airplane travel gel

Here's the 411 on the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule

We've all been there. Waiting in the Transportation Security Administration line only to hear agents call for a "bag check," often because a traveler had a liquid product in their carry-on that's over the allowed limit (or some sort of other prohibited item).

It's a process that can sure slow things down, particularly on the busiest travel days. As you pack for your trip and consider what to put in your carry-on or checked luggage, it's important to consider what the TSA's limits are for liquids and similar products.

Since September 2006, the TSA has gone by the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to those types of products, including items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion -- sunscreen included.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

In short, the 3-1-1 rule is: Each liquid you bring through the TSA checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container ("3"), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag ("1") and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag ("1").

If you meet those requirements, you should get through security without issue. However, if your liquid items are larger than 3.4 ounces each, you'll have to leave them in your checked bag.

There are a few exceptions, though.

The TSA has kept in place a temporary pandemic exception to the rule, allowing up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer in carry-on baggage.

Part of this exception: The hand sanitizer will have to be screened separately since it's technically over the limit. You'll need to remove it from your bag before it goes through the scanner.

There are also exceptions for larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols. You can bring those products in larger, "reasonable" quantities, the TSA's website says. However, you must declare those items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

This could, obviously, take a little more time than if you're traveling without those items.

This exception doesn't include sunscreen, despite calls to relax sunscreen restrictions at TSA checkpoints. Like other liquid products, sunscreen bottles over 3.4 ounces must go in your checked luggage.

There are also many liquids you cannot bring with you .

You can bring creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt as long as they are in a container of less than 3.4 ounces according to the TSA .

Related: Should you get TSA PreCheck or Clear — or both?

And yes, you can bring your water bottle with you, even if it weighs more than 3.4 ounces — as long as it's empty. This can also be a great way to save money at the airport, since -- as the TSA points out -- many airports have filling stations for reusable water bottles.

When in doubt, consult the TSA's list of what you can carry through the airport and check with your airline.

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson and Sean Cudahy.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Travel Packing

How to Pack Liquid and Gels on a Plane

Last Updated: August 2, 2022

This article was co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS . Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years. This article has been viewed 370,868 times.

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) and other governing bodies have adopted standard rules regarding the transport of liquids and gels (as well as aerosols, creams, and pastes) by passengers inflight. The rules for carry-on luggage and checked baggage differ, so knowing what you’re packing in which, and how, is an important first step. Also, essential items like medication and nourishment for babies have their own set of rules, so separating these from your makeup, toothpaste, and so forth is also necessary. It’s also a good idea to keep these rules in mind when you’re shopping for souvenirs in order to pack for your return trip.

Packing Non-Essential Items

• Non-essential liquids and gels (as well as aerosols, creams, and pastes) include: foods, beverages, cosmetics, toiletries, and inspect repellents.

• The size of the container is the determining factor, not the amount of liquid/gel left inside. So pack large containers in your checked baggage even if they’re almost empty.
• If possible, always use the original container describing what the product is, since unmarked containers may require closer inspection. This may lead to longer waits, confiscation, or even refusing your admittance.
• If you wish to use any of these items in-flight (like, say, toothpaste), purchase another size that is 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g) or smaller.

• Only one bag is allowed per person. If your 1-quart bag doesn’t fit all of your liquids and gels, use your checked baggage to pack those you won’t need inflight. If all you have is a carry-on, reevaluate what you’re bringing and leave behind whatever can be purchased at your destination.
• Each passenger is entitled to one 1-quart bag, so if you're travelling with someone else and they have room in theirs, utilize their bag, too.
• During passenger screening, you will be asked to remove your 1-quart bag from your carry-on for inspection. Rules specify that the bag must be clear in order to speed up this process.

• As long as the new containers are 3-1-1 compliant, it's okay to transport liquids in a container without a label. Just expect the possibility of a closer inspection of each liquid during screening.
• As an alternative, you could remove the cap of the original container and use plastic wrap to create an additional seal before screwing the cap back on. As an added measure, you can pack each container in its own sandwich bag to prevent a bigger mess should one start to leak.

Including Essential Items in Your Carry-On

• The size of the container does not matter with essential items. So don’t worry if it is higher than 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g).
• Security may also wish to inspect any accessories, such as syringes, IV bags, pumps, or milk warmers. Pack these for easy removal, as well.

• Visual inspection
• X-ray screening
• Testing small samples

• Refusing X-rays may lead to other security measures. This could include a pat-down and/or a closer inspection of your other belongings.

Bringing Souvenirs Home

• Also keep this in mind when deciding on what non-essential items to bring on the flight there. To make room for the return-trip, consider only bringing items that you can jettison at the end of your stay.

• If you are travelling internationally, be aware that your items may be subject to customs fees upon delivery, depending on the item and countries in question.

• The sealed, clear security bag provided by the store at the time of purchase has not been opened or otherwise tampered with.
• You keep your receipt for inspection.
• The item was bought within the last 48 hours.

Community Q&A

• These tips are useful for flying in the US, Canada and some other countries. If you are flying to a different country, call your airline for details and specific requirements before travel. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Threat levels change often. This may cause the airlines to change their rules for transporting liquids and gels suddenly, so check with them before traveling for any updated rules. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
• ↑ http://herpackinglist.com/2013/09/how-to-pack-liquid-toiletries/
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children

About This Article

To pack liquid and gels on a plane, you can place them in either your carry-on or checked luggage. However, if you want to pack them in your carry-on, they must be less than 3.4 ounces. If they’re over that size, you’ll need to transfer them to travel containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less. Either way, put the containers in a clear, resealable 1-quart bag before packing them in your carry-on. You’ll be required to take the bag out during the security screening process. Store larger liquid and gel items in your checked baggage. Essential liquid and gel items, like baby food or medication, do not need to be placed in a plastic bag, but you do need to pack them in your carry-on bag so they’re easily accessible. These items will likely require closer inspection, so keeping them within easy reach will make the security screening easier and faster. For tips about how to prevent leaks and spills when you’re packing liquid and gels on a plane, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Oct 23, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nov 25, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

11 Full-Size Liquids You Can Actually Take Through Airport Security

For nearly two decades, travelers have become accustomed to packing miscellaneous liquids into their carry-on bags according to the TSA liquid limit.

Created by explosive experts, the international guideline known as the 3-1-1 rule requires airline passengers pack their liquids inside 3.4-ounce containers that can fit into one quart-size bag. Any larger liquids—including toothpaste, shampoo , face wash, and sunscreen —must be packed in checked luggage .

However, with the advent of computed tomography (CT) scanners at airport checkpoints, officers can now use 3-D imaging to detect the hazardous liquids the rule was originally designed to limit. As a result, some airports have become more lenient with the policy, with some European airports even eliminating the restrictions last year.

But the roll out of the new 3-D imaging machines has been slow. The UK originally had a goal of removing the liquid cap by June 1, but the restrictions were re-instilled across the country after major airports flagged their technology wouldn’t be ready in time.

Here in the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) tells Condé Nast Traveler they "anticipate the limit on liquids will be lifted in the coming years.” But for now, the TSA liquid limit remains in effect.

That said, there are certain liquids above the 3.4-ounce limit that can be packed in a carry-on—in particular, those that are medical necessities.

To transport those approved oversized liquids, travelers should inform the security officer of the items before the screening and place them in a separate bin. No matter what the exception is, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint,” the government agency says on its site .

On a recent trip, when extra bottles of Dove deodorant pushed me past the TSA liquid limit the officer apologized that their airport had “such old machines.” One by one, I handed him each item I was willing to part with. To my surprise, he put each one back in the tray and stated out loud with a knowing look, “That one is medicine. And that one is medicine too…” until I was able to bring everything with me.

While not every officer will be as empathetic, it's also important to note that the rules are constantly changing. Hand sanitizer had been an exception to the 3-1-1 rules through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now must also comply with the restrictions.

Below, see the 11 most common full-size liquids that you can actually take through airport security in the US, according to the TSA.

Prescription liquids, gels, and aerosols

Medication that has been prescribed specifically for you is perhaps the most common item that qualifies as an exception. TSA recommends that it’s clearly labeled so there's no question about what is inside.

Depending on the situation, medication may be screened visually or with an x-ray machine. It may also be tested for traces of explosives. In some situations where the officers aren’t able to properly screen the item, you may be asked to open the container for a vapor analysis, per the TSA site.

In cases where you would like to make sure the medication isn’t opened or X-rayed, simply inform the TSA officer. “Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and screening of your carry-on property,” the site says.

Note that prescription wet pet food does not count as an exception to the TSA liquid rule, even for service animals.

Liquid medications and contact lens solution

In general,  liquid medications that are not prescriptions and  contact lens solutions are limited to 3.4 ounces, but TSA does allow “larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip,” with the caveat you must declare them to security officers first.

Breast milk and infant formula

Passengers traveling with infants have enough to worry about on their flights—and being able to provide the little ones with the proper nourishment should not be one of those concerns. Technically, TSA categorizes  breast milk and  baby formula as “medically necessary liquids.” The child doesn’t need to be present for the exception.

In order to expedite the process, TSA suggests—but doesn't require—that the liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, so that they can be screened by the Bottle Liquid Scanners. (Those in pouches may not be able to.) While there is a chance you may be asked to open them, nothing will ever be placed in the liquid. The agency also adds that the screening process shouldn't affect the formula, but if you prefer they not be x-rayed, alternative testing means can be taken.

Baby and toddler food and drinks

In addition to breast milk and formula, food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also allowed, including puree pouches. They also technically fall into the “medically necessary” category.  Water for babies is also allowed in “reasonable quantities.”

Liquid teethers

TSA also recognizes how important teethers are to babies and has “ liquid-filled teethers ” specifically called out as an item that can be brought through the security check.

Ice, gel, and freezer packs and other accessories to medically necessary items

Ice, gel , and freezer packs that are required to keep other medically necessary items in their required cool state are also exceptions, no matter what state they are in (solid ice or liquid gel). Frozen and slushy items may be subject to additional inspections. Additionally, IV bags, pumps, syringes, or other accessories to medical supplies are also allowed.

Spare your eggs the pressure of being crammed into a 3-1-1-approved bag. Even with liquid yolks, they can be taken through TSA security, but may need to be separated from the carry-on bag for proper inspection to make sure they're genuinely what they're cracked up to be.

Live fish and coral in water

Assuming your  live fish in water needs more than 3.4 ounces of water, this is another exception to the rule, as long as they’re in a clear transparent containers and properly inspected by the TSA officer. Live coral in water was also recently added to the list. Certain airlines will also permit live lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.

Biological specimens

Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science.  Non-infectious specimens in preservative solution , which can include formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, can be carried through if it’s for scientific research. But they’ll need to be very specifically packed.

There can be up to 30 milliliters of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and then no more than one liter in the outer packaging, which needs to be marked: "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies." (Specific instructions for the regulation are  here .)

Non-spillable wet batteries

Certain portable electronic devices may need non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolyte, like a gel cell, absorbed glass mat, and the like. As long as the equipment is protected against accidental activation or evolution of heat, and the battery's voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours, then it makes it cut.

Duty-free purchased items in officially sealed bags

Shopping at the airport? Those liquid souvenirs can be taken home as well, as long as they are properly sealed by the cashier in a  security tamper-evident bag (STEB). The system was “developed to allow an exemption" to liquid volume rules for items purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft, according to the  International Civil Aviation Organization .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Latest Travel News and Advice

Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips

It's Still Possible to Book a Last-Minute Trip to the Olympics in Paris

Copenhagen Will Reward Environmentally-Responsible Tourists With Free Perks

The 10 Best Airports for Food , From Istanbul to Atlanta

This European Country Is Set to Become the Most Visited Place in the World by 2040

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Can You Bring Gel Packs on a Plane? (TSA Rules and Regulations)

Can You Bring Gel Packs On A Plane?

Air travel is a convenient way to travel long distances, but it can also be stressful. One of the many concerns that travelers have is what they can and cannot bring on board. Gel packs are a common travel item, but are they allowed on planes?

The answer to this question is not always straightforward. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a set of regulations that govern what items are allowed in carry-on bags and checked luggage. Gel packs are considered a liquid, so they are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids.

In this article, we will discuss the TSA’s regulations on gel packs, as well as some tips for traveling with gel packs. We will also provide answers to some common questions about gel packs on planes.

What are the TSA’s regulations on gel packs?

The TSA allows gel packs in carry-on bags and checked luggage, but there are some restrictions. Gel packs must be:

• In a clear, plastic bag that is no larger than 1 quart
• 3.4 ounces or less per container

Gel packs that are larger than 3.4 ounces or are frozen must be packed in checked luggage.

What are some tips for traveling with gel packs?

Here are a few tips for traveling with gel packs:

• Pack your gel packs in a clear, plastic bag that is no larger than 1 quart.
• Label the bag “GEL PACKS” so that security personnel can easily identify it.
• Keep your gel packs in your carry-on bag so that you can access them easily if necessary.
• If you are traveling with frozen gel packs, pack them in a cooler or insulated bag to keep them cold.

What are some common questions about gel packs on planes?

Here are some common questions about gel packs on planes:

• Can I bring a heating pad on a plane?
• Can I bring a cold pack on a plane?
• Can I bring a gel ice pack on a plane?

Can I bring a frozen gel pack on a plane?

The answer to all of these questions is yes, as long as the gel packs meet the TSA’s regulations.

Gel packs are a convenient way to stay warm or cool on a long flight. By following the TSA’s regulations, you can easily travel with gel packs without any problems.

| Can You Bring Gel Packs On A Plane? | Yes | No | |—|—|—| | Liquid or Solid? | Solid | Liquid | | Size Limit | 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less | 1 quart (1 liter) or less | | Additional Requirements | Gel packs must be placed in a clear, plastic bag and must be easily accessible for inspection. | Gel packs must be placed in checked luggage. |

What are gel packs?

Gel packs are small, flexible pouches filled with a gel-like substance. They are used to keep food and drinks cold or warm, and can also be used as a cold compress for injuries. Gel packs are typically made of a plastic outer shell and a gel-like substance inside. The gel-like substance is typically made of water, polymers, and other chemicals. Gel packs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they can be used for a variety of purposes.

Types of gel packs

There are a variety of different types of gel packs available on the market. Some of the most common types of gel packs include:

• Reusable gel packs: These gel packs can be reused multiple times. They are typically made of a durable plastic outer shell and a gel-like substance inside. Reusable gel packs can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator and used to keep food and drinks cold. They can also be used as a cold compress for injuries.
• Disposable gel packs: These gel packs are designed to be used once and then discarded. They are typically made of a thin plastic outer shell and a gel-like substance inside. Disposable gel packs are typically used to keep food and drinks cold for a short period of time. They can also be used as a cold compress for injuries.
• Electric gel packs: These gel packs are heated or cooled by an electric current. They are typically used to keep food and drinks warm or cold. Electric gel packs can be plugged into an outlet or used with a battery pack.

Uses for gel packs

Gel packs can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Keeping food and drinks cold: Gel packs can be used to keep food and drinks cold for a long period of time. They are often used to keep food and drinks cold in coolers or lunch boxes.
• Keeping food and drinks warm: Gel packs can also be used to keep food and drinks warm. They are often used to keep food and drinks warm in insulated bags or lunch boxes.
• Applying cold therapy: Gel packs can be used as a cold compress to help reduce pain and swelling from injuries. They can also be used to reduce fevers.
• Applying heat therapy: Gel packs can also be used as a hot compress to help relieve pain and stiffness. They can also be used to help improve circulation.

Are gel packs allowed on planes?

Gel packs are allowed on planes, but there are some restrictions. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), gel packs must be in a clear, plastic bag and must be placed in a carry-on bag. Gel packs cannot be larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces).

There are a few exceptions to the TSA regulations on gel packs. Gel packs that are frozen solid are allowed in checked luggage. Gel packs that are used for medical purposes are also allowed in checked luggage.

If you are not sure if your gel pack is allowed on a plane, you can contact the TSA before your flight.

FAA regulations on gel packs

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has regulations in place for gel packs that are carried on planes. These regulations are designed to prevent gel packs from exploding or catching fire in the cabin of a plane.

According to the FAA, gel packs must be in a clear, plastic bag and must be placed in a carry-on bag. Gel packs cannot be larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces). Gel packs that are frozen solid are allowed in checked luggage. Gel packs that are used for medical purposes are also allowed in checked luggage.

If you are not sure if your gel pack is allowed on a plane, you can contact the FAA before your flight.

Exceptions to the regulations

There are a few exceptions to the FAA regulations on gel packs. Gel packs that are frozen solid are allowed in checked luggage. Gel packs that are used for medical purposes are also allowed in checked luggage.

What to do if you’re not sure if your gel pack is allowed

If you are not sure if your gel pack is allowed on a plane, you can contact the TSA or the FAA before your flight. You can also contact the airline that you are flying with.

The TSA and the FAA can provide you with specific information about the regulations for gel packs. The airline that you are flying with can also provide you with information about their policies on gel packs.

It is important to follow the regulations for gel packs when you are flying

Gel packs are a popular way to keep food and drinks cold on a long journey. But can you bring them on a plane?

The answer is yes, you can bring gel packs on a plane. However, there are some restrictions on the size and amount of gel packs that you can bring.

Size restrictions

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to bring gel packs in your carry-on luggage as long as they are:

• Smaller than 100ml (3.4 ounces)
• In a clear, plastic, zip-top bag

You can also bring gel packs in your checked luggage, but there are no size restrictions.

Amount restrictions

There is no limit on the number of gel packs that you can bring in your carry-on luggage. However, you should pack them in a way that they don’t take up too much space.

In your checked luggage, you can bring as many gel packs as you want. However, you should pack them in a way that they don’t damage other items in your luggage.

Other considerations

When packing gel packs for a plane trip, keep the following things in mind:

• Gel packs can leak if they are not properly sealed. Make sure to check the seals before you pack them in your luggage.
• Gel packs can be a fire hazard. Do not pack them in your luggage near flammable materials.
• Gel packs can be a choking hazard. Keep them out of reach of children.

Gel packs are a convenient way to keep food and drinks cold on a long journey. By following the TSA’s guidelines, you can safely bring gel packs on your next plane trip.

How to pack gel packs for a plane trip

Packing gel packs for a plane trip is easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose the right size gel packs. Gel packs come in a variety of sizes. Choose the size that is best suited for your needs. 2. Pack the gel packs in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag. This will help to keep them organized and prevent them from leaking. 3. Label the bag with the contents. This will help you to identify the gel packs if they are accidentally separated from your luggage. 4. Pack the gel packs in your carry-on luggage. You can also pack them in your checked luggage, but they must be placed in a separate bag from your other belongings.

How to pack gel packs in your carry-on luggage

To pack gel packs in your carry-on luggage, follow these steps:

1. Place the gel packs in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag. 2. Label the bag with the contents. 3. Place the bag in your carry-on luggage.

How to pack gel packs in your checked luggage

To pack gel packs in your checked luggage, follow these steps:

1. Place the gel packs in a separate bag from your other belongings. 2. Label the bag with the contents. 3. Place the bag in your checked luggage.

FAQs about gel packs and flying

Yes, you can bring a frozen gel pack on a plane. However, it must be placed in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag and must not exceed 100ml (3.4 ounces).

Can I bring a hot gel pack on a plane?

No, you cannot bring a hot gel pack on a plane. Hot gel packs are considered a fire hazard and are not allowed on board.

Can I bring a gel pack in my checked luggage?

Yes, you can bring a gel pack in your checked luggage. However, there are no size restrictions on gel packs in checked luggage.

Can I bring a gel pack in my carry-on luggage?

Yes, you can bring a gel pack in your carry-on luggage. However, gel packs in carry-on luggage must be:

Yes, you can bring gel packs on a plane. However, there are some restrictions on the size and amount of gel packs that you can bring.

What are the size restrictions for gel packs?

Gel packs must be able to fit in a quart-sized clear bag. The bag must be able to close completely and must not be larger than 1 quart (1 liter).

How many gel packs can I bring?

You can bring up to 3 gel packs in your quart-sized clear bag.

What are the prohibited items in gel packs?

Gel packs must not contain any prohibited items, such as:

• Flammable materials
• Explosive materials
• Sharp objects

What should I do if my gel pack leaks?

If your gel pack leaks, you must dispose of it immediately. You can do this by throwing it away in a trash can or by giving it to a flight attendant.

Can I bring gel packs in my checked luggage?

You can bring gel packs in your checked luggage, but you are not allowed to bring them in your carry-on luggage.

Can I bring gel packs in my car?

Yes, you can bring gel packs in your car. There are no restrictions on the size or amount of gel packs that you can bring in your car.

gel packs are a great way to keep your food and drinks cold on a long journey. However, it is important to check the airline’s policy before you pack them in your carry-on or checked luggage. Most airlines allow gel packs in carry-on bags, but there are some exceptions. Be sure to read the fine print before you board your flight.

Author Profile

Latest entries

• January 19, 2024 Hiking How to Lace Hiking Boots for a Perfect Fit
• January 19, 2024 Camping How to Dispose of Camping Propane Tanks the Right Way
• January 19, 2024 Traveling Information Is Buffalo Still Under Travel Ban? (Updated for 2023)
• January 19, 2024 Cruise/Cruising Which Carnival Cruise Is Best for Families?

Language selection

• Search and menus

Liquids, Non-solid Food & Personal Items

You can make your security screening experience quicker and easier by packing your liquids, non-solid food, personal and toiletry items properly.  At the airport, these items are referred to as “liquids, aerosols and gels.”

Below you will find information on various items that fall into these categories, a list of items that are exempted from restrictions, and tips on how to pack all of them. 

On this page

Examples of liquids, non-solid food and personal items that are liquids, aerosols and gels, how to pack your liquids, non-solid food and personal items, liquids/non-solid food, personal items.

• soft drinks
• bottled water
• maple syrup
• conditioner
• liquid soap
• insect repellent
• liquid/gel based hand sanitizers
• creams/lotions
• liquid based cosmetics (e.g. mascara, liquid foundation, liquid eyeliner)
• static remover
• sunscreen spray
• shaving cream
• aerosol deodorant
• aerosol cheese strings
• hair styling gel
• mashed potatoes
• peanut butter
• chocolate spread
• cheese spread
• maple spread
• shaving gel
• gel-based deodorant
• gel-based cosmetics (e.g. gel blush, gel lip products)

Please note that if an item that is illegal in Canada (e.g. pepper spray) is found at a screening checkpoint, CATSA is required to notify the police.

• Containers of liquids, non-solid food and personal items in your carry-on must be 100 ml/100 g (3.4 oz) or less . All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag no more than 1L in capacity. The bag must be transparent so screening officers can easily see the contents.
• Each passenger is allowed a single 1 L bag containing liquids, food and personal items. The approximate dimensions of a 1L bag are 15.24 cm by 22.86 cm (6 in. by 9 in.) or 20 cm by 17.5 cm (8 in. by 7 in.).
• At the screening point, take your plastic bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin.
• Any containers over 100 ml/100 g (3.4 oz) can be placed in your checked baggage as long as they are not prohibited items. 
• Avoid packing gifts and souvenirs containing liquids, aerosols and gels in your carry-on. These include: liquor, wine, beer, snowglobes, cans of condensed soup, maple syrup, perfume, and lotion. Put them in checked baggage or ship them separately.
• Beverages: Drink or discard any beverages in containers of more than 100 ml before you get to security screening checkpoint.  This includes water in your personal water bottle. You can refill your container once you pass through security.
• Duty-Free Alcohol: Be sure you know the rules for bringing duty-free alcohol as part of your carry-on baggage.
• Non-solid food (e.g. yogurt, pudding, peanut butter, jam) in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less. All containers must fit in the same clear, closed, resealable 1 L plastic bag, along with all other containers of liquids, food or personal items you are carrying.
• Food over 100 ml that is normally a liquid or gel but has been frozen solid will not be allowed to pass through security in your carry-on. In order for a food to be considered a solid, it must be solid at room temperature.
• Solid food with less than 100 ml of liquid: Canned or jarred goods containing both solids and liquid that clearly contain less than 100 ml of liquid (e.g., can of tuna) are allowed. These items must fit in the same clear, closed, resealable 1 L plastic bag with all other containers of liquids, food or personal items you are carrying. 
• Food in checked baggage:  Both solid food and non-solid (over 100 ml) can go in your checked baggage; however, some restrictions may apply.

Did you know?

You can bring solid food in both carry-on and checked baggage. See Travelling with Food Items  for more detail. 

You can pack alcoholic beverages (including homemade wine and beer, and commercial products) in your checked baggage if:

• The percentage of alcohol by volume is 70% (140 proof) or less.
• The quantity does not exceed five litres per person for alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume.

Alcoholic beverages containing 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations on quantities. 

Duty-free alcohol: See Duty-Free Purchases .

Check the Canadian Border Services Agency website for personal exemption amounts on alcoholic beverages.

Personal items are allowed in carry-on baggage if they comply with the liquid restrictions. Some restrictions also apply to personal items in checked baggage.

The following items are allowed in limited quantities in your checked baggage:

• Insect repellent (limit of one aerosol canister per person)
• Aerosol items that are toiletry articles (e.g. hair spray, perfumes, cologne, aerosol deodorant)

Aerosols are subject to a maximum limit of 500 ml/500 g per container , with a total net quantity not exceeding 2 L/2 kg. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Some items are exempted from the 100 ml or 100 g (3.4 oz) limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. However, you must declare these items to the screening officer for inspection. The exceptions are:

• Baby food/drink: If you are travelling with an infant younger than two years of age (0-24 months), baby food, milk, liquid formula, water and juice are allowed in quantities greater than 100 ml .
• Breast milk: Passengers flying with or without their child can bring breast milk in quantities greater than 100 ml
• Prescription medicines are allowed.
• Essential non-prescription medicines , such as homeopathic products, pain relieving medication, cough syrup, decongestant spray, gel-based nutritional supplements, saline solution or eye care products, are allowed. 
• COVID-19 test kits are permitted without restrictions in carry-on and checked baggage.
• Gel and ice packs are allowed, if they are needed to treat an injury, to refrigerate baby food, milk, breast milk, formula, water and juice for infants younger than two years of age (0-24 months), or to preserve medically necessary items or medication
• Liquids/gels for diabetes: Juice or gels are allowed if you need them for diabetic or other medical conditions.
• Distilled water for CPAP devices: The distilled water needed to operate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices is exempt from liquid restrictions.

Documentation to support your medical needs or condition is not required; however, if you feel that it would help ease your screening, it should be presented to the screening officer along with your medically necessary items.

Best Travel Seat Cushions of 2021

Last Updated on June 11, 2021 by Artem

If it isn’t comfortable, a travel cushion will help in padding it. This way, you’ll experience a supportive firmness level that will help alleviate any discomfort or even pain (e.g. back pain).

Check out the top 8 best travel seat cushions for car and airplane travel as well as the other best cushions we reviewed previously.

Let’s get staaarted!

Are seat cushions allowed on airplanes?

Can I bring a seat cushion on an airplane? The short answer is – yes!

Travel cushions are a simple solution for making your airplane seat more comfortable.

There are currently no safety restrictions that would stop you from bringing a cushion on an airplane. However, make sure that:

• It complies with the airline’s carry-on luggage policy (e.g. number of items you can bring into the cabin)
• It doesn’t exceed the weight allowed for carry-on luggage

The cushion will need to be X-rayed by the security just like any other items you are carrying.

Which is better gel or memory foam seat cushion?

It depends on the type of the cushion you are looking to travel with, its purpose and the type of transport you are using.

Foldable gel cushions are great at maintaining shape and reducing muscle strain from prolonged sitting (e.g. in a car, or on a plane). Pad-type gel cushions are easy to fold and carry anywhere. You can buy gel seat cushion here.

Foam seat pillows tend to have orthopedic features that tackle certain conditions. For example,  donut pillows  have a hole in the middle which helps to reduce symptoms of conditions like hemorrhoids, coccyx pain and discomfort associated with sitting during pregnancy.

Premium Cooling Gel Seat Cushion

Maybe your bum gets tired while you’re driving or traveling on air for long hours. Either way, it doesn’t have to be that way!  Introducing Posturion’s office chair cushion… the one affordable flight cushion for extra support.

The honeycomb structure of this seat cushion uses acupressure to relieve bum strain. It diminishes congestion and promotes blood flow in the critical areas, therefore, adding comfort to your chair.

You’ll appreciate the soft yet supportive design of the unit. This feature comes in handy in reducing the tingling and numbness that comes from sitting for long hours!

You’ll soon notice that you don’t want to sit on any chair without this gel seat cushion. The cell pattern “holds” your bum snugly,  making you feel like you’re sitting on something firm, soft, and comfortable.

The cushion comes with a 16.0″ X 13.5″ non-slippery cover for additional comfort. You can use the pillow with or without the machine-washable cover, depending on your preferences.

With a weight of only 1.2 lb, you can easily roll this airplane pillow and transport it to wherever you’re going. It doesn’t break or deform on rolling, increasing its reliability and durability.

• Non-slippery surface
• Around 1.2 lbs (0.5 kg)
• Weighs 16L x 13.5W x 1.5H inches
• Maximum weight recommendation of 300 lbs
• Non-skid machine-washable cover

Posturion’s pillow is a great place to start for anyone with back pain looking for relief. Make sure to take it with you on a flight or a drive – it’s one of the cushions that makes your trip more comfortable!

Sojoy iGelComfort 3 in 1 Foldable Gel Airplane Seat Cushion

The ergonomic design will alleviate pain from your sciatica, back, and tailbone. That is why the unit is approved and recommended by orthopedists from all over the world.

The gel comfort memory foam reduces the overall coccyx pressure while helping you maintain a healthy sitting posture with spine alignment. With this, you can forget about the stubborn pain that comes from prolonged sitting on a plane or wherever you choose to take it to.

Unlike most seat cushions that wear down or lose shape over time, Sojoy’s seat cushion keeps its shape all day long. The quality of materials and ergonomic design makes it highly durable. And since it is built to last, the cushion will not flatten out when you sit on it.

The contours will fit your bum perfectly hence removing all pressure tension from this area. Additionally, the cushion’s open slot prevents the tailbone from compressing against the plane seat – you’re in for a fantastic relief!

Finally, the uniquely shaped velour zipper cover is easy to remove and clean.

• Size: 18″ x 13.5″ x 1.5″.
• 3 in 1 foldable design
• Contoured shape
• Solid rubber-like gel and memory material

Sitting in an airplane has never felt so good with the Sojoy iGelComfort Gel Seat Cushion.    Now you can enjoy pure comfort on your airplane seats without coccyx pain and with full support.

CYLEN Memory Foam Ventilated Orthopedic Seat Cushion

It also contains a high-quality bamboo charcoal infusion that absorbs the natural smell in your vicinity and provides superb ventilation. This feature also prevents the buildup of excess moisture by regulating the cushion’s temperature and humidity levels.

The breathable and washable air mesh cover promotes max airflow between the cushion and your bum. With this, you can forget about the irritation and discomfort of your previous travel experiences.

The cushion is here to make a difference, especially for patients with hip, lumbar, coccyx, and tailbone pains. The memory foam hugs your tailbone and body contour to relieve discomfort. While it doesn’t heal these tension parts, the unit alleviates pain and increases comfort.

Available in deep blue color, it’ll add some aesthetic flair to your car or plane seat. Plus, the cushion’s non-slip feature offers a firm and steady platform that doesn’t compromise your comfort.

Enjoy the 5-year warranty and a 30 days hassle-free return by CYLEN. The warranty lets you rest assured that you’re investing in a quality product that will give you long-lasting service.

See also – airhawk pro review .

• State-of-the-art memory foam
• High-quality bamboo charcoal infusion
• Breathable and washable air mesh cover
• Five-year warranty and 60 days no-hassle return

The CYLEN Home-Memory ranks as the best thermoregulating cushion recommended by orthopedists. Say goodbye to that hot airplane seat and get ready for the best non-skid seat on the market.

Arova U-shaped Seat Cushion

The cushion responds to the contours of your body and is also sensitive to heat production.  It can perfectly mold to hug your shape, thus providing a perfect fit for any user.

It boasts an ergonomic U-shaped design that helps to distribute your weight uniformly. This ability alleviates much of the pressure on your lower back, tailbone, and coccyx.

The generous dimension of 17’’ by 13’’ by 2’’ gives you a large surface area. And with a max support weight of up to 225 lbs, most users will find this seat cushion well-fitting.

The cushion cover uses a breathable and easy-to-clean velvet fabric. Its detachable design makes it convenient to take it off and wash. Besides, the unit’s anti-slip rubber bottom will keep the cushion firm on your airplane seat.

The carry handle makes portability a breeze. You can use it wherever you want!

Many airplane users appreciate that the cushion nicely fits in most chairs. You can use it on your wheelchair, car, or airplane seat for a comfortable ride.

• Washable soft velvet cover
• Dimension of 17’’ by 13’’ by 2’’
• Contoured design with an anti-slip base
• Carry handle made for easy carrying
• U-shape provides great coccyx support

This unique seat cushion comes with the enhanced orthopedic design that most people are looking for. It’ll promote a healthy posture and proper spinal alignment for sciatica relief and everyday comfort.

TETON Sports Camping Seat Cushion

The unit is rolled and packed flat into a compact storage bag for easy portability. And at only 6 ounces, it boasts an ultralight design that is easy to carry – you’ll hardly notice you’re carrying it. When the travel needs more padding, pull it out from the bag, and you’re good to go!

It is designed with a sturdy microfiber stretch fabric material that guarantees comfort and long-lasting service. The reliable construction herein makes the cushion comfortable for everyday use.

If you want to make the seat cushion more firm, you can use the rapid inflation valve to fill it with some air breaths. By doing so, you’ll notice that the cushion pulls the air in until you achieve your preferred sturdiness.

The non-slip heavy-duty base helps to keep the airplane seat cushion in place. It doesn’t shake or leave the seat during your long haul flights.

With the affordable price tag, you’re buying a budget-friendly seat cushion that comes with the features of higher-end cushions. Medical practitioners will confirm that purchasing the product is a worthwhile investment!

This orange color is quite noticeable so the pillow will certainly not get lost among other cushions!

• Weight: 6 ounces
• Rapid Inflation Valve
• Microfiber Stretch Fabric
• Non-Slip Bottom
• Dimensions: 17″ by 12″ by 1.5″

Many people that love to travel will be delighted to meet the TETON Sports Camping Seat Cushion. The unit’s maximum comfort will offer the perfect solution to your painful tailbone or lower back.

Seat Cushion Pillow for Office Chair

By evenly distributing your body’s weight, the seat cushion offloads pressure from the spinal discs (so it acts like a neck pillow). The ergonomic design further increases blood flow and prevents the accumulation of stress in the lower back. With this, you can maintain an upright posture with no muscle fatigue, hamstring, or leg tightness.

The 17.7″x 13.8″x 2.8″ dimensions give suitable butt and coccyx support. The pillow features a removable, breathable, and washable black mesh cover. It promotes great air circulation and lets you sit for long time without feeling sweaty or hot.

The anti-slip rubber base helps to keep the cushion in place.

With a 100% memory foam insert, the unit would easily conform to your body shape. Moreover, the U-shaped contoured design will rest your lower back and tailbone, avoiding discomfort and compression.

The attached handle will make portability an easy affair.

• 100% memory foam
• Measuring 17.7″x 13.8″x 2.8″
• Zipper-removable 100% cotton cover
• Medium  hardness
• Non-slip base
• Breathable mesh

This foam Seat Cushion Pillow works with nearly all chairs, making it an excellent option to consider if you move around often. It is an alternative to your hemorrhoid and donut neck pillows and you can, therefore, take it in your car, train, or plane!

Klymit V Seat Lightweight Inflatable Travel Cushion

Like TETON Sports Camping Seat Cushion, the product comes with a valve that is easy to inflate and deflate. You can fill the unit with air until you reach your preferred firmness.

It weighs 2.6 ounces and has a maximum weight-bearing capacity of around 300 lbs.

The inflatable feature is a great bonus for frequent travelers – you can push out the air, roll the cushion and pack it up for your next adventure.

Since it is made from 75D Polyester fabric, the cushion would withstand everything the environment throws at it. Even with prolonged use, it remains firm – forget about having a flat unit or one that wears and tears after use.

While there is nothing fancy or attractive about the color and appearance, the looks do not compromise the unit’s performance. The minimalist look will be useful in adding extra padding to your chair and making your travel comfortable.

Its ability to offer ultimate support to your tailbone will maintain the proper posture and blood circulation. Additionally, the unit prevents muscle fatigue by distributing your weight uniformly.

• 75D Polyester fabric
• Dimensions: 14″ x 14″ x 1″
• Pack Size: 3. 5″ x 1. 5″
• Weighs 2.6 ounces
• Max weight-bearing capacity of 300 lbs

This lightweight and easy to carry cushion is the recommended must-have pick for your next trip. It’ll add some extra support on your airplane seat wherever you need it!

Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Travel Cushion

Its self-inflation ability offers a customizable way of setting your preferred comfort levels.

Though it is not a memory foam type, the unit comes with a no-slide feature that keeps it firm on your chair. It doesn’t slide around even when the journey becomes bumpy.

The one-handed adjustment lets you roll the cushion into a compact size and walk lightly without weighing you down.

You can pair a set of these seat cushions together using the convenient loop and hook tabs for more lumbar support. The pair will provide extra cushioning for your concave airplane seat that might be hard on the back.

The appealing bright blue color will add some aesthetics to your seat.

With its affordable price tag, the travel cushion is both practical and most economical. Also, the well-designed valve is by far the most robust you’ll ever encounter.

If you don’t mind carrying an inflatable seat cushion on the airplane, the Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Travel Cushion might just be what you’re looking for!

• Self-inflation seat cushion
• One-handed adjustment
• Dimension of 16.5’’ by 10.5’’ by 2’’
• Weighs 4 ounces
• Open-cell foam fill material
• Bright blue color

Equip yourself with the Therm-a-Rest Self-Inflating Travel Cushion, and you’ll get the confidence of a seasoned traveler. This outstanding unit gives you uncompromised support even on the worst flight seats ever.

The pain in your back can cause significant interference in your day-to-day life, especially if you’re a frequent traveler. While medication can relieve this pain, the easier way out is using a travel airplane seat cushion. Pick one of these seat cushions from the list and make sure you use it in your long drives and flights!

Taking Your Prescription Drugs Through Airport Security

Many travelers who take prescription drugs worry about bringing their medications onto airplanes. While it is true that every item brought onto an airplane must be screened, you should be able to bring prescription drugs on your flight without difficulty.

Rules for Taking Prescription Drugs Through US Airport Security

In U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring prescription drugs and other medically required substances, such as water or juice, with them onto the airplane. You may place medications in 3.4 ounce (100 milliliters) or smaller containers in a one-quart size clear zip-top plastic bag along with your other personal liquid and gel items. If your prescription medications come in larger containers or bottles, you will need to pack them separately in your carry-on bag. You must declare each medication to the security officer when you arrive at the airport security checkpoint . Permitted items include:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplies, such as saline solution for contact lenses
• Water, juice, "liquid nutrition" (such as Boost), and gels that are necessary for a passenger with a medical condition or disability to consume during the flight
• Bone marrow, transplant organs, and other life-sustaining materials
• Mastectomy products and other cosmetic or medical augmentation items that contain gel or liquid
• Breast milk and baby formula
• Frozen gels or liquids (ice packs) required to cool medications, life-sustaining materials, or disability-related items

At the Airport Security Checkpoint

When you arrive at the security checkpoint, you, your travel companion or a family member must declare your medically necessary liquid and gel items to a security screening officer if these items are in bottles or containers larger 3.4 ounces. You can tell the screening officer about your prescription drugs or present a written list. You may wish to bring doctor's notes, original prescription bottles or containers, and other documentation to make the screening process go more quickly.

You will need to present your medically necessary items, including prescription drugs, separately to the screening officer. The screening officer may ask you to open your bottles or containers of medically necessary liquid for inspection and testing. This testing may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the liquids. If your medically necessary liquids cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be able to bring your liquids with you, but you will probably have to undergo a pat-down screening, so you should plan to get to the airport early.

You will still need to remove your shoes during the screening process unless you have a medical condition or disability that prevents you from doing so, wear a prosthetic device, or are over 75 years old. If you do not remove your shoes, expect to have them inspected and tested for explosives while you are wearing them.

Packing Your Prescription Drugs

While the TSA suggests that you carry only the prescription drugs and medical liquids you need during your flight in your carry-on bag, travel experts recommend that you take all doses of the medications and medical supplies you will need for your trip with you in your carry-on bag  if at all possible. Unexpected delays during your trip can leave you without enough medication because you cannot access your checked baggage until you reach your final destination. In addition, prescription drugs and medical supplies occasionally disappear from checked baggage en route, and today's computerized prescription ordering systems make it difficult and time-consuming to obtain additional medications when you are far from home. It is easier and safer to bring all of the prescription medications and medical liquids you will need on your travels with you in your carry-on baggage, even if you must undergo additional screening at the TSA checkpoint.

You are allowed to bring ice packs to keep medications and liquid medical supplies cold as long as you declare the ice packs to your screening officer.

If you need more information about packing your prescription medications or presenting them to the screening officer, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight.

International Screening Information

Several nations across the globe work together to establish and maintain consistent and effective airport security screening procedures. This means that you can pack all your small liquid and gel items in your zip-top bag and use the same bag almost anywhere you travel.

What to Do if You Experience a Problem at the TSA Checkpoint

If you experience problems during your security screening, ask to talk with a TSA supervisor about your prescription medications. The supervisor should be able to resolve the situation.

Best Ways to Prepare for Airport Security Screenings

How to Take Your Service Animal Through Airport Security

The 7 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

What to Pack for Mexico

3-1-1 Rule for Liquids in Carry-on Bags

TSA Rules for Traveling with Food

Get Ready to Go Through Airport Security

Liquids Allowed in Carry-On Luggage

Top 10 Travel Essentials

Where and How to Buy Medications in Italy

How to Bring Duty Free Liquids Into the US in a Carry-On Bag

Airport Security Rules and Regulations

Carry-On Restrictions for Canadian Air Travel

Packing for Airport Security

Survival Tips for Air Travel with an Infant or Toddler

Rules for Liquids in Checked Baggage: The Complete Guide

Can You Bring Vitamins On A Plane? (The TSA Rules)

Last Updated on August 7, 2022

Flying with vitamins and supplements is permitted and extremely common.

This post will answer all your questions about traveling with vitamins.

TSA Vitamins Rules

The transportation security administration is the organization that checks your luggage at security screening checkpoints. They decide what can and can’t go on planes.

Let’s see what they say about vitamins:

The guidelines are clear. You can bring vitamins in on a plane in your carry on bag. Vitamins are also permitted in checked luggage.

There are no limits set on the amount of vitamins you can take on a plane.

The TSA do not require passengers to pack solid vitamins in your quart bag. Even soft gels like fish-oil capsules are not considered to be liquids as Amy discovered:

However, bottles of liquid vitamins would need to go in your quart bag along with other toiletries. They should be under 3.4 oz (100ml).

If you have a bottle of liquid vitamins and you have a medical prescription for it you will be able to take bottles larger than 3.4 oz. You just need to show your liquid vitamins and prescription to the TSA officer and you will be permitted to bring it on board.

Keep in mind, while these are the general rules the TSA officer at the checkpoint always has the final say.

Can I Take Gummy Vitamins On A Plane

So solid vitamins are fine and liquid vitamins are treated like other liquids unless you have a medical prescription for them.

But what about the grey area…

Are gummy vitamins a liquid or a solid?

Michelle asked the TSA about taking them on a plane:

Gummy vitamins are considered to be solid so you can take gummy vitamins on a plane. There are no special packing requirements. 

How To Pack Vitamins For A Flight

It always makes more sense to pack vitamins or medication in your hand luggage.

This is because checked luggage sometimes gets lost. Also, theft from checked luggage is a problem too, and bottles of vitamins can be expensive!

To make sure your vitamins arrive at your destination along with you we advise that you pack them in carry on bags.

Packaging And Labeling

So you know you can bring vitamins on a plane, but are there any special packaging or labeling requirements?

Brian asked the TSA:

Do Vitamins Have To Be In Original Bottles When Flying?

No, vitamins don’t need to be packed in original bottles when flying. Packing supplements for air travel is really simple.

Appropriate packaging is whatever is convenient for you. A pill organizer can be good if you need to keep things organized. But it’s equally valid to just throw some vitamin pills in a ziplock bag.

Paula also asked the TSA about it and they got back to her:

So it’s clear, you can transport your vitamins in any type of container.

Karen asked the TSA on Twitter about taking vitamin sprays in carry on luggage:

Homeopathic sprays and liquid vitamins fall under the 3-1-1 rule and must be packed in your clear plastic quart size bag .

Can You Take Vitamins On International Flights?

Taking vitamins on a plane internationally is no different. If you are departing from the united states you will pass through a TSA security checkpoint. The rules are the same whether you are flying domestically or internationally.

The only one thing you should consider is the legality of your vitamin supplement at your destination.

If you have any doubt check the local laws of your destination country.

The Verdict

Can you bring vitamins on a plane? Yes, you can. There are best practices such as packing vitamins in carry-on luggage and labeling to avoid confusion but there are few regulations.

Brings vitamins on a plane is pretty straightforward, you don’t need to do anything but if a TSA officer asks to take a closer look at your vitamins you should comply.

People Also Ask

• Can you bring pills on a plane?
• Can you bring melatonin on a plane?

How Can We Fix The Page?

Please let us know how to improve the page we'll try to fix it.

There Were Errors On The Page It Was Missing The Information I Needed

Tell Us More...

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Great! We Aim To Please!

Maybe you can help us.

Social shares allow us to continue to publish more articles so if you can help out by sharing it would be much appreciated!

Can You Take Nail Polish on a Plane? (2024 TSA Rules)

By Author Easy Travel Packing

Posted on Published: September 7, 2023  - Last updated: December 14, 2023

Categories Packing Hacks

Can you take nail polish on a plane? 

It’s a common question that nail aficionados ask when traveling. As frequent travelers and beauty enthusiasts, we know how important it is to keep your nails looking fabulous even when you’re on the go. 

Navigating the rules of air travel with your favorite nail polishes can be as tricky as a French manicure, and TSA has strict regulations on which liquids you can and cannot take in your carry-on and checked baggage. 

To make your travel preparation easier, we’re breaking down the 2023 TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules for flying with nail polish so you can jet off on your travels with peace of mind and perfect nails. 

Let’s jump in!

This post may contain affiliate links to the products we use and trust, where we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using our links. See  disclosure .

In This Post:

Can You Bring Nail Polish on a Plane?

The short answer: Yes!   According to the TSA , nail polish is allowed in both your carry-on baggage and checked bags, with some restrictions. 

Nail polish is considered a liquid and, as a result, must follow  TSA’s 3-1-1 rule .  

This means that: 

• Each bottle of nail polish you bring cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on bag.
• Anything over the 3.4-ounce limit must be placed in checked luggage and is subject to inspection at the security checkpoint. 
• You’re limited to one quart-sized clear plastic bag for all your carry-on liquids (including liquid cosmetics), aerosols, and gels, so make sure your bottles of nail polish fit accordingly. 

It doesn’t matter what kind of container your nail polish is in — glass, metal, plastic, etc., and it also doesn’t matter whether the bottle has been opened or not for both carry-on bags and checked luggage.

Keep in mind that the final decision rests on TSA agents at the security checkpoint , so always make sure to bring only what you’re allowed and be prepared for additional screening. 

But if you follow the 3-1-1 formal policy for liquids, aerosols, and gels and have any container larger than 3.4 ounces packed in your checked baggage, you should be able to fly with nail polish without any problems. 

Carry-On Guidelines 

When traveling with nail polish in a carry-on bag/personal item, it must be in a container that holds 3.4 ounces (or 100 ml of liquid) or less. 

You’ll also need to ensure it’s properly sealed and in a plastic quart-sized bag with all your other liquids and gels.  

If you’re traveling with more than one bottle, ensure each one is within the 3.4-ounce rule, and they all fit into the quart-sized transparent resealable bag. 

If you want to bring a bottle of polish that’s more than 3.4 ounces, you need to pack it in your checked bag or distribute it into multiple containers that are 3.4 ounces or smaller each and place them in the quart-sized bag. 

The bottom line is that as long the bottle is less than 3.4 ounces and it fits in your toiletry bag, you can bring as much nail polish as you want in your hand luggage. 

Wondering what else you can bring on a plane? Check out these posts for more information on what you can and can’t bring when flying:

• Can You Pack a Vape in Your Luggage?
• Can You Bring a Baseball Bat on a Plane?
• Can You Take a Hydro Flask on a Plane?

Checked Bag Guidelines 

Nail polish is considered a hazardous material when it comes to checked bags because it’s a flammable liquid. 

It’s still allowed in checked-in baggage, but you need to be mindful of the following  FAA regulations and restrictions  and official policy:

“The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles in checked baggage.  The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed   2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).”

As long as you adhere to the above TSA guidelines for packing nail polish in your checked baggage, your polishes will make it safely to their destination.  

Can You Take Nail Polish on a Plane For International Travel?

Yes, you can take nail polish on a plane for most international travel as long as you adhere to the above TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule. 

Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom have similar regulations to the United States, but it’s important to note that some countries have restrictions on bringing nail polish into their borders.  

For example, you can’t bring nail polish to China in your carry-on luggage and checked luggage because it’s considered flammable and hazardous.  

Always double-check the regulations of your destination country before traveling to avoid any issues at customs or airport security checkpoints. 

Can You Take Nail Polish on a Plane Regardless of Airline?

All airlines in the USA abide by the TSA’s rules when it comes to bringing liquid items, aerosols, and gels on a plane. 

Regardless of whether you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit, Delta, Virgin America, or any other airline, you’re totally fine to bring nail polish in both your carry-on bag and checked luggage as long as it follows TSA rules.

How to Properly Pack Nail Polish for Air Travel

Now that you know the basics of what TSA allows and doesn’t allow when flying with nail polish, let’s look at how to pack your polishes so they can fly safely. 

The best way of packing them depends on whether you’re packing them in a checked bag or a carry-on. 

Packing Nail Polish for Carry-On Bags 

We recommend that you pack liquids and nail polish in this  clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 travel toiletry bag  because it’s more sturdy than a plastic 1-quart bag.

Then, place each bottle of nail polish you’re bringing in an individual small Ziploc bag and put them in the  travel toiletry bag.

This will not only make it easier to get through security, but it also prevents your nail polishes from breaking or spilling and contaminating your other toiletries in case anything happens during the flight. 

Place your toiletry bag on top of your items in your hand baggage so you don’t have to dig around and can easily access it at the security checkpoint if need be.

✅   Buy your clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 travel toiletry bag here!  

Packing Nail Polish for Checked Bags

If you’re checking nail polish in your luggage, the best way to pack it is to wrap each bottle securely with bubble wrap and place them into a  nail polish carrier case   within your checked baggage. 

These  nail polish carrier cases  are amazing because they’re designed to keep your bottles safe and secure, and you can store other nail products like nail files, clippers, and polish removers in them as well. 

This will also help prevent your essential items from getting damaged if the bottle breaks during transit. 

✅   Buy your nail polish organizer/carrier case here!  

Will Nail Polish Bottles Explode on a Plane?

While it’s technically possible for nail polish to explode on a plane, it is highly unlikely.

There is a small chance of bottles leaking or breaking on flights if your checked luggage is mishandled, so pack them securely according to the above guidelines to avoid any issues. 

Can You Use Nail Polish on a Plane?

Although most airlines don’t have strict rules against the use of nail polish on a flight, it’s not recommended , and a flight attendant and cabin crew will most likely ask you to put it away if you try using it on the plane. 

The fumes from the nail polish may cause discomfort to other passengers , and you might cause accidental spills or stains on the seats or tray tables due to turbulence.

Can You Bring Nail Polish Remover on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring nail polish remover in both your carry-on bag and checked bag.

For carry-on bags, just make sure you adhere to the 3-1-1 TSA requirements (3.4 ounces or less per container, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger) and keep your nail polish remover in a secure plastic container within the quart-sized bag.  

For checked luggage, ensure the bottle is no more than 17 fluid ounces and the total aggregate quantity of your toiletry articles is less than 2 kg or 2 L. 

What Other Nail Care Items Can You Bring on a Plane?

Any liquid nail item such as nail polish remover, nail glue, nail gel, nail thickener, and products along those lines are permitted , but you must pack them the same way you pack nail polish. 

Dip powder and nail polish remover wipes are also permitted onboard , but if your dip powder container is more than 12 ounces (350 ml), you should pack it in your checked bag. 

Nail art products like rhinestones, nail stickers, and decals are also allowed in your carry-on bags and checked baggage.

You can also bring nail clippers, nail files, cuticle pushers, tweezers, and nail brushes that come in a manicure kit in both carry-on bags and checked bags.

Keep in mind that nail scissors and nail files with pointy ends and sharp edges are considered sharp objects and a potential weapon and have to be placed in your checked baggage. 

Can You Take Nail Polish on a Plane FAQs

Can you bring nail varnish on a plane.

Nail polish and nail varnish are the same thing, so yes, you can bring nail varnish on a plane in both your carry-on bag and checked luggage as long as they follow TSA guidelines. 

Can you take nail lacquer on a plane?

The difference between nail polish and nail lacquer is that nail lacquer is usually a little thicker than regular nail polish, and it’s more durable and chip-resistant.

Yes, you can take nail lacquer on a plane as long as you follow the same TSA guidelines as regular nail polish. 

How many nail polishes can you bring on a plane?

For carry-on bags, you can bring as many nail polishes as you want as long as they follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule and are placed in a quart-sized clear bag. 

For checked luggage, there is no specific limit on the amount of nail polish you can bring since these items fall under the “toiletries” category. 

Just make sure that the total aggregate quantity of all your toiletry items does not exceed 2 kg or 2 L. 

Will TSA confiscate nail polish?

A TSA officer will not confiscate your nail polish as long as it follows the liquid rules and guidelines.  

If you’re bringing a bottle of nail polish that does not follow TSA regulations, then they may ask you to remove the bottle from your bag or check it in. 

Should you not take nail polish on a plane?

You should not take nail polish on a plane if it does not follow TSA regulations. But as long as you follow the guidelines and adhere to the size restrictions, then it is perfectly safe to take nail polish on a plane and you won’t run into any issues with TSA officials. 

How do you travel with nail polish?

The best way to travel with nail polish is to place each bottle of nail polish in an individual small Ziploc bag and then put them all in a clear quart-size bag for carry-on bags.

For checked luggage, wrap each bottle securely with bubble wrap and place them into a nail polish carrier case. 

This will help keep your other items safe and secure if any bottles break or spill during transit. 

Summary of Can You Take Nail Polish on a Plane

So, can you take nail polish on a plane?  Yes, just make sure you follow the TSA regulations. 

You can bring nail polish in both your carry-on items and checked luggage, but follow the above guidelines when packing them to ensure a safe and smooth journey.   

Other items like nail files, clippers, and polish remover are also allowed on planes, but be sure to check the TSA guidelines for each item if you’re unsure.

Lastly, it’s best not to use nail polish on a plane to avoid inconveniencing fellow passengers. 

The key to hassle-free travel with nail polish is abiding by the TSA rules and regulations when packing your items. 

Happy travels and happy manicures! 

More Packing Hacks and Packing Lists:

• Bora Bora Packing List
• Can You Pack a Vape in Your Luggage
• The BEST Cabo Packing List

Easy Travel Packing is a team of expert travelers who have been around the world and back. With a passion for seamless travel experiences and a knack for packing efficiently, Easy Travel Packing is your go-to guru for all things travel essentials and packing. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or you’re planning your first vacation, we’ll make sure you’re packing the right things for wherever you’re heading so you can have peace of mind that everything is taken care of. With Easy Travel Packing, it’s never been easier to hit the road!

TravelAsker

Is it permissible to carry shower gel while traveling on a plane?

May 13, 2023

By Kristy Tolley

Traveling is exciting, but it requires preparation, especially when it comes to packing. One of the most common concerns of travelers is what items they can bring on a plane. With security measures becoming increasingly strict, it is crucial to know what is permissible and what is not. In this article, we will focus on shower gel and whether it is allowed on a plane.

TSA Rules for Liquids

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency responsible for regulating what passengers can bring on board airplanes. TSA has guidelines in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. One of the most significant restrictions is the rule about liquids. According to the TSA, liquids, aerosols, and gels must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Also, these containers must be placed in a quart-sized bag, which must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in a bin for screening at the security checkpoint.

What is Shower Gel?

Shower gel is a liquid soap used for body cleansing while showering. It comes in various fragrances, and some brands offer moisturizing properties that help keep the skin soft and hydrated. Shower gels are available in different container sizes and materials, usually plastic or glass.

Is Shower Gel Allowed on Planes?

The answer is yes. Shower gel is allowed on planes, but it must comply with the TSA rules for liquids. The container must be 3.4 ounces or less, and it must fit in the quart-sized bag as mentioned earlier. However, suppose the shower gel exceeds the 3.4 ounces limit. In that case, passengers have the option to put it in their checked luggage or purchase travel-sized bottles that comply with the TSA guidelines.

TSA Guidelines on Container Size

As previously mentioned, TSA allows passengers to bring liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item. For travelers who need to bring more than three ounces of any liquid or gel, they can pack it in their checked bags. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as medications, baby formula, and breast milk. For these items, passengers may bring more than 3.4 ounces, but they must declare them at the security checkpoint and be inspected separately.

Options for Carrying Shower Gel

There are various options for carrying shower gel on a plane. One option is to purchase travel-sized containers that comply with the TSA rules. Most drugstores and supermarkets carry these containers, which are usually 3.4 ounces or less. Another option is to transfer the shower gel into travel-sized containers. Passengers can buy empty containers and fill them with the desired amount of shower gel. Finally, travelers can also pack their shower gel in their checked bags if they prefer not to bring it in their carry-on.

Other Personal Care Items on Planes

Apart from shower gel, travelers may also want to bring other personal care items on planes. Some examples of these items are toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, and hair gel. These items are allowed on planes, but they must comply with the TSA rules for liquids. Passengers may also bring solid toiletries such as bar soap, solid deodorant, and solid shampoo bars.

Preparing to Pack for a Flight

Preparing to pack for a flight can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Passengers must check with their airline for specific instructions on what they can and cannot bring on board. They should also check the TSA website for the latest guidelines on liquids. Once they have a good understanding of what is allowed, they can start packing.

Tips to Pack Shower Gel for a Flight

Here are some tips for packing shower gel for a flight:

• Buy travel-sized containers that comply with the TSA rules.
• Transfer the shower gel into travel-sized containers.
• Label the containers to avoid confusion.
• Place the containers in the quart-sized bag to make it easy for security to inspect.
• Pack the quart-sized bag at the top of the carry-on for easy access during screening.

Traveling with Shower Gel Internationally

For those traveling internationally, it is essential to check the rules of the destination country. Some countries have different rules regarding liquids, and passengers may have to follow different guidelines. Furthermore, some countries may not allow certain types of toiletries, even if they are in compliance with TSA guidelines.

Conclusion: Can You Carry Shower Gel on a Plane?

Yes, passengers can carry shower gel on a plane, but it must comply with the TSA rules for liquids. The container must be 3.4 ounces or less, and it must fit in the quart-sized bag for inspection at the security checkpoint. Passengers may also pack shower gel in their checked luggage if they prefer.

Final Considerations for Travelers with Shower Gel

In summary, bringing shower gel on a plane is permissible, but it requires careful packing and compliance with TSA guidelines. Passengers should be aware of the rules regarding liquids and be prepared to declare any items that exceed the limit. By packing correctly and following the rules, travelers can have a stress-free flight and enjoy their trip.

Kristy Tolley

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Find cheap flights from Russia to anywhere Close dialog These suggestions are based on the cheapest fares to popular destinations in the next six months. Prices include required taxes + fees for 1 adult. Optional charges and bag fees may apply.

• Saint Petersburg

Useful tools to help you find the best deals

Popular destinations from russia.

Frequently asked questions

Trouble sleeping on planes? These science-backed tips will help you snooze while flying

From neck support to noise canceling headphones, these travel hacks are scientifically proven to help support sleep.

When flying, most of us are traveling in a tightly packed economy cabin surrounded by people talking, laughing, complaining, sneezing, and eating. Babies are crying, flight personnel push drink carts down the narrow aisles, and passersby cause traffic jams.

If you dare to sleep at all, sitting in the aisle seat means being jostled at any time throughout the flight, from people walking or row mates heading to the bathroom.

Rick Steves, the indomitable travel writer and guide, described his travel routine in an email: “I dress warm and loose for flights and cuddle up with my sweater and scarf. Next, I slip on my noise-canceling headphones, which both mute the rumble of the engines and the mind-numbing chatter of people around me."

The right preparations can help travelers doze off. From an in-flight cocktail to neck support, here’s what to avoid and what to bring to get a few hours’ sleep on a plane.

Coping with stuffy air and ear-rattling noise

The physical limitations of sleeping are joined by a host of other in-flight demons. The humidity in the passenger cabin is low and the resulting dry air can irritate the eyes and nose. Air pressure is also lower, which can trigger headaches and nausea, neither conducive for nodding off. Some people can experience the unsettling feeling of altitude sickness when the plane hits 4,500 feet, about 10 minutes into the flight.

The temperature in a passenger cabin fluctuates between 71°F to 75°F. For some, it's too hot, for others, too cold. According to sleep experts , the optimum temperature for a good sleep is between 65°F and 68°F. Depending on the length of your flight, you may need a blanket— or a hand fan.

Get science-backed tips to nurture your mind and body

( Explore our favorite products for sleeping soundly on a plane. )

Then there's the noise. The plane itself at cruising level generates 85 decibels (dBA)—not good for the ears and certainly not soothing for sleep.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association , you can listen to sounds of 70 dBA (washing machine) or lower "for as long as you want" and not damage hearing. But "sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss if you listen to them for more than 8 hours at a time."

Carla Jaspers , an occupational therapist and ergonomic specialist, urges flyers to use noise canceling headphones or earplugs "to block out excess noise either from the aircraft itself or from people on the flight."

Picking the right seat and sleeping position

Among Jasper’s travel suggestions, avoid using the drop-down tray table as a head rest. The position irritates the skin and can lead to pinched nerves and numbness.

A seat that reclines even a bit relieves the pressure on your back and spine—and invest in an ergonomically correct pillow for the neck and head and one for your tail bone. The more support you give your head and neck, she says, the better chance of having a restful sleep.

If you haven’t flown lately, you may find settling into a comfortable sleeping position more difficult than it used to be. To accommodate additional seats to pack in more people, the industry-determined seat size has been reduced from 18.5 inches armrest-to-armrest to 17 inches.

Leg room, or "pitch," is down from 35 inches to 31 inches. And if you dare in economy class to use the controversial reclining feature, it goes back two inches from the previous four inches, which is helpful for people sitting behind you but a minimal advantage for snoozing.  

You May Also Like

Noise pollution harms more than your hearing

What do long flights do to our bodies?

Drinking on a plane has a unique effect on your body

The irony is that studies show that while airplane seats are "the most significant comfort factor when it comes to sleeping" and sleeping is the "most common activity" on a long plane trip, it's also the least comfortable."

Considering these challenges, is there really a way to fly and sleep at the same time?  

Yes, said Jamie Zeitzer , a professor and co-director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at Stanford University. "Fly business class . . . For the rest of us, it is not so easy."  

You have two choices if sleep is your goal. As Zeitzer suggests, spend more money for better seats, including those in premium economy. They retain the recently replaced roomier seats.

Or choose your seats in advance. The question is "which seat" ?

First, choose a seat far from the lavatories. The aisle seat is busier. The middle is stiff and stuffy, and Jaspers gives it a thumbs down. The window is prime for resting the head but it's also inconvenient, snug, and potentially claustrophobic.

The emergency "bulkhead" rows offer the leg room, but the seats may not recline, and it is a popular spot for moms with babies and gear. You also have to be alert if something goes wrong during the flight.

Still, choosing your own seat gives you agency. Most airlines allow you to pick your seat, but it might take some scrolling through the website. Flight service sites like SeatGuru do the work for you with layouts of the major airline cabins, dimensions of the seats in the three cabin classes and other details, plus handy user comments about individual seats and location.

Medication and sleep aids

"There are many things that can disrupt sleep," says Zeitzer , who is researching blinking light as a solution for jet lag .

And there are many ways to cope, he says. Like packing a comforter for chilly cabins and sleep masks when the light — from the windows or a seat mate's overhead bulb — interfere with shut-eye.

( Drinking on a plane has a unique effect on the body. Here's how. )

Regular flyers and the 40 percent of Americans who have aviophobia, or fear of flying, often call on anti-anxiety medications such Xanax and Ambien, both prescribed by physicians. Seasoned flyers like Steves swear by the latter. "I admit to loving my Ambien," he says. "Just a third of a tablet is good for me for a couple of blissful hours of sleep.”

Some flyers are partial to melatonin , which isn't a sedative. Sold over the counter, it is a hormone involved in the sleep-wake process, not insomnia. One cautionary tip is to use melatonin for trips longer than six hours—the time it takes for the calming dose to pass through your system—so you don’t arrive at your destination groggy.

Finally, stay hydrated. Alcohol is dehydrating and can interrupt REM sleep, and anything containing cannabis is illegal on flights originating or flying within the United States.  

Alternatively to medications, Zeitzer suggests pre-sleep relaxation techniques, like "meditation, progressive muscle relaxation , music, reading." Or, he adds, "take off your shoes—no stinky feet, of course—as this helps you to dissipate heat, which is a critical part of falling asleep."

Related Topics

• SLEEP PRODUCTS

This is the biggest health challenge women face in their 30s

Elephants may call each other by name, a rare trait in nature

The Viking origins of your Bluetooth devices

‘Society of the Snow’ is based on a true story. Here’s what really happened.

How living near a railroad can harm your health

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Air Travel Consumer Report: April 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of April 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

For April 2024, 0.7% of flights were cancelled, lower than both the 1.7% cancellation rate for April 2023 and the 2.4% cancellation rate for pre-pandemic April 2019.  

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services promised when a flight is cancelled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest U.S. airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov . DOT also pushed the 10 largest U.S. airlines to provide fee-free family seating and rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating and those that don’t, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

Flight Operations

The 615,695 flights operated in April 2024 were 105.00% of the 586,353 flights operated in April 2023. Operated flights in April 2024 were up 5.05% year-over-year from the 586,353 flights operated in April 2023 and down 1.24% month-over-month from 623,409 flights operated in March 2024. 

In April 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 619,920 scheduled domestic flights, 4,225 (0.7%) of which were cancelled. In March 2024, airlines scheduled 628,786 domestic flights, 5,377 (0.9%) of which were cancelled. In April 2023, airlines scheduled 596,676 domestic flights, 10,323 (1.7%) of which were cancelled.

April 2024 On-Time Arrival

In April 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 80.4%, up from both 78.7% in March 2024 and 75.7% in April 2023. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2024 is 78.9%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates April 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Allegiant Air – 85.8%
• Delta Air Lines Network – 84.8%
• Hawaiian Airlines – 84.0% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates April 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Frontier Airlines – 69.1%
• JetBlue Airways – 76.3%
• American Airlines Network – 78.1%

April 2024 Flight Cancellations

In April 2024, reporting marketing carriers cancelled 0.7% of their scheduled domestic flights, lower than both the rate of 0.9% in March 2024 and the rate of 1.7% in April 2023. The year-to-date cancellation rate for 2024 is 1.5%.

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights April 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Delta Air Lines Network – 0.3%  
• Southwest Airlines – 0.4%   
• Allegiant Air – 0.5%    

  Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights April 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Frontier Airlines – 1.7%    
• JetBlue Airways – 1.4%    
• Hawaiian Airlines – 1.3%    

Complaints About Airline Service

Earlier this month, DOT released data on the submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) it has received from consumers about air travel for June-December 2023 and the full calendar year 2023. The submissions about air travel in calendar year 2023 are the highest number on record except for calendar year 2020.   

The release of the submissions data in the ATCR continues to be delayed primarily because of the high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints using the Department’s outdated legacy consumer complaint application system. Over the past three years, complaints made up an average of 91% of consumer submissions. DOT plans to release data on the submission received from consumers about air travel for January-May 2024 in August 2024.

The Department has been actively working on modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year. The modernization of the system will also enable OACP to engage in oversight of the airline industry more effectively and report complaint data to the public more quickly.   

Tarmac Delays

In April 2024, airlines reported 12 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to six tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in March 2024. In April 2024, airlines reported one tarmac delay of more than four hours on an international flight, equal to one tarmac delay of more than four hours on international flights reported in March 2024. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In April 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 40.0 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.46%, lower than the rate of 0.52% in March 2024, and lower than the rate of 0.55% in April 2023.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In April 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 74,894 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 948 for a rate of 1.27% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, lower than the rate of 1.31% mishandled in March 2024 and lower than the rate of 1.35% mishandled in April 2023.

To address many of the significant barriers and challenges experienced by passengers who use wheelchairs, the Department has proposed a rulemaking that, if adopted as proposed would make it an automatic violation of the Department’s Air Carrier Access Act regulations for airlines to mishandle a passenger’s wheelchair. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would also enhance training requirements for airline personnel who provide hands-on transfer assistance to passengers and handle wheelchairs. The proposal is available at https://www.regulations.gov, docket number DOT-OST-2022-0144.

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the first quarter of 2024, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.27 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.29 in the first quarter of 2023 and higher than the rate of 0.20 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Incidents Involving Animals

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

In April 2024, carriers reported zero incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, equal to the zero reports filed in both March 2024 and in April 2023.

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

• DOT recently announced a final rule that requires airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and another final rule to protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees. These rules significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers more than half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees. Provisions of the final rule on airline refunds were fortified through the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63) that President Biden signed into law on May 16, 2024.   
• In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, proposing to mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.  
• Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations beginning April 30, 2024 . Additionally, DOT has helped return nearly $4 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.  
• In April, DOT announced the launch of the bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with 18 state attorneys general to investigate airlines and ticket agents and hold them accountable when they violate aviation consumer protection laws. The partnership significantly expands the Department’s oversight capacity by establishing a new fast-track system prioritizing misconduct cases from state attorneys general who uncover unfair or deceptive airline practices. Through the partnership, DOT will provide state attorneys general with access to the federal complaint database and help ensure that airlines cooperate with state investigations.

• Travel Planning Center
• Ticket Changes & Refunds
• Airline Partners
• Check-in & Security
• Delta Sky Club®
• Airport Maps & Locations
• Flight Deals
• Flight Schedules
• Destinations
• Onboard Experience
• Delta Cruises
• Delta Vacations
• Delta Car Rentals
• Delta Stays
• Onboard Wi-Fi
• Delta Trip Protection
• How to Earn Miles
• Ways to Redeem Miles
• Buy or Transfer Miles
• Travel with Miles
• SkyMiles Partners & Offers
• SkyMiles Award Deals
• SkyMiles Credit Cards
• SkyMiles Airline Partners
• SkyMiles Program Overview​
• How to Get Medallion Status​
• Benefits at Each Tier
• News & Updates
• Help Center
• Travel Planning FAQs
• Certificates & eCredits
• Accessible Travel Services
• Child & Infant Travel
• Special Circumstances
• SkyMiles Help

Global IT Outage Travel Waiver

A disruption caused by a Global IT Outage on July 19, 2024 affected our operation systemwide. A travel waiver, which offers customers the ability to make a one-time change to their itinerary, is in effect. The fare difference for customers will be waived when rebooked travel occurs on or before July 25, in the same cabin of service as originally booked. Check flight status frequently for up-to-the-minute information about your flight plans, or get updates sent directly to your mobile device or by email with  On-Time Flight Notification .  

Future Travel Rebooking Options:

• A fare difference may apply when the waiver is class to class restrictive and the original booking class is not maintained in the rebooked itinerary.
• When rebooked travel occurs after July 26, 2024, a difference in fare may apply.
• If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance.  Applicable fare difference may apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity.

Conditions and Restrictions

Eligibility only for customers with an Original Ticket Issue Date on or before July 19, 2024. Changes to origins and destinations may result in an increase in fare. Any difference in fare between your original ticket and the new ticket will be collected at the time of booking.

• Investor Relations
• Business Travel
• Travel Agents
• Comment/Complaint
• Browser Compatibility
• Accessibility
• Booking Information
• Customer Commitment
• Tarmac Delay Plan
• Sustainability
• Contract of Carriage
• Cookies, Privacy & Security
• Combatting Modern Slavery (PDF)

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Medications (Liquid)

TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

Learn more about transporting medication on your next flight.

2,600+ US flights canceled: United, American Airlines resume service after global outage

• A global IT outage caused delays and cancellations for air passengers around the world.
• Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, issued ground stops for all their flights early on Friday due to communication problems.
• The aviation sector is hit particularly hard due to its sensitivity to timings.

Get more news like this delivered to your inbox by signing up for our Travel newsletter here .

William Sikora III was supposed to fly from Philadelphia to Detroit on Friday morning.

“We are stuck at this airport,” he posted in a video on X at 6 a.m., zooming in on blue airport screens showing system errors. “United, Delta, America, all this stuff is down. People are just sitting here. The apps still say our flight’s on time because they can’t update information in the apps.”

Air passengers around the world faced delays, cancellations and problems checking in as airports and airlines were caught up in a  massive IT outage  that also affected industries ranging from banks to media companies.

Several U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, issued ground stops for all their flights early on Friday due to communication problems, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

There were over 2,600 flights canceled and nearly 9,200 delays as of 5 p.m. ET, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware . Most airlines were able to resume operations as the morning progressed, but many said they expected disruptions to continue throughout the day.

More on the outage: Global tech outage grounds flights, hits banks and media businesses

Megan Brown said Washington Dulles Airport was surprisingly calm, even as the airline industry was in turmoil. She said the airport was less crowded than usual, making for a quicker-than-expected security screening, and passengers seemed understanding about the disruptions.

"We just took the gamble and came here, and hopefully we’ll leave today,” Brown told USA TODAY by phone from Dulles. “There’s nothing you can do.”

Her family's 8:25 a.m. ET flight to San Francisco was delayed, but they were able to take off within a couple of hours. "A cheer just erupted as the gate agent said we are going to start boarding," she said.

Around the world, airports and airlines advised customers to arrive earlier than normal for flights.

Around 9 a.m. Sikora posted another video showing fellow travelers sitting on the floor and standing in the middle of a crowded Philadelphia International Airport terminal. 

“Everyone is in the same boat. Just wandering and sitting,” he told USA TODAY.

Issues online: Instagram may be the best social app to get your flight issues fixed. Here's why.

The cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike blamed the global tech outage on a defect in an update for Microsoft Windows hosts.

“Today was not a security or cyber incident. Our customers remain fully protected," Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz posted on X . "We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption. We are working with all impacted customers to ensure that systems are back up and they can deliver the services their customers are counting on. As noted earlier , the issue has been identified and a fix has been deployed. There was an issue with a Falcon content update for Windows Hosts."

The aviation sector was hit particularly hard due to its sensitivity to timings. Airlines rely on a closely coordinated schedule often run by air traffic control. Just one delay of a few minutes can throw off a flight schedule for take-offs and landings for an airport and airline for the rest of the day.

"The issue affected many separate systems, such as those used for calculating aircraft weight, checking in customers, and phone systems in our call centers," United Airlines said in a statement. "After pausing all departures overnight, flights resumed on Friday morning and we are working diligently to get our customers to their destinations."

Story continues below.

Are flights still grounded? How long will flight delays last?

"Ground stops and delays will be intermittent at various airports as the airlines work through residual technology issues," the FAA said, adding that it's working closely with airlines to resume normal operations.

Travelers are advised to contact their airlines and monitor the FAA's website for the latest information.

How to find the reason for flight delay

Customers can ask airlines why their flight is canceled or delayed, but the Department of Transportation confirmed that it considers the delays and cancellations caused by Friday's IT outage to be "controllable" by the airlines. While airlines may say they didn't cause the computer error, it means that the DOT will hold them responsible for upholding the commitments they've made to customers when it comes to policies like rebooking or hotel and meal vouchers as the mess gets sorted out. Every airline's policy is outlined on the DOT customer service dashboard.  

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics also tracks causes of delays and cancellations.

Airline waivers

Airlines are doing what they can to provide extra flexibility to those affected by the outage.

• American issued a waiver for affected travelers covering all of its U.S. hubs.
• Delta issued a waiver allowing all passengers traveling Friday to rebook their flights.
• Frontier issued a waiver offering rebooking for travelers whose flights were delayed by more than 3 hours. Customers whose flights were canceled may opt for a refund or credit toward future travel.
• United issued a waiver for select airports so passengers can make changes if their flights are affected, though a United spokesperson told USA TODAY that nearly all of the airline's flights depart or arrive in one of the airports covered by the waiver.
• Spirit issued a waiver allowing customers who are booked to fly Friday or Saturday through any airport in its network to change their flights at no additional charge.

What happens if my flight is canceled?

Department of Transportation rules  require all airlines to offer customers a refund if their flights are canceled for any reason, but customers may be entitled to additional compensation if a cancellation is within the airline's control.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is experiencing a long delay, the Transportation Department suggests asking airline staff if they will pay for meals or a hotel room.

The DOT dashboard reflects airlines' official policies, but many carriers handle compensation for delays on a case-by-case basis and may provide vouchers or other benefits in some situations that are not formally covered.

What is considered a significant flight delay?

Each airline defines significant delays differently, but the DOT's dashboard identifies which airlines provide compensation for controllable delays of 3 or more hours.

For instance, all major U.S. carriers are supposed to provide a meal voucher for flights delayed by at least 3 hours for reasons within their control. Additionally, Alaska, JetBlue and Southwest offer credit or a travel voucher when a controllable delay "results in passenger waiting for 3 hours or more from the scheduled departure time," according to the dashboard.

How to file compensation for a delayed flight

Travelers seeking monetary compensation for delayed flights should file a claim with their respective airlines. Passengers seeking other types of compensation, like frequent flyer miles, may be able to request those through the airline's customer service.

Contributing: Andrew Mills, Joanna Plucinska and Lisa Barrington ; Reuters

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Travelfornoobs

The Complete Packing List for Moscow

Moscow packing list – what you need to bring, how to pack for moscow.

You’ve booked your plane ticket and the time of departure is fast approaching? After the joys of such a decision, comes the question of knowing what to put in your suitcase to go to Moscow. No need to panic, we have prepared a very complete list of the essential things to bring to make sure you don’t miss anything once you are there.

In order to leave no room for unforeseen events, it’s of course preferable to go through this list a few days before leaving rather than the day before departure, as you might miss some items.

Take the time to read and download it in order to identify the things that you absolutely must pack and that you might miss and that could make you lose time and money if you forget them.

You will also need to think about packing according to the type of accommodation you will be staying in, the different modes of transportation you will use during your trip, the climate and the season, as well as the activities you plan to do.

In order to help you prepare your suitcase, this checklist of the essential things to bring in Moscow gathers several categories: clothes, accessories, various objects… It will allow you to have a concrete vision of a typical suitcase for Moscow.

An advice, think of keeping some space in your luggage if you wish to bring back souvenirs or to make some clothing shopping on the spot.

Thanks to this travel list, preparing your bag for Moscow will be a real child’s play and you will just have to enjoy your adventure!

Note : This article contains affiliate links to Amazon.

• Important hings to do before you go
• Essential documents
• Transport essentials
• Backpack & luggage
• Clothing and shoes
• Hygiene & Toiletries
• Photo, Video & High Tech
• Useful accessories
• Medication and first aid kit
• Activities and Useful Links (+ Printable checklist PDF)

1/ Important things to do before you go

 Prepare your travel itinerary  Apply for a visa (if necessary)  Make your vaccinations (if necessary)  Check-up at the doctor / dentist  Take out a travel insurance  Photocopy or scan important documents (passport)  Write down e-mail and useful phone numbers in your address book  Warn your bank about your trip abroad (if necessary)  Book accomodation for your first night ( Do it now before everything is fully booked! Check the best hotels on Booking )  Download offline applications and maps for Maps.me  Download movies offline   Prepare your favorite music playlist  Turn off or turn down the heat of your house  Empty garbage cans  Water the plants   Give a copy of your house/car keys to a family member or friend  Close doors and windows

2/ Essential documents

Even before you buy your plane ticket, remember to check the validity of your passport : it must be valid for at least six months after your return date (for some countries) and have a blank page. Another tip: send your important documents to a secondary email in case you lose them.

   Passport   ID card    Plane or train ticket (have a paper copy just in case)   Reservation documents (e-ticket, train ticket, hotel reservation)   Visa (if necessary)   International driver’s license, if you wish to rent a car   Health insurance card   Travel insurance   Credit card   Cash   Useful numbers in case of emergency   Itinerary and address of your accommodation (hotel / AirBnB / camping)   Vaccination certificate   Diving license, sailing license, etc.   Some business cards with your contact information, email, blog, website

3/ Transport essentials

The little things to have with you at all times during the flight or the trip by train or bus:

 Phone and charger  Book / Magazine / Kindle / Travel Guide  MP3 player   Chewing gum   Pen + notepad  Travel pillow ( my favorite )  Sleep mask ( my favorite )   Earplugs   Snacks / sandwich   Small water bottle  Nasal ointment for dry nose  Sunglasses   Glasses case   Watch   Hand sanitizer   Disposable face mask   Tissues   Motion sickness medication

4/ Backpack & luggage

 Waterproof dry bag ( my favorite )  Handbag   Travel laundry bag ( my favorite )  Carry-on suitcase ( my favorite )  Travel bag ( my favorite )   Luggage tag ( my favorite )   Travel Packing Organizers ( my favorite )   Rain cover for backpack ( my favorite )   Zippered carry-on bag   Shoe bag ( my favorite )   Fanny pack   Lightweight foldable backpack ( my favorite )

5/ Clothing and shoes

  Socks  Underwear (panties, thongs, bras, briefs, boxers…)  Tank tops  Skirt ♀  Dress ♀  Pajamas  T-shirts  Long sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Short sleeve shirt ( for her , for him )  Polo shirt ( for her , for him )   Sweatshirt / pullover ( for her , for him )   Jeans   Lightweight pants ( for her , for him )   Money belt ( my favorite )   Shorts   Jogging suit   Jacket / coat   K-way ( for her , for him )   Windbreaker ( for her , for him )  Hat / cap / beanie   Scarf / bandana   Swimsuit   Buff scarf ( my favorite )

For shoes, you will have to choose according to the activities you plan to do:

 Comfortable walking shoes   Shoes for going out (restaurants, bars, clubs…)  Flip-flops (for the beach, showers…) ( for her , for him )  Hiking shoes ( for her , for him )  Sandals ( for her , for him )   Water shoes for walking in water (beaches, waterfalls, rivers…) ( for her , for him )  Light trekking shoes ( for her , for him )  Crocs

6/ Hygiene & Toiletries

 Microfiber towel ( my favorite )   Toilet bag   Portable Travel Bottles ( my favorite )  Toothbrush & toothpaste  Dental floss  Soap   Shampoo   Facial cleanser   Nail clippers   Cotton buds (biodegradable)   Tweezers   Make-up   Deodorant   Comb / Hairbrush   Razor & shaving foam ♂   Biodegradable wipes ( my favorite )   Toilet paper roll   Perfume   Makeup ♀   Contact Lenses   Contact lens product   Pocket mirror

7/ Photo, Video & High Tech

For photographers and videographers:

 Camera  Lens  Memory card  Polarizing filters   ND filter   Extra battery   Charger + cable + plug adapter   Cleaning kit   External hard drive   USB key   Stabilizer   Drone ( my favorite )    Waterproof phone case   Flash   Solar charger ( my favorite )    Gopro ( my favorite )   Waterproof case   Selfie Pole  External battery / Powerbank ( my favorite ) 

Don’t forget:

 Portable speaker  Ipad / Tablet  Laptop PC  External battery  Headphones or noise cancelling headphones ( my favorite )

Useful apps to download before you go to Moscow:

 AirBnB  Booking  Couchsurfing  Flush – Public Toilet Finder (Useful for finding toilets!)  Google Maps  Google Translator  Google Trips  Lonely Planet Guide  LoungeBuddy  Maps.me  Meetup  Tripadvisor  Uber  Whatsapp  XE Currency

8/ Useful accessories

The accessories you will take in your bag for Moscow will depend on your travel style:

  TSA lock ( my favorite )  Headlamp ( my favorite )  Sleeping bag ( my favorite )  Sheets ( my favorite )  Swiss Army knife (not in the hand luggage!) ( my favorite )  Travel clothesline ( my favorite )  Powdered or liquid detergent  Clothes pegs  Spork ( my favorite )  Ziploc bags  Lighter  Folding umbrella ( my favorite )  Toilet paper  Mosquito repellent ( my favorite )   Mosquito net ( my favorite )   Sunscreen cream  Aloe vera gel   Waterproof pouch for smartphone    For hikers : GPS, map, compass, water bottle   Walking stick ( my favorite )   Anti-sweat talcum powder ( my favorite )   Beach towel ( my favorite )   Sawyer water filter ( must-have !)  Pills to purify non-drinking water   Mask, snorkel, fins   Diving accessories (gloves, dive computer, lamp, knife…)

9/ Medication and first aid kit

I suggest that you consult your doctor and dentist before leaving. Beware of unauthorized medication and remember to keep your vaccinations up to date!

If you have a treatment don’t forget to take your personal medication and your prescription if necessary (or medical certificate).

You can buy a first aid kit already prepared ( my favorite ).

  Cotton buds   Tweezers   Round-tipped scissors   Pairs of single-use latex gloves  Bandages   Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain   Sterile compresses   Disinfectant spray for wounds   Physiological saline solution in pods (wound cleaning)   Condoms and other contraceptives

For longer trips and higher risk locations, we can also add:

  Sterile adhesive skin sutures (steristrips)   Rehydration solutions (in case of dehydration)   Water purification tablets   Water decontamination tablets (Aquatabs or Micropur)   Medication for altitude   Medication for sore throat    Anti-malarial medication   Survival blanket   Tick tweezers   Ointment against itching (antihistamine)   Probiotics for the stomach   Corticosteroid pills and cream   Analgesics (painkillers)   Survival blanket   Cold medicine (decongestant)   Biafine (in case of burns or sunburns)   Broad-spectrum antibiotics without a prescription   Anti-diarrhea tablets (immodium, smecta)

10/ Activities and Useful Links + Printable checklist

You can download the complete travel list in PDF format and print it by clicking here.

Book your hotel in Moscow now on Booking.com

AirBnb : Get a discount for your first booking!

Book now your activities in Moscow on Getyourguide:

backpack Moscow business travel list Moscow check list Moscow checklist Moscow checklist travel Moscow Moscow travel checklist Moscow what to pack Moscow what to take essential for Moscow essentials for travelling to Moscow how to dress in Moscow how to pack for a trip to Moscow how to pack for Moscow list for travel to Moscow list of luggage for trip to Moscow list of things to bring on a trip to Moscow luggage list Moscow necessary for Moscow trip packing light for Moscow prepare your backpack for Moscow printable packing list for Moscow the essentials for going to Moscow travel list Moscow vacation packing checklist for Moscow what should I pack for Moscow trip what should I put in my travel bag for Moscow what to bring for a trip to Moscow what to pack for Moscow what to put in my suitcase to go to Moscow what to put in your suitcase for Moscow what to take to go to Moscow what to wear in Moscow

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Global IT outage hits companies around the world as planes grounded and train services affected

The outage is affecting Windows PCs globally, with hundreds of flights grounded worldwide and GP surgeries being left unable to book appointments – and it could take "weeks" to fix.

News reporter @laurenvrussell

Friday 19 July 2024 22:20, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Businesses including banks, airlines, train companies, telecommunications companies, TV and radio broadcasters, and supermarkets have been affected by a mass global IT outage.

Major US airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines have been grounded, while airports in Germany, Amsterdam and Spain are also reporting issues.

The outage was related to a Microsoft Windows PC update rolled out by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike - and while the company says a fix has been deployed, an expert has warned it could take "weeks" for all computers and systems to be fully restored.

According to an alert sent by CrowdStrike to its clients, the company's falcon sensor software caused Microsoft Windows to crash and display a blue screen, which has begun to be referred to as the "blue screen of death".

Read more: Outages latest: Follow live What has been impacted and where?

CrowdStrike chief executive, George Kurtz, said in a statement on X that "the defect [was] found in a single content update for Windows hosts".

"This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed," Mr Kurtz said.

Adam Leon Smith of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, said: "The fix will have to be applied to many computers around the world. So if computers are getting blue screens and endless loops, it could be more difficult and take days and weeks.

"Microsoft Windows isn't the main OS for mission-critical systems, that's Linux - and so this could have been much worse."

The outage affected Windows PCs globally, including at Sky News in the UK which was not able to broadcast live TV first thing on Friday morning.

pic.twitter.com/4dnNPawEJG — Sky Group (@SkyGroup) July 19, 2024

The company said in a statement it was seeing disruption to its usual broadcasting and customer service teams due to the third-party outage and apologised for any inconvenience.

UK airports 'experiencing delays'

Flights are being grounded at numerous airports worldwide and passengers in the UK are facing hours of queues to get into terminal buildings, check in and go through security.

As of 8pm, 5,078 flights had been cancelled worldwide - which equates to 4.6% of all scheduled flights globally, according to an aviation analytics company.

Cirium Data also said 167 flights that should have left UK airports have been cancelled so far - which is 5.4% of departures - while 171 inbound arrivals were cancelled.

London's biggest airport, Heathrow, said in a statement that its "flights are operational though we are experiencing delays".

pic.twitter.com/iPFMsDVgwT — London Luton Airport (@LDNLutonAirport) July 19, 2024

It said it was implementing contingency plans to minimise any impact on journeys and passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest flight information.

Gatwick Airport said "passengers may experience some delays" due to the global outage - particularly when checking in and passing through security.

Luton Airport also said it was aware of the global IT issue and is currently using manual systems to support operations.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers, said it was "forced to cancel a small number of flights today" and told passengers: "If your flight has been cancelled, we kindly request that you leave the airport as the IT outage means we cannot currently assist passengers at the airport."

Edinburgh Airport also urged those whose flights had been cancelled to leave. Passengers there were unable to use automated boarding pass scanners and monitors at security displayed a message saying "server offline", according to a Reuters witness.

The airport had reverted to checking boarding passes manually, the witness said.

'Beyond the control of GP surgeries'

The IT outage has also reached GP surgeries across the UK, which said they are unable to access patient records or book appointments.

NHS England said the IT outage is "causing disruption in the majority of GP practices" in England but there is currently no known impact on 999 or emergency services.

Northern Ireland's Department of Health said two thirds of its GP practices had been impacted.

Grimethorpe Surgery in Barnsley said it had no access to the clinical system, EMIS Web - which allows healthcare practitioners to view and contribute to a patient's healthcare records.

The Wilmslow Health Centre in Cheshire wrote on X: "All practices in the UK using the NHS-commissioned GP computer system EMIS are currently without access to their IT systems.

"This is beyond the control of GP surgeries. Please bear with us until we have our IT systems back online."

Another surgery in Putney, southwest London, shows an error message online when patients attempt to book appointments.

The Windrush Medical Practice in Witney, Oxfordshire, asked patients with "routine concerns" to wait until Monday after the booking system has been affected by the global outage.

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police said it has not been affected, and everything seems to be working normally.

Issues at UK train stations

Also in the UK, Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express and Great Northern - all four of Govia Thameslink Railway's brands - said its services were experiencing widespread IT issues.

⚠️ We are currently experiencing widespread IT issues across our entire network. Our IT teams are actively investigating to determine the root cause of the problem. We are unable to access driver diagrams at certain locations, leading to potential short-notice cancellations,… — Thameslink (@TLRailUK) July 19, 2024

"We are unable to access driver diagrams at certain locations, leading to potential short-notice cancellations, particularly on the Thameslink and Great Northern networks," the company said.

"Additionally, other key systems, including our real-time customer information platforms, are also affected."

However, most trains ran as scheduled - though some passengers encountered problems inside stations as South Western Railway said all its ticket vending machines had stopped working due to IT issues.

Out-of-date prices at London Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange is among the businesses that have been affected by the global outage, Sky News' business correspondent, Ian King, said.

A statement posted on the exchange's website earlier said a technical issue was being investigated with the publication of RNS - the exchange's Regulatory News Service - announcements.

When trading began at 8am this morning, the exchange's website was still showing prices from the close on Thursday evening.

The FTSE-100 opened 50 points lower - around 0.62% - at the open but no prices were available on the exchange's website, King said.

Read more from Sky News: 'Police presence' on streets of Leeds after mass riots Trump's wife and eldest daughter make rare appearance

Other major European stock indices have also opened to the downside this morning, with the DAX in Germany down by 0.55% half an hour into the session, while the CAC-40 in France and the MIB in Italy down by 0.45% apiece.

Users on the subreddit for cyber security firm Crowdstrike reported issues in India, the United States and New Zealand.

. @SkyNews have not been able to broadcast live TV this morning, currently telling viewers that we apologise for the interruption. Much of our news report is still available online, and we are working hard to restore all services. — David Rhodes (@davidgrayrhodes) July 19, 2024

While users in Australia began reporting issues early on Friday, stating they had been locked out of their workstations.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Within hours, Australia's National Security Coordinator said it was aware of the large-scale technical outage affecting a number of companies and services across the country.

It said there was currently no information to suggest the outage is a cyber security incident.

Related Topics

• Global IT outage

Global cyber outage hits air travel, leaving passengers in limbo

• Medium Text

FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS

HANDWRITTEN BOARDING PASSES

Compensation questions.

Sign up here.

Reporting by Reuters bureaux, James Pearson in London, David Shepardson in Washington, Alexander Cornwell in Dubai, Lisa Barrington in Seoul; Writing by Joanna Plucinska and Rajesh Kumar Singh Editing by Mark Potter, David Evans and Matthew Lewis

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Microsoft says about 8.5 million of its devices affected by CrowdStrike-related outage

A global tech outage that was related to a software update by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affected nearly 8.5 million Microsoft devices, Microsoft said in a blog on Saturday.

Russia passenger jet crashes near Moscow during test flight

A Russian passenger plane has crashed near Moscow, Russia's emergencies ministry says.

It says the Sukhoi Superjet 100 went down in a forest, and all three crew members are believed to have been killed. There were no passengers on board.

Russia's state-run media report that the plane went down during a test flight following repair works.

Russia's has been developing the Sukhoi Superjet - a regional jet - for some time to replace Western-made aircraft.

Heavily sanctioned over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has struggled to replace its ageing aircraft fleet.