Sunscreen is a crucial skincare item to have when you're traveling. It's often better to bring your usual sunscreen from home to avoid any potential skin issues from unfamiliar products available at your destination.
However, many travelers are not aware of the proper way to bring sunscreen on a plane. Security often removes sunscreens from luggage because they fail to meet flight regulations.
This usually happens because sunscreens are classified as LAGs (Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels). There are specific rules about how these items should be packaged and the quantity you can bring onboard.
So, how do you correctly pack and carry sunscreen on an aircraft? Before packing, it's important to identify whether your sunscreen is considered a LAG to ensure it complies with aviation rules.
There are many types of sunscreen available on the market today. Based on the density of their ingredients, we can identify six main types. Let's take a look at each one to know which fall into the LAG (Liquid, Aerosol, and Gel) category and which do not.
Lotion sunscreen has a light texture, being a mix of cream and liquid, and therefore falls into the LAG category. It is ideal for use on both the body and face, as it absorbs quickly and usually doesn't leave behind much residue or a white cast.
Cream sunscreen is thicker than lotions but is still classified as LAGs. They are often recommended for dry skin due to their high moisturizing content.
Sunscreen gel is made primarily of water and has a unique texture. It is particularly good for oily or acne-prone skin because it does not block pores and absorbs rapidly. It is also included in the LAG category because it contains liquid.
Spray sunscreen, which is a liquid, is also categorized as a LAG. It is applied by spraying directly onto the skin, making it more hygienic as it doesn’t require using your hands. This type of sunscreen is very convenient for travel as it is easy to reapply on the go.
The sunscreen stick is another travel-friendly option. It is solid, so there is no risk of spilling, and because of its solid form, it does not fall under the LAG category. This means it doesn't face the same restrictions as other LAG items.
Lastly, there is cushion-shaped sunscreen, which comes in a compact powder or cushion format. While not as commonly used as other forms, it is excellent for touch-ups or reapplying while on the move. Since it is not a liquid, this type of sunscreen does not belong to the LAG category.
From our previous discussion, we know that sunscreen lotions, creams, gels, and sprays fall into the LAG (Liquid, Aerosol, and Gel) category. Sunscreen sticks and cushions, however, do not. Let's explore how to bring both types into the aircraft cabin:
These four types of sunscreen are considered LAGs. Therefore, you can only bring them into the aircraft cabin if their package size is no larger than 100 ml or 3.4 ounces.
If the packaging is larger than 100 ml, you cannot bring the sunscreen into the cabin, even if the actual contents are less than 100 ml. This is because airport security only checks the packaging size, not the quantity of the contents.
To take these on board, you must place the sunscreens in a transparent, tightly sealed container. If you have other LAG items like deodorant, they should all be stored in this same container.
I recommend placing the container in an easily accessible area or at the front of your bag, as security officers may ask to inspect it during the security screening process at the airport.
Since sunscreen sticks and cushions are not classified as LAGs, you can freely carry them into the aircraft cabin. This includes even larger packages.
There are no special packaging regulations for these types of sunscreen. The most important thing is to ensure they are stored properly to prevent damage during your travels.
If you choose to pack sunscreen in checked baggage, the distinction between LAG and non-LAG items no longer applies. You can bring any type of sunscreen without restrictions on package size.
There are also no special rules for how to package sunscreens in checked luggage. The key is to pack them securely to avoid spills or damage during transit.
That sums up the correct methods for bringing sunscreen onto a plane. Note that regulations can vary by airport or country, so it's wise to check with your airline or airport to confirm their specific rules.
