The Best TSA Toiletry Bag

Everyone dreads the hassles of air travel, but lax security is a far worse alternative.
The Transportation Security Administration works to ensure the safety of tens of millions of air travelers each year. The TSA agent who seems to be giving you a hard time is merely trying to reduce the likelihood of an airport attack or plane hijacking. Getting through security without incident calls for understanding, cooperation and a heavy dose of patience.

One of the easiest ways to cooperate is to pack in compliance with TSA rules. Using an approved toiletry bag will save you time at check-in and prevent a pileup behind you.

Before you shop for a bag, brush up on the TSA requirements.

Understanding the 3-1-1 Rule

One of the major hurdles at check-in concerns liquids. If you’re not in compliance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, you’ll have to dispose of expensive hair products, cosmetics or other items. You could be denied permission to board the plane.

Here’s a refresher course on 3-1-1: In 2006, British authorities uncovered a terrorist plot in the U.K. The participants intended to detonate liquid explosives on several trans-Atlantic flights to the U.S. and Canada. The bombs were disguised as ordinary soda cans.

As a result, tight restrictions were placed on liquids in carry-on luggage. The 3-1-1 measures also apply to aerosols, creams, gels and pastes. The name was chosen to help people remember what they’re allowed to bring on board, but it’s a little misleading. Here’s an accurate breakdown by the digits:

• 3 – You may bring liquids in containers that hold slightly more than 3 ounces. To be exact, 3.4 ounces is the current limit. It’s important to note that the figure refers to container size rather than actual volume. For example, if a 5-ounce bottle contains only 2 ounces of shampoo, the container is still too large. It will not be allowed.
• 1 – Liquids must be packed in a clear 1-quart or smaller bag.

• 1 – Each passenger is allowed only one bag containing liquids.

You may pack as many bottles as you like, but they must reasonably fit. If you overstuff the bag, you may be required to empty it so that an agent can inspect the contents. You’re better off packing light.

Check the TSA website for information on prohibited liquids, duty-free items, baby formula and liquid medications.

Leave Zip-Close Bags in the Kitchen

Zip-close bags are awfully handy at home, but they’re impractical for travel.

Since the closure on this type of bag has no depth, you might have difficulty sealing the bag when it's full. The bags are not all that sturdy when you repeatedly open and seal them. If a bag isn’t completely sealed, liquid could seep out from a leaky bottle and into your carry-on. Finally, zip-close bags are almost impossible to clean for reuse.

Make it easy on yourself. Manufacturers clearly label toiletry bags that conform to TSA regulations. The 3-1-1 rule is in place for the foreseeable future, so buying a durable bag is a good investment.

Quality and Features

You can find approved bags for $5 to $10, and those may be fine for short trips or infrequent travel. Poorly made bags, though, must be replaced again and again.

A bag should be made of plastic that’s durable, flexible, long-lasting and lightweight. Some manufacturers use materials that are not harmful to the environment.
Make sure that the bag is waterproof and easy to clean between uses. On a health note, always dry items thoroughly after you use them. Sealing wet contents in a bag encourages bacterial growth.
Zippers should be sturdy and glide easily. Double-stitched zippers are less likely to tear away from the bag.

Straps are nice for ease of carrying. To save counter space in small hotel bathrooms, look for a bag with an attached hook. You can hang it from a shower rod.

Some bags come with three or four appropriately sized bottles. Those are nice to have for shampoo, mouthwash and skin toner, but spend some time thinking about the items that you typically pack. If the bottles take up all the room in the bag, you’ll have to pack shaving equipment, cosmetics, manicuring tools and other items separately. Also, the bottles may be too stiff for squeezing out hair gel or other gooey products.

It’s a matter of personal preference. Some people like to buy toiletries in sample sizes for each trip rather than clean and refill the same bottles.

If you don’t want items to rattle around, look for a bag with clear pockets or dividers.

Since bags must be see-through, there’s not a lot of potential for decoration. Some are stamped with an airplane or a TSA-approved designation. With a few rare exceptions, you won’t be able to express your unique flair with this no-frills bag.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Space

A 1-quart bag doesn’t hold all that much, but here are a few ways to maximize space:

• Take an inventory. If there are things that you don’t absolutely have to have, leave them at home.

• If you normally use aerosol deodorant, switch to solid for travel. You can pack it somewhere else to free up space in your liquids bag.

• Buy more versatile products. Get a shampoo and conditioner in one. Use coconut oil as a moisturizer, hair conditioner and shaving cream. Buy foundation makeup that contains moisturizer and sunscreen.

• Take a travel pack of makeup-remover wipes rather than a liquid cleanser.
• For short trips, get a couple of cases designed for contact lenses. Fill them with small amounts of hair gel, makeup or skin cream.

Best Bags

Any of these consumer favorites will have you breezing through security like a seasoned traveler:

• Large Leak-Proof Travel Bottles, Set of Four, With Clear Toiletry Case by Vumos

This bag is made of ethylene vinyl acetate, a sturdy, environmentally friendly plastic. The bottles don’t contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A, and they’re perfectly squeezable for thick products. One additional feature is a rotating collar for selecting the appropriate label.

It’s priced at $35, but Vumos is so confident of the quality that it offers a money-back guarantee.

• Keokee Clear Bag With Smaller Case for Travel and Organizing
Keokee responded to customers’ feedback by making the product more pliable. Double-stitching ensures sturdiness. If you’re always losing small items, the extra bag for jewelry, earbuds or keys will be a godsend. For just $15, this set is quite a bargain.

• Travel Smart Travel Bottle Set

This is the ideal choice for high-maintenance passengers who need a little of everything. The 1-quart bag contains two 2-ounce bottles, two 1-ounce bottles, one 1-ounce spray bottle and an assortment of little pots for dollops of this or that. The $12 price is budget-friendly.

• Perfect Keeper Toiletry Bag With Detachable Clear Bag

This good-looking toiletry case has a sturdy handle, waterproof lining and hook for hanging. It even has removable zippered pockets. It's firm enough to retain its sleek shape even when full.

The TSA-compliant bag easily detaches from the inside and comes with three silicone bottles. The price, $40, is reasonable for the workmanship and versatility of the product.

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This page about TSA Toiletry Bag was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2023-01-28 08:20:38 and has been viewed 5006 times.