When traveling by plane for a business meeting or visiting a loved one, you want to look your best, from your shoes to your hair. For many of us, hair gel is an essential product. But can you carry hair gel with you on a plane when you travel?
According to TSA guidelines, passengers can carry hair gel on a plane, provided the gel is in a clear bottle and contains 3.4 ounces (100 ml). Technically hair gel is not a liquid, but the same rules apply to any hair product, including hair mousse, creams, or hair serums.
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Can You Bring Hair Gel In A Carry-On Bag?
Following TSA guidelines, all passengers must follow the 3:1:1 rule, which categorically states that passengers be allowed to carry any liquid form, including gel, in travel-size containers no bigger than 3. 4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Passengers can place the gel into quart-sized resealable bags in their carry-on bags.
Many brands have removed the messiness of emptying your hair gel into smaller containers and replaced these with travel-size hair gel containers. These pint-size containers are ideal for carrying baggage, and you don’t have to worry about leaks or spillage.
The TSA allows travelers to bring 25 ounces of liquid in their carry-on bags on the plane. The bottles are approximately 7 or 8 containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each.
Can You Carry Hair Gel In Checked In Luggage?
Passengers often have no choice but to check their hair gel into the luggage compartment because the product exceeds the standard weight requirements. The TSA allows travelers to carry larger bottles of hair care products in checked-in luggage.
However, before adding your essential hair products to your checked-in luggage, you should be aware that the TSA has other restrictions regarding the quantity of hair gel you may carry in your checked-in luggage.
The TSA allows passengers to carry hair gel and other non-solid cosmetics in their checked-in baggage. The amount should not exceed 17 ounces (503 ml). Certain hair care products, like your hair gel, might be around 18 ounces (532. 32 ml). According to the TSA regulations, any hair care product over 17 ounces is not allowed on a plane.
Further restrictions exist on the number of hair products allowed in your checked-in luggage. The total quantity of hair care products must be below or equal to 68 fluid ounces (2 L) or not exceed 70 ounces (2 kg), equating to roughly four containers of 17 ounces each.
Unfortunately, this does not leave you with much leeway, but it should keep your hairstyle in place for the duration of your holiday.
Can You Bring Hair Gel On A Domestic Flight?
The same TSA rules apply to your hair gel and other hair care products when traveling on a domestic flight. The TSA regards hair gel as fluid and, therefore, should follow the 3:1:1 rules. Travelers should therefore package all their hair products in a clear plastic bag and ensure the gel containers do not weigh more than 3 ounces (100ml).
Travelers can bring between 7 to 8 travel-size containers of their hair care products on international and domestic flights, provided they weigh 25 ounces in total. Individually each container must not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml).
You certainly do not want to travel to your holiday destination or for an important business meeting without your essential hair styling products! Confirming the correct requirements with your airline or travel agent before boarding your flight is always best. Customs officials have the authority to confiscate products they deem unsafe for travel.
Can You Bring Hair Gel On An International Flight?
As a first-time traveler on an international flight, you should be aware you can bring hair gel on a plane. However, you need to also be aware the same rules as when traveling on a domestic flight apply on an international flight.
You can carry hair gel in your carry-on or checked-in luggage. The distinction lies in the quantity of hairstyling products you decide to carry. On an international flight, you can carry hair gel in a quart-sized bag, in a travel-size container that weighs not more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Hair styling bottles larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) must be checked into the plane’s baggage compartment.
Can You Bring Medicated Hair Gel On A Plane?
Some situations require passengers to carry their medicated hair products on a plane. In these instances, passengers are allowed to exceed the 3.4 ounces (100ml) carry-on limits.
Travelers are, however, advised to declare products that exceed the recommended quantity to customs officials. All passengers should also have their doctor’s prescription on their person if customs officials require validation.
How Can You Carry Hair Gel On The Plane?
When packing your essential hair care products into your checked-in luggage, they don’t have to be placed into a separate travel bag. Therefore, a cosmetic bag for your hair care products may be necessary. However, as a cautious traveler, you should ensure the products do not leak or spill into your luggage.
As many travelers know, cabin pressure affects creams, lotions, and hair gels. The build-up of cabin pressure can cause shampoo bottles to explode. You certainly do not want the stench of coconut shampoo on your clothing!
To avoid this, it’s a good idea to ensure the bottles of hair gel and other hair care products are not full to the brim but also not too empty.
As an added precaution, you should also wrap the hair gel bottles in plastic. This double layer of protection will prevent any leaks or spillages.
Can You Bring Substitute Hair Gel Products On A Plane?
As a first-time traveler, you may be wary about what products you can bring on a plane. If carrying too many pint-size bottles bothers you, there may be a solution.
There are substitutes like solid shampoo or conditioning bars for your regular gels. These contain similar nourishing and conditioning products to your everyday hair care products, such as argon or coconut oils. Because these substitutes are available in solid form, the TSA rules regarding fluids do not apply to them.
Can You Bring Hair Gel From Duty-Free Shops On A Plane?
When traveling, you have more than enough to concern yourself about without the additional worry of leaving your hair gel behind. You can purchase that essential product at the airport’s duty-free shop.
You may carry hair gel in your hand luggage when you purchase it from duty-free shops. The shop assistant places the hair gel in a sealed security bag with a red border. You cannot remove the seal on the bag until you arrive at your destination.
However, customs officials can open the seal to conduct checks on the bottle’s contents.
