One of the hardest things about traveling is knowing what to pack up, especially when you have to pack up things that might get you in trouble with TSA agents at the airport.
Although TSA clearly states liquid rules on its website, most travelers still have a misconception about whether or not ChapStick counts as a liquid. So if you always go around with your ChapStick, you will need to know if the TSA considers the item a Liquid.
In this post, we’ll uncover all you need to know about TSA liquid rules and whether TSA considers ChapStick a liquid.
What Makes up ChapStick?
Before answering whether TSA considers ChapStick a liquid, let’s check out the elemental composition of what makes up a ChapStick.
ChapStickis consist of waxes and oils. The resins serve as a structure to the product, while the oils help to soften dry skin. ChapStick consists of different brands, some containing chemicals like paraffin, lanolin, and petrolatum. ChapStick is also a brand of lip balm.
TSA Liquid Rules
Due to a series of insecurity complaints by travelers in recent years, TSA introduced its rules in 2006 to help limit and curb security concerns.
TSA liquids rules are policies that help checkmate the amounts of liquids passengers can bring on board a flight. The aim is to prevent the smuggling of explosives and other dangerous chemicals.
TSA classifies a liquid as any item placed in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and set in a clear plastic bag. Things like shampoo, lotion, and mouthwash fall under this category.
TSA 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-Ons
If you’re a vivid traveler, you must have heard about the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons. The TSA rule implies that travelers must keep liquids in a container that isn’t over 3.4 ounces (100 millimeters).
The rule also implies that passengers must place the liquid in a plastic, quart-sized bag. The excellent news for lip balm lovers is that TSA doesn’t consider lip balms as liquids; thus, they are exempted from this rule.
Lip balm lovers can travel with their favorite lip balm even if it doesn’t meet TSA 3-1-1 rule.
Is ChapStick Considered a Liquid by the TSA?
Are you planning to travel with your ChapStick but fear encountering problems with the TSA agents at the airport? If so, the good news is that you’ve nothing to worry about because the TSA doesn’t categorize ChapStick as a liquid despite it being moist and wet.
Travelers are allowed to bring ChapStick in their carry-on luggage without any issue.
TSA considers ChapStick as a solid, although we can’t say the same for other lip balm products that are incredibly moist and wet. Always check your lip balm packaging before putting it in your bag to place you on the safer side when traveling.
Can You Bring Chapstick In Your Carry On Luggage?
Travelers are allowed to carry ChapStick in their carry-on luggage. Although TSA doesn’t restrict carrying ChapStick in your carry-on luggage, you must ensure that you wrap the ChapStick appropriately to prevent it from spilling on other items.
Although the TSA has no restriction on carrying ChapStick on a plane, we can’t say the same about other countries. For example, some countries consider lip balm as a liquid and thus subject it under the b3-1-1 rule of flying.
Can You Bring Chapstick In Your Checked Baggage?
No restriction prevents passengers from bringing ChapStick in their checked baggage while traveling. However, if you plan to pack up your ChapStick in your checked baggage, you must ensure it’s packed in a secure bag to protect it from spilling on your clothes and other items.
ChapStick tends to melt or turn to liquid at high temperatures, so you must consider this when adding it to your checked baggage.
TSA also doesn’t place any restriction on the number of ChapStick to pack in your checked baggage, although you must make sure that your checked luggage doesn’t exceed the airline’s weight restrictions
TSA Lipstick Rules
TSA also puts lipstick under the same category as ChapStick. That is, just like ChapStick, TSA also doesn’t consider lipstick to be a liquid even though it smears.
When packaging your ChapStick and lipsticks, you don’t have to put them in a plastic toiletries bag. Instead, you can pack them in a makeup bag and put them in your purse. You can also bring lipstick in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage.
FAQs
Is There a Restriction to the Number of ChapStick Someone Can Bring On a Plane?
ChapStick naturally comes in liquid form, although they harden to a solid when cooled. As for the number of ChapStick allowed on a plane, TSA doesn’t place any restriction on the amount.
Since ChapStick doesn’t have to follow the 3-1-1 rule of flying, travelers can carry as many as they want. However, TSA recommends that you pack your ChapStick in a way that would prevent it from getting damaged or spilling on other items.
ChapStick tends to melt and spill under hot temperatures, so it’s best to wrap the ChapStick in a plastic or bubble to prevent linkage on other items.
Is Lip Balm Allowed on a Plane?
Outside ChapStick. Other lip balm products are allowed on a plane but must meet specific criteria to avoid a problem with TSA. For example, lip gloss is a lip balm product, but it isn’t allowed in a plane unless it meets the 3-1-1 rule of flying.
How Often Can You Use ChapStick in a Plane
No TSA rule instructs travelers on how often they can use ChapStick in a plane. Therefore, using ChapStick in an aircraft depends entirely on the person using it.
Factors like air conditioning and climate may influence how often a person applies ChapStick, but it depends on the person.
Although applying ChapStick is based on users’ discretion, using ChapStick at night is highly recommended as it helps keep your lips hydrated and healthy.
Always know the demands of your body at all times. For example, if your lips get flaky throughout the day, you must apply ChapStick frequently.
Conclusion
Reading through this article would clear all your doubts and answer every question about TSA liquid guidelines and how it relates to ChapStick. But in a nutshell, ChapStick is allowed when traveling in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage.
Other lip balms are also allowed, but you must endeavor to check the lip balms packaging to see if it falls under the TSA definition for liquid or otherwise.
