carry-on size limits will have to be checked.
That said, there are benefits to checking a bag, such as more freedom in what you can pack, being able to just drop your luggage off at the kiosk, and having it arrive at your final destination. Here are some bigger suitcases that are perfect for checked luggage:
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Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable luggage
Samsonite
amazon.com
$113.00
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American Tourister NXT Hardside Large Spinner Suitcase
American Tourister Hardside Spinner Suitcase
American Tourister
Target
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Protégé Jumbo 32” Arendale Rolling Spinner Upright Luggage
Protégé Jumbo 32” Arendale Rolling Spinner Upright Luggage
Protege
walmart.com
$87.00
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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
SwissGear
amazon.com
$117.08
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Flying with sunscreen in your carry-on luggage
I’ve mentioned it a few times, so let’s talk about the underlying guidance that outlines all of this stuff about traveling with sunscreen (as well as other liquids). Commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule and adhered to by all major US-based airlines, the TSA stipulates the following:
- All liquid containers must be 3.4-ounces each or less
- All containers of liquid must be placed in a quart-sized resealable transparent plastic bag
- Each passenger is limited to one bag of liquids
This rule covers all liquids, gels, and aerosols, including sunscreen. So if you want to bring it on the plane, make sure you have something like a quart-sized Ziploc bag to carry it in. If you want to get something a bit nicer, check out some of these other options: