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.

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

By Rachel Chang

For the better part of two decades, we’ve limited the liquids we carry through airport security. The magic number settled upon was 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, of liquid in a container—an amount that became an  international standard developed by explosives experts . 

As frequent travelers are well aware, bottles that are 3.4 ounces or less can be stashed into a single one-quart plastic bag, and each traveler is allowed one—in a rule that’s been dubbed the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Oversized liquids can still be packed, but need to go into checked-in baggage.

But as screening devices have become more savvy, there has been talk of those limits being eliminated, especially as a  recent report said the UK will scrap the rules by 2024. “The introduction of new technologies has played a significant role in how aviation security has evolved over the past 20 years, thanks to strong industry partnerships and TSA’s agility in adopting technology that enhances security and improves the passenger experience,” a TSA spokesperson says. While there’s no timeline in place yet, the agency “anticipates the limit on liquids will be lifted in the coming years.”

So in the short run, travelers still need to limit the fluids they pack in carry-ons. But, as with all rules, there are exceptions. “TSA requires additional screening to ensure the safety of these liquids,” the spokesperson says of the items. “Travelers in this group should notify security of their medically-necessary liquids.”

In general, those  exceptions need to pass a three-prong test . They need to be required during the duration of your flight or at your destination, they can’t be available at the airport in the area past security, and they can’t be available at the destination. But when it comes down to it, the  TSA says on its site , “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”

Here are some of the most common exceptions of oversized liquids that can be taken through security. 

Prescription liquids, creams, and gels

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. “You are responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication when screening is required,” the agency’s site dictates. Depending on the situation, medication can either 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 and transfer it to an empty container to test, or possibly dispose of a small quantity. 

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 will undergo additional screening procedures to include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property,” the site says.

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). Additionally, IV bags or other accessories to medical supplies are also allowed. 

Hand sanitizer 

In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, one major allowance was added to the list— hand sanitizer . While they may be readily available beyond security check and at your destination, the hygiene item was added, especially for use on the plane, as some experts have said that extra precautions should be taken on airplanes and airports to prevent the spread of germs .

Until further notice, hand sanitizers of up to 12 ounces are allowed since “TSA understands that COVID-19 is at the forefront on the minds of travelers, as health officials are encouraging that individuals wash their hands frequently,” the  site says . 

Live fish 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. 

Biological specimens 

Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science.  Non-infectious specimens in preservative solution 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 .)

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 . 

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.

• 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 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
• This Or That Game New
• 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 367,333 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

Everything You Need to Know About the TSA’s Liquid Limit

The tsa allows liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on—but what’s considered a “liquid” isn’t always obvious..

• Copy Link copied

Don’t forget to remove your liquids when going through TSA screening.

Photo by Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

Whether you’re a carry-on-only kind of person or not , knowing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid limits is essential for anyone who travels by plane in the United States. Yet understanding which of your toiletries, foods, and other items even count as “liquid”—let alone how best to pack them—can get confusing. Use this guide to understand the TSA’s rules and restrictions about liquids, common exceptions, and tips to help ensure your next airport security screening goes smoothly.

What is the TSA liquid limit?

The TSA’s liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person , or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag. Anything more will have to go in a checked bag or risk being tossed out.

If your liquids are stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if there’s only 3.4 ounces left inside the bottle, you can’t bring them through security.

Completely empty bottles, such as your reusable water bottle , are allowed through the TSA checkpoint since (spoiler alert!) they don’t contain any liquids at that moment.

Which toiletries TSA allows in your carry-on

The TSA allows all of the following common toiletries in your carry-on only in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Lotions and sunscreen
• Gel hair products

In other words: yes, you can bring toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen through TSA checkpoints but only if they are in travel-sized containers.

Powders and powder-like substances, including baby powder and some makeup items, aren’t restricted in your carry-on bag. But if you’re carrying more than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of a powder, you’ll need to place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening, and it may be subject to additional screening—so it’s a good idea to budget an extra few minutes at the security checkpoint if you think this might happen.

Tips for packing your toiletries in your carry-on

To comply with TSA regulations, invest in small, reusable toiletry bottles, like these capsules by Cadence.

Courtesy of Cadence

Especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck , it’s helpful to pack all of your toiletries in a quart-sized (or smaller) clear plastic toiletry bag for screening. Although improved airport technology means that far fewer air passengers (both in PreCheck and non-PreCheck lines) will have to take their liquids out out of their carry-on, it’s still helpful to have all of your liquids in one bag just in case you get pulled aside for additional screening. For an upgrade from that large Ziplock, we recommend the standard-sized Clarity Jetset Case from Truffle ($88), which has a clear window panel and is comparable in size to a quart-sized bag.

Since toothpaste is considered a liquid, paste, or gel by the TSA, most of us toss those tiny one-ounce tubes in our carry-on bags. However, if you want to ditch the hard-to-recycle packaging, consider toothpaste tablets, an ecofriendly alternative that’s not subject to the 3-1-1 rule. We like Humankind’s fluoride toothpaste tablets ($12), which resemble small mints and turn to paste when you crush them between your teeth. Matador has also recently released a reusable toothpaste tube ($10), which you can fill (and refill) with your regular toothpaste.

For travel toiletries that are easy to rebottle (like shampoo or body wash), consider investing in reusable bottles or containers so you can always keep your preferred brand on hand. Some of our favorite TSA-approved toiletry bottles include:

Buy Now: GoToob three-pack of 3.4-ounce bottles, $30, rei.com

These easy-to-fill, leakproof silicone tubes are ideal for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes. GoToob’s line comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.7 to 6 ounces, and are easy to clean between refills.

Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $13 for one or $35 for three, matadorup.com

Each three-ounce, TSA-approved bottle is made from a durable, waterproof, nylon-based fabric. Like GoToob, they’re leakproof and easy to fill, but thanks to their flexible, fabric-like design, they will shrink to their contents, taking up less space in your pack. >> Read the full review of the Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $14 for one or $74 for six, keepyourcadence.com

The refillable travel containers by Cadence are small, leakproof “capsules” that click together with magnets. At 0.56 ounces, they’re best for makeup and toiletries you don’t need much of—like a weekend’s worth of shampoo or a week of that under eye cream you only need a dab of.

Foods are subject to liquid limits

The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to food too, meaning you’ll need to make sure any foods that count as liquids, gels, or pastes (like yogurt, peanut butter, pâté, jams, or that tasty pimento cheese spread you tried to bring home from Charleston) are less than 3.4 ounces or packed in your checked bag. There are some exceptions, like frozen foods and juice for babies, and the TSA’s website is the best resource to check for specific items.

Exceptions to TSA’s liquids rule: Full-sized liquids that you can bring through security

The TSA has several important exemptions to its liquids rule. You’re allowed to bring full-sized bottles of the following:

Hand sanitizer: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the TSA currently allows travelers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in their carry-on bags. These will be screened separately.

Medication: You’re allowed to bring medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels through security. This also includes the ice or gel packs you may need to keep your medications cool. You are not required to store these items in a plastic, resealable bag, but you should remove them from your luggage and let the TSA officer know what you’ve packed.

Baby formula and breast milk: Like medication, you can bring freezer packs to keep these items cool, and you should remove them from your luggage and notify an agent when you go through security. More baby-related exceptions? Gel or liquid-filled teethers and canned or jarred baby food.

Of course, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, the TSA’s website has a handy, searchable list of prohibited and allowed items worth checking before you travel. You can also now text the TSA with your questions.

This article was originally published in 2022. It has been most recently updated on March 21, 2023, with additional information.

Travel Sized Tubes - Where to Get Small Liquids, Gels and More

How to Find Small Sample-Sized Tubes for Your Trip

Travel-sized tubes are a bonus packing item, especially in these challenging days of packing for airport security , where liquids and gels carried on airplanes must adhere to strict airport rules around size and quantity.

Using sample sizes helps a lot with this, and you'll definitely want to look into it if you'll be traveling carry-on online. This article covers where to get small travel-sized tubes in three ounces or less of liquids and gels like deodorant, make-up, hair gel, shampoo, shaving cream and other liquids and gels. Oh, and laundry soap, food, and more than you could ever imagine, which can often come in small, sample sized travel packets.

Where to Buy Travel-Sized Samples

If you buy a lot of beauty products, you probably have a ton of samples shoved in a drawer at home -- travel is a great opportunity to try some of these out! I save any samples I get from Sephora for travel purposes and bring some samples of primer, foundation, shampoo and skincare products in my backpack. These are far smaller than bringing your entire bottle of product and save on weight, too. 

Minimus.biz  is another fantastic option for travelers. Minimus offers tons of products in small, travel-sized tubes, packets, and containers of three ounces or less, perfect for travel packing in view of  airport security rules . On the site, you can find individual packets of everything from salad dressing to laundry soap, and get small packets of drugs like Tylenol, too. 

Amazon.com is usually my first port of call when I want a specific product in a sample size. You can just search for the product name and "sample" or "travel size" to see if there's a small-enough option for your travels. 

Grocery and drug stores will typically have a section by their toiletries with travel-sized samples of most liquids and gels you'd need for your trip. They're usually pretty overpriced, but it's definitely worth spending a few extra dollars to save on weight and space in your luggage. You'll be able to pick up sample sizes of laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, hand sanitzer, makeup, and more while you're there. 

Additionally, these stores will often sell small or folding toothbrushes, which are great if space is really tight, and clear plastic tubes and jars into which you can squeeze your own liquid and gels. Get the small, resealable (like Ziploc style) plastic bags required for airport security packing that are tougher than sandwich or freezer bags in this section, too. 

How to Make Your Own 

If your favorite product doesn't come in a travel-sized container, it's relatively simple to fashion one yourself. Pick up one of the empty clear plastic containers at a drug store (or Amazon has a wide range of different sized ones available) and spend your afternoon squeezing any products you really want to use abroad into the empty containers.

One other thing you could do is keep any sample-sized bottles of product you have precisely for travel purposes.

More Packing Tips

Read more travel packing tips and tricks here:

• Packing Light and Smart
• How to Pack for Airport Security
• How to Avoid Lost Luggage
• Information hub: How to Prepare for Air Travel

This article has been edited and updated by Lauren Juliff . 

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

The 11 Best Carry-on Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Toiletry Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Packing for Airport Security

The 10 Best Travel Adapters of 2024

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 14 Best Backpack Brands of 2024

Organize Your Stash With Keokee's Clear Toiletry Bag Set

The 11 Best Beach Blankets of 2024

Liquids Allowed in Carry-On Luggage

The 5 Best Waterproof Phone Pouches of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Ways to Prepare for Airport Security Screenings

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

486 Items You Can & Cannot Bring Through TSA Security [2024]

Chris Hassan

Social Media & Brand Manager

212 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24 U.S. States Visited: 26

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3109 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

TSA PreCheck

The ultimate tsa prohibited and allowed items list, tsa bonus tips, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Airport security can be one of the more confusing and stressful parts of getting on a plane for many travelers.

Whether you are unsure what is allowed in your carry-on (or even checked bag), if you have to take your shoes off, or pull your laptop out of your bag, the rules feel like they are different for everyone — and they are … well, not everybody .

Simple things like having the coveted TSA PreCheck logo on your boarding pass means that you can breeze through without kicking off your shoes, but if you aren’t so lucky you can still expedite the security process by knowing the rules.

In this article, we will give you a comprehensive list of everything that is and isn’t allowed according to the TSA. By planning ahead and packing accordingly, you can save yourself some trouble at the airport and start your vacation off with ease.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the government agency responsible for the traveling public in the U.S. This part of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks with a focus on ensuring that nothing dangerous is brought onto an airplane.

As part of this, all travelers must go through a thorough screening at the airport before entering the airside terminals. The process includes an identity check, a scan of luggage, and a full-body scan or a pass through a metal detector. If any part of the process gets flagged, you can be asked to step aside for further inspection.

In general, the process moves quickly, assuming security is properly staffed and travelers have an idea of how the process works. If you haven’t flown lately, we recommend reading our guide on how to easily get through TSA airport security .

Hot Tip: If you are traveling with kids, don’t miss our guide that helps families speed through TSA airport security like a pro. 

Most frequent travelers are familiar with, or even have, TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travelers in the U.S. to bypass certain steps during the security check to help expedite the process. In order to qualify for TSA PreCheck, you must apply and complete an in-person interview at one of the 500+ enrollment centers across the country.

While the process of getting TSA PreCheck may not be worth it for the occasional traveler, anyone that travels more than a few times per year will certainly see the value. We put together everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck so that you can weigh the options yourself.

Without further ado, here is the ultimate list of what you can and cannot bring in your luggage through TSA security in the U.S.

This list is focused on carry-on bags , but if something isn’t allowed in a checked bag either, it will be noted.

We have listed everything from maximum liquids in checked baggage to electronics in your carry-on. If it is a TSA-banned item, it is on the chart below.

As you can see, there are a lot of things that are not allowed in your carry-on bag according to the TSA . A lot of it is pretty understandable, though  — safety first!

Simple things like wearing easy-to-remove shoes, packing your laptop on top so you can scan it separately, and having your boarding pass and ID ready can save you valuable time when going through security.

But one of the best tips we can give to travelers is to sign up for TSA PreCheck . The benefits can save you valuable time at the airport which means more time in the lounges ! To top it off, most readers probably already have a card that will reimburse you for the cost of applying for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck .

And, as always, regardless of whether you have TSA PreCheck or not, having a TSA-approved luggage lock can save you time and hassle during the security process.

Hot Tip: If you still have questions about TSA, we put together 80 FAQs for you!

At the end of the day, the TSA rules above were made to make flying safer for everyone. It may seem extreme to some, but with some planning, the security process can be very quick and easy.

As long as you don’t have a TSA-banned item in your carry-on, and you listen to the instructions of the officers, you should breeze through security on your next trip. For those that have taken advantage of TSA PreCheck, the process will be even easier.

As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments or join our official Facebook Group to chat with fellow travelers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring multiple 3oz bottles on a plane.

Yes, each passenger can bring as many 3-ounce bottles that fit in a 1-quart-sized bag.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid for TSA security?

No, toothpaste is not considered a liquid so it is not subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

Is mascara considered a liquid by TSA?

Yes, mascara is considered a liquid, therefore containers must be smaller than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).

What items are allowed and not allowed on airplanes?

There are hundreds of items that the TSA specifically lists that are either allowed or prohibited from flying. We have compiled a complete list of exactly what you can or can’t bring on your next flight.

Was this page helpful?

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• Transportation
• taking gel based ...

taking gel based seat cushions on the airplane

I bought the Wondergel Fold-N-Go seat cushion from the Gel Cushion Store (via Amazon) to use on the flight to and from Europe. Because it is gel, I am concerned that I may not be permitted to bring it on the plane. I wonder if anyone has used that product, or one like it, on a long flight. Does anyone know if such a product can even be taken on the airplane?

I am sure it will be OK if it can go through the x-ray and nothing strange shows up. But why carry a seat cushion through out Europe?

I want to be able to sleep some on the transatlantic flight, and this should make sitting that long comfortable enough to do that. We will stay in hotels for several days each, and use a roller suitcase, so hauling this shouldn't make that job noticeably more difficult. (I hope)

I have heard of neck pillows aiding with sleeping but never a seat cushion. At the moment I cannot imagine how a seat cushion would help other than the increased elevation might add a touch more leg room. Have you had prior experience with a seat cushion on international flights? Most interested in how it might work. Looking for anything that might work.

If I sit for a long time, I get uncomfortable, and that discomfort keeps me awake. My only long flight was on Icelandic air and their seats felt like plywood. So, if I feel less discomfort, the flight will be less unpleasant and I may be able to catnap some. I expect that even if American Airlines has better cushioning than Icelandic did on their seats, the seats will still get uncomfortabIe over a 10 hour flight. I just was concerned that TSA would not allowed a gel filled seat cushion, because they limit to 3.2 oz. any liquids or gels. My wife and I are not carrying backpacks, but are using carry-on wheeled suitcases, so technically we will not be carrying this cushion ( which weighs 3 or 4 lbs.), just pulling it.

Neck pillows I've heard of, but not seat cushions, so I might look into this myself as I'm trying to make my long flights as comfortable as possible also. I typically don't use the blanket they give you, so instead I roll it up and use it for lumbar support.

Just concerning the extra weight of this item, 3-4 pounds is not insignificant. When I use a wheeled bag, I still really notice how much it weighs, both when pulling in normal circumstances and when lifting over stairs in train stations, hotels, etc. Pre-packing your bag and carrying it around is always a good test. But worst case scenario would be that you take something and decide later to ditch it.

A self-inflating air seat cushion is probably lighter, can be more compact and would seem less likely to be a container for contraband.

http://www.rei.com/product/845302/rei-sit-pad

•Foam insulation is cross-cored and engineered to be lightweight and compressible •Quick-closing, high-volume airflow valve allows the pad to inflate and deflate quickly •75-denier polyester construction with a hexagonal embossed surface provides durability and a nonslip surface; 75-denier polyester bottom resists wear •Included stuff sack protects pad during transport and ensures a compact parcel every time Packed size 3.5 x 8 inches Dimensions 16.5 x 12 x 1.5 inches Weight 4.4 ounces

You should be getting up and walking around every couple of hours to help guard against DVT, not sitting immobile for 10 hours.

My understanding is that the TSA agents all see things differently, and the more on the ball ones are looking out for new ways to smuggle bombs on board. If they are smart enough to figure out that a gel filled cushion has gell inside it they might be able to figure out that it contravenes the 3-1-1 rules and confiscate it.

I don't think that there are all that many who will fall for the "I'm not carrying it, I'm pulling it behind me" gag.

Security theatre it may be, but under all this it is a serious game they are playing. As the IRA once said, they [the security forces] have to be lucky every time, we only have to be lucky once.

I hope you have a comfortable safe flight.

Nigel, I think the pulling-not-carrying comment referred to the object's weight.

Still, 3-4 pounds would be about 20% of what my suitcase weighs.

I vouch for the self-inflating cushions. I have a self-inflating sleep pad and the material is really very comfortable, rivaling that of gels.

My main concern was whether or not TSA would allow it on board. I want to use it to reduce pressure pain from sitting too long in a poorly cushioned seat. This product should reduce that particular type of pain/discomfort. I saw other products when I was looking on-line that were designed to help with lower back pain and/or tailbone compression pain. I appreciate the other insights offerred about hauling it around, but for me it would be worth it. If anyone else is looking for products to sit on during a long flight, for whatever reason, remember that the width of the airplane seat is about 17 in.

I honestly doubt that the TSA will allow your pillow. They have gotten very strict recently with all the scares and shootings, etc. So, if you try and they don't allow it, are you willing to toss it? That's what you'd have to do if you get to security and they don't allow it. Also, do you have a plan B? If so, what is it? Could you go with it instead? The idea of a blow up pillow is a good one. You could adjust it at different time in the flight, if needed, and that could actually give you more relief as it would change the position of the pressure points. I fully understand your concern, as I sometimes have difficulty sitting for long periods, too. Maybe you could get your physician to write a letter that describes your pillow as a medical device? That might help.

I use an inflatable lumbar support. That is critical for me. Haven't been on AA or Icelandic but all of the seat cushions in the others have been fine. Never noticed any discomfort from the seat cushion but the seat back is something else. However the 3, 4 lb of extra weight would bother me since it would be adding a good 20% or more to my total weight. That is not insignificant for me. Would be interested in your comments after the trip.

I agree the gel is likely to be suspect and may get declined.

I suggest you return the gel cushion to Amazon and get a ThermaRest seat pad, such as this:

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/seating/seats/camp-seat/product

It is 16x16 and inflatable but has foam too. There is a smaller thinner version too. We use their sleeping pads for camping and I can vouch for their comfort. They are available from many sources like REI etc. and probably Amazon as well.

I'd also be shocked if an item like that would make it thru security screening. Liquids and gels are just that, regardless of the container in which they are housed.

Thanks everybody. I've ordered the therm-a-rest that Lola suggested. Will test it out. the gel feels great when I use it, but I can't risk having it tossed, and then have nothing to use on the plane. The lower weight is an advantage, too. Thanks again for all your ideas.

I have a TSA app that is useful in determining what can be taken on board, checked-in, or left home. Gel seat cushions must be checked-in and not taken on board.

I bought this Thermarest model last year and love it. It doesn't take up much space when rolled up, and cushions the seat well without being too thick.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/seating/seats/travel-cushion/product

I think you will be stopped, but anything might happen.

Personally I use an inflatable neck pillow, which I inflate about half and then sit on. The hole for the neck is very nice for the lower part of my spine, which gets intolerably sore if I sit on it for more than three hours a day.

And yes: get up and walk around - or make some other exercises for your leg muscles :-)

Just bought a gel/memory foam seat cushion for my office chair. Nice and comfortable, but is heavy and not compressable. I would not want to carry it. Perhaps you can just ask for a couple of extra blankets and fold them into a seat cushion.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Travel Accessories

The 12 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Other Pillows We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, going camping, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

Infinity Pillow

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that this one can contort in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. Our only note is that it's not a firm neck pillow like memory foam options, so it's not the most supportive if that's what you're looking for, but it still offers sufficient cushioning for keeping the neck upright. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Best With Seat Strap

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place to prevent it from slipping around or falling off.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted — though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Most Supportive

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Pluto Pillow Pod

Pluto Pillow

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays. While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

A silk pillow is the way to go to protect your hair and skin throughout your travels.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable to prevent overheating. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric and noticed that we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable carrying case), as well as the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. Even after being rolled up and stuffed into its carrying case, this pillow quickly unfolds back to its original shape.

The Details: Memory foam | 9 x 7 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

One side of the pillow has extra cushioning, and you can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

Sleep Number

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Best for Camping

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

This mini pillow is ultra-durable and fit for rustic adventuring.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and you can compress it down to easily transport it to the great outdoors, making sleeping in a tent more comfortable than ever. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap that you can use to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | 15 x 11 x 5 inches | Machine washable

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxurious soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Our Travel + Leisure team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

After testing the pillows on journeys like cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and are more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. There are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp  is a New York-based commerce writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Can You Bring Hair Gel On A Plane? The TSA Rules You Need To Know

Last Updated on March 15, 2023

Key Takeaways

• Travel-size bottles or containers of hair gel, wax, mousse, paste, or pomade are allowed in your carry-on bag
• They do need to comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule so must be in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz
• They also need to be packed in your one quart-size bag
• You can pack unrestricted quantities of hair gel in checked luggage

So you’re going on an adventure or a trip somewhere and need your hair looking its best.

You’re going to need to pack some hair gel, hair wax, hair mouse, or a pomade of some sort.

It’s a common scenario, but can you bring hair gel on a plane?

Let’s find out.

TSA Hair Gel Rules

The transportation security administration are in charge of stopping dangerous objects from getting on to planes.

Here is a screengrab from the TSA website:

Is your hair gel dangerous? No of course not.

But in order to limit the chances of a bad actor (and I don’t mean Nicolas Cage) getting large quantities of flammables onboard liquids on planes are restricted .

And it’s not only liquids. Gels, pastes, creams, or anything ‘spreadable’ are restricted too.

This means that your little tub of hair gel gets caught up in the quest for aviation safety.

You can bring hair gel on a plane in your carry on luggage but it must be in a container that is smaller than 3.4 oz or 100ml. All liquids, gels, and pastes must go in your single quart-size clear plastic bag .

This is the bag that will contain all your liquid toiletries or cosmetics in 100 ml bottles or containers.

If you don’t have a small 3 oz hair gel you can buy empty reusable travel size bottles and fill them up. This is a very economical way to travel in the long run because mini travel bottles of hair gel will be expensive bought from the drugstore. To save money you should buy a large container of hair gel and transfer some product into a little squeezable bottle for your trip.

TSA security agents staff always have the right to refuse any item. Your hair gel should be fine if it is in a small travel-size container but the ultimate decision is always taken by the transportation security administration at the security checkpoint.

If 100ml of hair wax isn’t going to be enough for you can bring as much hair product as you want in your checked luggage.

Keep in mind that checked bags occasionally go missing and items have been known to disappear from checked baggage.

If your hair products are crucial then it’s better to keep them close to you during your flight.

Tommy got pretty annoyed when the TSA checked baggage screening team messed with his pill and hair gel and had a rant about it on Twitter:

The 3.4 oz limit is strict. You can’t rock up at the security checkpoint with a 4 oz hair paste and expect that the TSA will make an exception. Thankfully this passenger checked with the TSA before her trip.

Did This Page Help You?

People also ask.

• Can you bring hairspray on a plane?
• Can you bring a beard trimmer on a plane?
• Can you bring shampoo 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!

UponArriving

TSA Medication Rules for Flying on Planes [2024]

Traveling through airport security can already be a pretty nerve-racking experience.

But when you are also worried about getting your necessary medical items through security and onto a plane for a flight, it can be even more anxiety inducing. Luckily, there are some pretty lenient TSA rules and guidelines when it comes to flying with your medication.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about TSA medication rules and flying on a plane with medication . I’ll go over the rules for things like prescription medications, pills and liquid medication and other situations like over the counter (OTC) drugs. 

Table of Contents

What are the TSA rules for flying with medication on a plane?

TSA will generally allow you to travel with your medication but there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of, especially if bringing medical liquids. Below, I will go through some of the most common restrictions that might apply to you and tell you how you can go about them when flying with medication. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Does TSA have a limit on the amount of medication I can bring on a plane?

TSA does not have a limit on the amount of medication that you can bring on a plane whenever the medication is in solid form, such as pills . So if you have a need to travel with multiple bottles of pills then you should not be limited to a certain amounts of pills or bottles. 

If you have an outrageous amount of medication on you then you might be subject to additional screening. However, in many cases as long as they can x-ray your medication they will not require you to undergo additional screening.

If you do not want your medication exposed to the x-ray machine then just let the TSA agent knows this and they will allow you to go through a different type of screening (note that this could take more time and require you to open up all of your bottles).

Note: Medical Nitroglycerin medicines are allowed.

Related: Can TSA Ask About Your Medical Condition?

What are the TSA rules for traveling with liquid medication on a plane?

If you are not aware, TSA has a rule that forbids you from bringing in liquids than can’t fit in 3.4 ounce containers. Also, these containers must fit into a quart size bag (typically a clear Ziploc bag).

This is known as the “TSA 3-1-1 rule” and you will be required to remove the bag from your carry-on unless you have TSA Pre-Check (which I highly recommend). 

TSA does not enforce the liquids rule for medically required liquids (and gels and aerosols) . They also don’t require you to put your medically necessary liquids into a liquids bag.

However, they do have some limitations on liquid medication.

They require you to only bring “reasonable quantities” and state that the liquids rule exemption only allows certain items to be carried on the aircraft when the item is declared and it is:

• Required during your flight and/or at your travel destination;
• Not available at the airport in the sterile area (after the screening checkpoint) and/or;
• Not available at your travel destination.

Reasonable quantities for your trip

When you are bringing your liquid medications through security the TSA 3-1-1 rule does not apply. Instead, TSA will allow you to bring in “reasonable quantities for you trip.” This is a subjective definition so there is going to be room for agent discretion. 

Therefore, try not to go too far with your liquid medications if you think that you might be bringing in an unreasonable amount. It is a very good idea to have a clear stated purpose for why you need that quantity of liquid medication. And it might even be a better idea if you have a signed doctor’s note explaining why you need that much medication.

It could probably help your cause if you can explain your dosage requirements in relation to the quantity of medication you are bringing. For example, if you require 10g of medication per day and you are bringing 100g with you on a ten day trip, that makes total sense.

But if you require 10g of the medication per day and you are bringing 3,000g with you for a weekend trip that could be a different story….

At some point TSA added more clarity to this rule when they stated that the medication would need to not be available at the airport in the sterile area (after the screening checkpoint) and/or not available at your travel destination.

I don’t really like this rule because essentially a TSA agent could force you to throw out a large bottle of NyQuil just because it would be available at an outrageous price within the airport. Also, sometimes it’s difficult to know whether or not something will be available at your destination so it is just smart thinking to bring it with you. Nevertheless, those are the rules.

Notify the agents 

TSA also states that you should notify the TSA agent about your liquid medication before you go through security screening.

Personally, I have flown with liquid medication many times before and have never notified TSA about it nor have they given me any push back (there’s a prescription on the medication bottle).

Even though that is how I have done it in the past, I would recommend disclosing your medication just to make things easier. This is especially the case if you’re traveling with accessories associated with your liquid medication such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes.

If TSA does notice your liquids or you tell them about them, the medically required liquids will be subjected to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. They might pour the substance into another container, test out a small sample of the medication, or swab it for explosives .

So just be prepared to pop the top if you are asked to. 

Note: You will not have to put your liquid medications into a Ziploc bag.

Related: Can You Bring CBD on a Plane? (TSA Rules)

How to pack medication for a flight in a carry-on or checked bag

TSA will allow you to bring your medication onto a plane via carry-on or checked baggage.

Obviously, you will not have access to your checked baggage when you are flying in the plane so if you are in doubt about whether or not you might need access to your medication, then I highly recommend that you pack it in your carry-on. 

Plus, remember if your checked bag containing your meds gets lost your medication is also lost.

If you bring your medication as a carry-on you should not be required to show or declare that you are bringing medication, unless you are bringing liquid medication or certain other types of medical instruments like syringes.

(Some travelers inform the TSA agents about all medications they are bringing but that does not always seem to be required in my experience.)

When packing pills or medication I would try to keep them organized in a clear plastic bag just to make things easy at all times.

Try to pack that bag in an easily accessible area within your carry-on so that you can quickly retrieve it if you need to declare or allow inspection for any of your medications.

Also, it’s a good idea for your medications to be labeled to facilitate the security process. (Labeling your meds is not required but it is recommended by TSA.)

When packed in a carry-on and going through a security checkpoint your medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening (you can choose).

Does TSA require pills to be in a prescription bottle ?

Believe it or not TSA does not require your pills to be in a prescription bottle or to show them a copy of your prescription. The catch is that states have different laws regarding how you can legally travel with prescription items.

Some states might require you to carry your pills and a bottle with a prescription and therefore it is always a good idea to keep your pills in a bottle with a prescription label if possible or at least keep the prescription with you if you are using a pill container/organizer. 

Also, many countries have very strict rules on prescription medication so be sure to keep up with the latest laws before departing the country. Some might require you to submit a letter from a physician and some countries such as those in the Middle East have very strict laws regarding bringing in certain types of medications.

It is not very difficult to find stories about US tourists getting locked up abroad in prison for bringing medications through the airport.   Read more about traveling internationally with medication here.

One interesting thing about prescriptions is that if you forget your ID you can actually use your prescription labels to help verify your identity.

Tip: Ask your pharmacist for extra containers with your name and the medication information on them if you want to carry smaller amounts of drugs with you.

What are the TSA rules for flying on a plane with injectable medication?

You are allowed to travel with injectable medication on a plane. You may also bring unused syringes  when they are accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. TSA also recommends, but does not require, that your medications be labeled so it’s a good idea to go with their recommendation. 

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

What if I need to keep my medication refrigerated when flying? 

If you need to keep your medication refrigerated you can use “ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories” to keep your medication cool. You will need to present these at the screening checkpoint in a frozen or partially-frozen state.

It would be a good idea to do a “test run” to see how long your packs can stay refrigerated, especially if you are going to be dealing with a long layover or flight. Some airplanes may have refrigeration but I would not count on that.

Does TSA allow over the counter medication on a plane?

TSA will allow you to bring over the counter medication on a plane, which means you’ll be fine to bring along things like: Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, ibuprofen, etc. Just remember that the rules pertaining to liquids will apply to OTC drugs unless they are medically necessary.

I always advise people to put their medication in a clear plastic bag just to make things easier when making your way through airport security.

Related: Does TSA Check For Arrest Warrants?

What about flying with other items?

If you have questions about bringing other types of items through TSA airport security screening (like food or alcohol), make sure to check out the articles below: 

• Bringing food through an airport 
• Bringing alcohol through an airport
• Bringing gun cases through an airport 

Yes, prescription medication is allowed on planes.

No, your medication does not have to be in the original bottle. However, it’s usually a good idea to have a prescription on hand just in case you’re questioned about the medication.

It’s best to be upfront about bringing medication through TSA, especially because TSA is pretty flexible about what medications you can bring through and all medication must be screened. If you are trying to sneak illegal drugs through TSA security you could be referred to law enforcement.

Yes, you can bring your pill organizer on a plane with your pills inside.

TSA does not require you to show your prescription so it could be possible to bring someone else’s prescription meds with you on a plane. However, it’s a good idea to make sure you are complying with state laws regarding prescription drugs when traveling. In some cases, it may be illegal to possess controlled substances prescribed to someone else.

Yes, cough syrup will be considered a liquid so you should “declare” it when going through TSA, especially if it is above 3.4 ounces.

Yes, you can bring testosterone gel on a plane. While you may not need your prescription it never hurts to bring it along.

TSA states used syringes are allowed when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container. Unused syringes are allowed when accompanied by injectable medication. You must declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

As you can probably tell, TSA rules regarding medication are actually pretty lenient. They allow you to bring an unlimited amount of pills and solid drugs and they don’t even require you to show or disclose that you are bringing those drugs through the airport and onto the plane. 

They also will allow you to go above the liquids rule if you are willing to allow them to inspect your drugs if necessary. And they don’t even require you to show your prescription for drugs. Therefore if you are planning to travel through the airport with your medication you may not have as difficult a time as you may have imagined. 

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

16 comments

Does the TSA have an official form where a person could list all his/her medication and have it signed by a doctor to insure the traveler is not harassed or blamed for bringing in drugs that are not prescribed?

I’m travelling to Dublin by aeroplane and I take over the counter co codomal painkillers for my back am I allowed these in my luggage

I’m trying to find out if I can put my medication and a seven day pill container and not take the original prescription bottles with me. We will be leaving from Dayton Ohio, stopping in Charlotte North Carolina, and ending up in Texas. I don’t want to do the wrong thing and end up not being able to take any of my medication with me! We are leaving in two days so I’d appreciate a quick answer. Thank you so much.

Chances are you will be fine without the pill bottles. But it is always a good idea to have your prescription on you just in case.

Did you get through the airports okay without the prescription bottles? I am going from Missouri to Maine soon and can’t seem to find any definite information on whether or not I need to carry the original prescription bottles or not.

I take 11 prescriptions daily, so I put my pills in a 8-day travel medication wallet that has small ziplocks for each day. I also get the pharmacy to print out my prescription list for me. I have been doing this for several years and have never been asked about my medication or to show prescriptions. I travel with a cpap and am only asked to unzip the case so they can see the cpap. This past summer, they did take and test my 8-oz bottle of hand sanitizer and gave it back. There was no problem though. I also take a frozen bottle of water without a problem. It may melt slightly, so I drink that and replace the cap.

I’m a nurse traveling to the USA to visit my sister and was wanting to take over Botox with me to inject as mmmmm as her birthday gift. Is this allowed

I will soon travel to Thailand With injectable medications. They need to stay colds too, I will obtain an insulin travel pack and bring it through in my carry on luggage and inform the TSA officers about it ahead of time. I can also do a pre TSA check in? SO they know I am coming with the meds? I will have doctors note, prescription too. The meds need to be kept cold too.

I will be traveling to Ireland next year and have both prescription and over the counter vitamins. Do I need to make a list of these items to present. I wanted to divide them by day since I will be gone for 2 weeks, but if I need to bring the bottles I can.

Hi there, for the vitamins you probably don’t need the bottles but having a list or the labels could help w/a difficult TSA agent.

For the prescription meds, I would also try to bring the prescription. But you should be fine to bring your pills in a pill organizer if that’s what you have.

Hi I have to take can Fexofenadine , and have to wash with Hydromel Cream lotion this only comes in a plastic pump bottle will they let me go through with these.

Can I bring opened bottles of OTC meds and can they be in my carry on or go into my checked bag?

Yes, and they can go in either one.

Can I bring my anxiety medication in my pocket for the plane ride 2 klonpins or 2 Xanax in my pocket through the tsa security?

If going through the full body scanner, you won’t be able to because it will trigger the alarm. Best to keep them in your bag.

can I fly with perscribed gummies?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

Airplane armrest etiquette: Why the middle seat should win out | Cruising Altitude

How can so many of you be so wrong?

I’ve written about airplane etiquette before, and I always thought the rules were pretty obvious, but it turns out, not so. Etiquette depends on a shared understanding of right and wrong, and apparently, we can’t even all agree on airplane armrests.

I’ve always thought it was an unwritten but absolute rule that the person in the middle seat gets access to both armrests as a courtesy. However, a 2023 survey by online booking platform Kayak polled more than 1,000 adults and found that more than half of you (57%) disagree with the idea that if you’re in the middle seat, you get to claim both armrests – which is honestly crazy because, in matters of decency, I am always right.

“Obviously we travel a bunch ourselves at Kayak and one of the things that we had noticed increasingly is the airport has always been one of the places where rules are super strictly enforced, but then rules are also out the window,” Matthew Clarke, vice president of North American marketing for Kayak told me. “You can have a margarita at 6:30 in the morning,” but you can’t bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquid through security.

So what’s the deal? Who gets the armrests and what are the other unwritten and unenforceable rules of air travel?

Who gets the armrests?

There’s no definite answer.

Disclaimer: I don’t care about the survey results. I will stick by the adage that the window seat person gets to control the shade, the middle seat person gets both armrests, and the aisle seat person gets to benefit from a little extra legroom and the convenience of standing up whenever they want to.

But, according to Kayak’s survey, only 43% of air travelers agree with me. Even Clarke said he was surprised by that result.

“This is what you get when you poll 1,000 people,” he said, nodding to how little common ground we have on some things.

Joe Schulz, 38, said he flies at least two or three times a month and is one of the people who disagrees with me.

“Maybe 10, 15 years ago, I was like yeah, middle seat people, they should get that armrest. But now it’s like, nah, it doesn’t make sense,” the Los Angeles resident told me. He said as airplanes pack more people into economy, he sees the armrests more as a physical barrier between seats than anything else – a line that’s not to be crossed or infringed upon.

“Regardless of whether you chose to sit in the middle, I don’t think you’re entitled to the armrest,” he said. “As soon as that person in the middle puts their arms on the armrests, you’re getting jabbed by their elbows.”  

Still, with 57% of travelers in Schulz’s camp, a fair number seem to agree that the middle seat person should get both armrests.

“I’d say it’s an unwritten rule, but it’s written a lot, just not a policy. It’s common courtesy,” Ryan Gregg, 49, told me. 

Gregg, an automation technician from Lawrence, Kansas, flies about twice a week and said he’ll often switch his flight if there are only middle seats available. However, if he has no other choice, he expects access to both armrests.

“It’s the one thing you get for being stuck there,” he said.

Last week's Cruising Altitude: What it was like onboard a special solar eclipse flight

What are the other unwritten rules of air travel? 

We may not be able to agree about armrests, but at least 94% of us can agree that airplanes are not the right place to pop your pimples, according to Kayak. Actually – why isn’t that number 100%?

No matter their views on the armrest issue specifically, everyone I spoke to for this column agreed that being a decent seat neighbor is all that matters when flying.

“Just be a decent human being. You’re stuck together for, depending on where you’re going, quite a while. I just keep to myself and be courteous of others,” Gregg said.

“Just respect each others’ personal space,” Schulz added.

“What we like to say is just be good people,” Clarke agreed. “Traveling is a lot of fun and a lot of stress, we just encourage people to be good people to each other.” 

Perhaps not surprisingly, they didn’t all have the exact same ideas on how to carry that advice out, but as frequent travelers, they all had good insights on what matters when you fly:

• Help everyone maximize overhead bin space by consolidating your stuff
• Don’t let anyone else hear your electronics
• Give the person behind you a heads-up before you recline your seat

But really the best advice of all is to keep reading Cruising Altitude for all the latest air travel and flying etiquette tips.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

Try Before You Buy: The best neck pillows for travel

Everyone knows how uncomfortable long travel can be on a plane, train or in the car.

MORE: Try Before You Buy: The best carry-on suitcases for spring break

If you are planning a trip this spring break, "Good Morning America" put some neck pillows to the test for Try Before You Buy.

"GMA" correspondent Becky Worley tried three different neck pillows that all can be purchased on Amazon for under $65.

Check out her suggestions below.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

BCOZZY Neck Pillow

BCOZZY Neck Pillow for Travel Provides Double Support to The Head, Neck, and Chin in Any Sleeping Position on Flights, Car, and at Home, Comfortable Airplane Travel Pillow, Large, Navy

Trtl travel and airplane pillow.

trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow - Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights - Neck and Shoulder Support - Super-Soft, Lightweight, Easy-to-Carry, and Machine-Washable Flight Pillow

Cabeau the neck's evolution.

Cabeau The Neck's Evolution, TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow Memory Foam Airplane Pillow - Neck Pillow with Attachment Straps - 360-Degree Support for Travel, Home, Office, and Gaming - (Berlin Grey)

Up next in shop—.

Shop the best headphones for kids, working out and more

This week from 40 Boxes: Save 70% on Linens & Hutch and more

'GMA' Digital Deals & Steals: Save up to 58% on EarthSmart Life Bags

31 gifts for dads starting at under $25

Shop editors picks, sponsored content by taboola.

Recommended

Airlines predict record summer travel — with surging demand for first-class seats.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Multiple airlines are reportedly anticipating carrying a record number of travelers this summer, including an increased demand in first class tickets.

United Airlines said Wednesday after reporting that it suffered $200 million in losses in the first quarter that it’s expecting a turnaround this summer.

“As an airline and as an industry,” United expects to “set another record for passenger numbers come June, July and August — the peak travel months for the season — the carrier’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella told investors.

To achieve this, more than 273 million Americans would have to take vacations this year, according to Investopedia , citing data from Transportation Security Administration checkpoints between May 31, 2023, and Sept. 17, 2023.

The record-setting figure for 2023 means that nearly one-third, or 32.8% of all US households passed through TSA checkpoints last year in what was dubbed a “revenge” travel season.

In another positive sign for the future of travel, customers appear willing to pay up for first class and other cabins above standard coach, executives said, according to CNBC .

Nocella said on the earnings call Wednesday that as a result, United is mulling further segmentation at the front of its planes, as it did when it implemented “preferred seating” options and perks for its MileagePlus members.

“You have many teams of people working on how to further innovate and provide more and more choice and to monetize that choice on our behalf, obviously, in the future,” Nocella said.

Alaska Airlines is similarly predicting a strong peak this summer — despite recent setbacks stemming from its infamous mid-air door blowout at 16,000 feet in January, CNBC earlier reported.

The Seattle-based carrier has prepped for the coming months by expanding its capacity roughly 3.5% over the past 12 months — which positioned it to forecast second-quarter and full-year earnings well ahead of estimates on Thursday.

Though Alaska Airlines reported earlier this month that it lost “approximately $160 million” in its first quarter in pretax profit in the wake of the fuselage blowout, Boeing — which built the 737 MAX 9 that malfunctioned on that fateful Flight 1282 from Portland, Ore. — repaid the sum.

Boeing said that it would give Alaska Airlines the $160 million it lost as part of an “initial payment” for “financial damages” resulting from the near-disastrous flight on Jan. 5 that ultimately led to a three-week grounding of Boeing’s 737 MAX 9 planes.

United also blamed that nearly month-long period on its own $200 million losses in the latest quarter, though Boeing hasn’t said that it would repay the Chicago-based airline — which was forced to cancel hundreds of flights and pause pilot hiring.

As Boeing faces a May 28 deadline from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a comprehensive plan to address quality-control issues, the government agency is also probing United after several incidents this year, including a tire that fell from one of its older Boeing 777s , CNBC reported.

However, the setbacks didn’t seem to sway COO Nocella’s belief that it’s going to be a busy summer for United.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian also said on his company’s earnings call last week, “Demand continues to be strong, and we see a record spring and summer travel season with our 11 highest sales days in our history all occurring this calendar year,” CNBC earlier reported.

Delta’s second-quarter forecasts also outpaced Wall Street estimates.

And in another display of travelers’ willingness to splash out on travel perks, Delta revealed plans to debut “premium” airport lounges back in February , touting that the high-end spaces will feature full-service brasseries, markets and dedicated wellness areas.

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are both set to report their latest earnings results on April 25.

Share this article:

Advertisement

Morning Rundown: Iranian media downplays impact of Israel's apparent strike, multi-state 911 outage raises alarm, and Taylor Swift drops a secret double album

FAA lifts temporary ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after technical issue is resolved

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights Wednesday after grounding the planes earlier as a result of a computer problem at the carrier.

The Seattle-based airline said in a statement that an issue arose “while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance.”

The FAA initially approved a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights starting at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET.

It was lifted just before 11:45 a.m. ET.

It wasn't immediately clear how many flights were affected. An Alaska spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Find cheap flights to Moscow

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to moscow.

Save 22% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Flights to Moscow - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to moscow to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., how many airports are there in moscow, there are 4 airports in moscow: moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), moscow vnukovo airport (vko), moscow domodedovo airport (dme) and moscow zhukovsky airport (zia). the busiest airport is moscow sheremetyevo airport (svo), with 48% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to moscow, the duration of your flight to moscow depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to moscow on kayak are from boston , which takes 11h 50m, san francisco , which takes 19h 20m, los angeles , which takes 20h 30m, and new york , which takes 22h 15m., when to book flights to moscow, faqs - booking moscow flights, what are the stopover options for the us to moscow flights.

The stopover options for the US flights to Moscow depend on your airline, departure city, and arrival airport. If you're flying with Turkish Airlines from New York, expect layovers in Istanbul, Bodrum, and Antalya. United Airlines, British Airways, EI AI, Azerbaijan Airlines, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Emirates offer flights from New York to DME with common layovers in Tel Aviv-Yafo, London, Baku, Vienna, Zurich, and Amsterdam respectively. Flights from Los Angeles have common layovers in New York, Frankfurt, Dubai, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Vienna.

Which US airports offer flights from the US to Moscow?

If you’re looking to fly to Moscow from the US, you will be happy to know that several US airports offer these flights. You can get flights from the US to Moscow from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), and Atlanta (ATL) among others.

Does Sheremetyevo International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. SVO is an accessible airport with management that strives to ensure that all passengers traveling through the airport get full access to its programs and services. The airport’s terminals are well configured to provide easy access for passengers with reduced mobility. SVO also offers accessible restrooms throughout its terminals. Disabled travelers are welcome to use Saturn Lounge in Terminal D or Sirius Lounge for passengers flying from Terminals D, E, and F.

How can I access the lounges at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport?

Art Lounge is near Gate 23 on the Second Floor of Terminal A. The lounge admits passengers on in-transit or international flights only and remains open for 24 hours. You can access the lounge through a pass or membership programs. Fountain Lounge is in the food court area on the Second Floor of Terminal A and admits passengers on membership programs. You can access Top Lounge through membership programs. The lounge is near Gate 21 on the Third Floor of Terminal A. Prokofiev Premier and Tchaikovsky Lounge admit travelers through membership programs. Prokofiev is near Gate 13 in Terminal A while the latter is on the International Airside of the same terminal.

What shopping options are available at the Moscow airports?

Travelers looking to shop while in Moscow need not go any further than the airports, as both airports have a wide range of options from fashion to jewelry and souvenirs. Popular shops in Sheremetyevo International Airport include Red Machine, Yarmarka, and Swarovski. For Domodedovo International Airport, Natura Siberica, Consul, and Frey Wille are all great stores to take a peek at.

What restaurant options are there at the Moscow airports?

Just as the shopping options were extensive at both airports, the dining is the same. For Sheremetyevo International Airport, consider paying a visit to Kolbasny Tsekh and Mama Russia. If you are flying into Domodedovo International Airport, Uzbechka and Edim Letim are sure to satisfy.

What facilities are available for children and families at Moscow’s airports?

In Sheremetyevo International Airport, travelers will be happy to note that there is a children’s play area in Terminal D. There are also mother-and-child rooms that feature play areas, showers, and couches for young children and their mothers. As for Domodedovo International Airport, there are two children’s play areas located at the International and Domestic Terminals.

How do I get from Domodedovo International Airport to downtown Moscow?

Fortunately for travelers, Domodedovo International Airport is very well-connected to downtown Moscow. If you are just in town for a visit, likely the cheapest and most convenient way to get into town is the Aeroexpress. Aside from the Aeroexpress, however, there are also bus, shuttle and taxi options available.

Which Moscow airport is closest to central Moscow?

There are 4 major airports in Moscow. The nearest airport from Moscow city center is Moscow Vnukovo (17 miles), followed by Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (18 miles), Moscow Zhukovsky (25 miles), and Moscow Domodedovo Airport (25 miles).

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Moscow?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Moscow.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Moscow?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Moscow is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Moscow?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Moscow with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Moscow?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Moscow up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Moscow?

Of the 18 airlines that fly to Moscow, Aeroflot offers the most flights, with around 1,664 per week, followed by Pobeda with 452 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Moscow

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Moscow flight deals.
• Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal D. The former is the main terminal that serves most international and domestic flights. Terminal D mostly serves flights arriving from North Caucasus. The terminals are a short walk from each other as they are adjacent and are connected by walkways.
• Passengers arriving at Moscow Domodedovo International Airport (MDE) can utilize the airport’s shower facilities to freshen up before leaving the airport. Showers are available in the Left Wing of the International Arrivals Area.
• Passengers looking to explore MDE luggage-free are welcome to leave their luggage at the airport’s storage lockers. You can find the lockers Landslide of the International Arrivals Area and on the Ground Floor of the Domestic Arrivals.
• Gadget-totting travelers can charge their devices at MDE. The airport offers stand-alone charging stations in every waiting lounge. You can also rent battery chargers from the Left Luggage room.
• Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is completely smoke-free in the terminals. However, the airport offers designated smoking pavilions to accommodate smoking passengers. The smoking pavilions are outside at the terminals’ entrances.
• For flights to Moscow, travelers have four different airports to choose from: Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), and Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA). However, most travelers will be flying into either Domodedovo International Airport or Sheremetyevo International Airport, as they are by far the most popular of the four airports.
• Getting from Sheremetyevo International Airport to downtown Moscow is simple, thanks to the Aeroexpress, which connects directly to both Belorussky Railway Terminal and Okruzhnaya station. From either station, you can head to a number of locations across Moscow in no time.
• Looking to head straight to the hotel after your flight to Moscow? If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel is within walking distance of the airport’s terminals. For Domodedovo International Airport, on the other hand, there is the Domodedovo AirHotel, which is located just half a mile away from the airport and offers free transfers to and from the airport.
• If you need to get between Domodedovo International Airport and Sheremetyevo International Airport, your best bet is to take a combination of the Aeroexpress and the Moscow Metro. There is even a special “Between Airports” ticket available for purchase at the Aeroexpress ticket office.
• Got a few hours to spare at Sheremetyevo International Airport? Why not stop off at the Aero-beauty hair salon for a cut, trim, or maybe even a dye? Another option is to spend some time at the History Museum of Sheremetyevo, which has several unique exhibitions on the history of the airport.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Moscow?

Find which airlines fly direct to Moscow, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Moscow

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +52 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, +53 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, AeroUnion, +54 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, +55 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +51 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, +52 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +55 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, +56 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, AeroUnion, +50 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, +51 more

AZIMUTH, AZUR air, Aero Nomad, +54 more

Nonstop returns

Moscow to United States

Book cheap moscow plane tickets, round-trip flight deals, search by stops, one-way flight deals, flights to moscow, return flight deals:.

Moscow - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 

Meta working on travel mode for using Quest headsets during flights after Vision Pro launches with feature

Today I learned two things. First, apparently Meta Quest headsets don’t work on planes? I guess Apple knew to prioritize that feature for Vision Pro. And second, support is reportedly on the way. Add this to the list of ways competition from Vision Pro is making Meta Quest 3 a better product.

For April, Meta released software update v64 that makes Quest 3 passthrough more like Vision Pro, users say. Motion blur is more noticeable, but still clarity is increased. Meta has also added support for viewing spatial videos captured from iPhone 15 Pro.

Now Meta may be planning to introduce flight support as soon as v65 next month. Per @Lunayian on X ( via Nicholas Sutrich ), several code strings reference travel mode for use on a plane.

Early NUX render to introduce "Flight Mode" I found in Meta Quest OS v65 pic.twitter.com/oq2GzCiaZu — Luna (@Lunayian) April 18, 2024

Apple pushes watching movies and TV shows during flights as a key use case for Apple Vision Pro. It’s one of the first things you see at the top of Apple’s website currently.

Surely Meta has taken notice and prioritized travel mode as it positions Meta Quest 3 as a dramatically cheaper solution to Vision Pro with many of the same capabilities.

The most impactful change, however, would be around multitasking. Quest headsets are limited to three app windows at a time right now. Apple Vision Pro has plenty of other limitations, but there’s virtually no limit to how many windows can be placed around a room and used together.

• Zuckerberg says Meta Quest 3 is better than Apple Vision Pro
• Apple Vision Pro is already making the Meta Quest 3 better
• Vision Pro latency by far the best on passthrough; lags behind Meta on angular motion
• Meta confirms spatial video playback coming to Quest one day before Vision Pro launch

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

How to get to Moscow

The most common way to get to Moscow is by plane, with some tourists arriving in the capital by train.  Find out how to get to the Russian capital !

Find the main ways to travel to the Russian capital on this guide:

Getting to Moscow by plane

Getting to Moscow by plane is the most comfortable, quickest and cheapest way . Moscow has several international airports that connect the city with almost every corner of the world, and with some budget airlines operating flights there from London, you can often find an economical option. If you're flying from elsewhere in the UK, you'll probably have to make a stop in another European city on the way. From the USA, direct flights can be found from New York from around 500 US Dollars.

To get the best price on the flight to Moscow, it is best to book as far in advance as possible.

Check out our cheap flights search engine here!

Once you have booked your flight, the next step is finding how to get to Moscow city centre from the airport.

How to get to the centre of Moscow from each airport?

Domodedovo international airport (dme), sheremetyevo international airport (svo), vnukovo international airport (vko), getting to moscow by train.

A popular way to travel around Russia is by train , especially by the famous Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian Railways. Moscow has a number of important train stations including  Leningradsky , with trains to Saint Petersburg; Kazansky , for trains to Central Asia; and Yaroslavsky , from where trains depart for Siberia, Mongolia and China.

If you're travelling from St Petersburg , you can reach Moscow by train in about 9 hours, but if you're short on time, it's best to take one of the fast trains which connect the two cities in less than 4 hours for around ₽ 3,500 ( US$ 37.20).

You can check prices , timetables and book tickets through the Russian Railways website.

You may also be interested in

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

The Museum of the Great Patriotic War, located in Victory Park and also known as the Victory Museum, is a history museum showcasing Russia's participation in World War II.

Domodedovo Airport (DME) is Russia's second busiest airport after Sheremetyevo Airport. Discover how to reach Moscow city centre after arriving there!

You can still find affordable flights to Europe this summer

Airfare prices to amsterdam, brussels, prague and reykjavik are way down from last year.

Christina Saull and her husband have waited five years to take a 10-day cruise through the Norwegian fjords. The first time they planned the trip, it was postponed for a medical emergency. The second time, there was a family wedding. Now, finally, they were getting ready to go in July.

Only they needed plane tickets.

“It’s interesting to see how expensive fares have been and how they’ve fluctuated,” said Saull, a public relations executive who lives in Alexandria, Va.

The couple watched prices go from as little as $900 round trip to as much as $2,500 for flights from Washington to Edinburgh, Scotland, and back from Copenhagen . They finally settled on premium economy seats for $2,000 each on Delta Air Lines and its partner Air France.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for summer Europe travel,” Saull said of what they paid.

Not unreasonable is a good way to describe transatlantic air travel this summer. Even with strong travel demand, tickets are cheaper on average than they were last year.

“Airfare to Europe is less expensive than last year by 10 percent,” said Hayley Berg, the lead economist at flight-booking app Hopper . The average round trip ticket before any extra fees costs $882, according to the data.

The highest fares are in June, July and August, Berg added. Traveling in shoulder months — for example, September and October — could save travelers as much as 30 percent.

Schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium Diio shows airlines will offer 8 percent more seats on U.S.-Europe routes from May through September than last year.

Philadelphia is gaining new nonstops to Copenhagen, Naples , and Nice, France, on American Airlines. Phoenix gets its first nonstop to Paris on Air France. Washington, a new flight to Zurich on Swiss International Air Lines. And many other routes additional flights or options on larger planes.

“In the transatlantic, we are looking forward to another strong summer,” said Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, referring to bookings earlier in April. He added the airline sees “healthy demand” for seats to Europe.

Paris has flight deals, but hotels are pricey

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are a bump in the finely tuned machine that is summer air travel to Europe. The Games run from July 26 through Aug. 11, and the French capital is expected to host some 15 million visitors during the event and the following Paralympic Games. Last summer, the city saw more than 6.2 million visitors in July and August.

“Paris will be like an Olympic village in July and August,” said Christine Ourmières-Widener, CEO of the French airline French Bee . All those visitors still need a way to get to the city. French Bee , which caters to leisure travelers like those going to the Games, has added flights from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco to meet the demand.

Flight deals to Paris can still be found. Booking website Expedia recommends travelers buy tickets at least 21 days before their trip and, for international travel, look at departing on a Monday to find the best airfares.

Finding an affordable hotel in Paris during the Games is another matter. Expedia said it has seen a “massive surge” in searches for accommodations there this summer and recommends travelers look at nearby cities for more reasonably priced options.

Consider Nice, Prague and Reykjavik

Finn Vigeland, a transit planner who lives in Washington, was “quite surprised” last month when he found a good deal on flights to Nice, France, in July.

Prices on American Airlines’ new nonstop to Nice from Philadelphia were only $700 to $800 round trip, he said. That was affordable enough to make a trip to France with friends possible, and he booked the flight (with points, not cash).

Average fares to Nice from the United States are down a quarter to $907 compared to last summer, Hopper’s data shows. The city also has the distinction of being one of the few European destinations with lower airfares this summer than in 2019, 11 percent lower to be exact. That drop is, in part, thanks to a plethora of new flights on American, Delta, and United.

Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague , and Reykjavik , Iceland, are other European cities where ticket prices from the United States are down more than 20 percent from last year, according to Hopper.

Airfares are not down double-digits in all markets though. Fares to cities like Berlin and Glasgow, Scotland, are on par with last year.

Traveler after traveler said they felt like they could find reasonably priced plane tickets for trips between the United States and Europe this summer. Those who said they could not often lacked flexibility to adjust their trips to when and where fares are the cheapest.

“I felt like this was doable. It made sense,” Alexander Giess said of his plan to take his 10-year-old daughter on a three-week trip to France this summer.

After a lengthy search, in March the marketing executive paid about $1,000 each for two round-trip tickets to Nice from San Francisco on his preferred airline, Delta.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

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.

What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items .

• Twitter: @AskTSA
• Facebook Messenger:  www.fb.com/AskTSA
• Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
• Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

Blood Sugar Test Kit

• Carry On Bags: Yes
• Checked Bags: Yes

Please notify the TSA officer that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin, and insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.

Learn more about transporting medication on your next flight.

Please visit our special procedures page for information on traveling through the checkpoint with a cane.

Contact Lens Solution

TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Any oversized medically-necessary liquids that alarm during screening, testing positive for certain chemicals, may not be allowed through the screening checkpoint. Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that typically alarm and may not permitted through the checkpoint. We recommend placing contact lens solutions over 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage.

Contact Lenses

TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Any oversized medically-necessary liquids that alarm during screening, testing positive for certain chemicals, may not be allowed through the screening checkpoint. Some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that typically alarm and may not be permitted through the checkpoint. We recommend placing contact lens solutions over 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage.

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.

External Medical Devices

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
• Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Inform the TSA officer if you have a bone growth stimulator, spinal stimulator, neurostimulator, port, feeding tube, insulin pump, ostomy or other medical device attached to your body and where it is located before the screening process begins. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. Submit the device for X-ray screening if you can safely disconnect. Consult with the manufacturer of the device to determine whether it can pass through the X-ray, metal detector or advanced imaging technology for screening. If you cannot disconnect from the device, it may require additional screening and those in sensitive areas are subject to careful and gentle inspection. For more information, see TSA special procedures . If you need assistance with screening, you may ask for a Passenger Support Specialist or a Supervisory TSA Officer. Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)

We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to facilitate the security process.

Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.

Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.

Sharp Objects

Household & tools, sporting & camping, miscellaneous.

The flight time from United States to Moscow, Russia is:

11 hours, 24 minutes.

Change your flying speed:

mph     knots     km/h    

take-off and landing: minutes

Flight map from United States to Moscow, Russia

Open this map directly on Google Maps .

More trip calculations

• Reverse Flying Time
• airports near Moscow, Russia
• Driving Time
• Hotels near Moscow, Russia
• Time Difference

Flying time from United States to Moscow, Russia

The total flight duration from United States to Moscow, Russia is 11 hours, 24 minutes .

This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds.

If you're planning a trip, remember to add more time for the plane to taxi between the gate and the airport runway. This measurement is only for the actual flying time. You should also factor in airport wait times and possible equipment or weather delays. If you're trying to figure out what time you'll arrive at the destination, you may want to see if there's a time difference between United States and Moscow, Russia .

The calculation of flight time is based on the straight line distance from United States to Moscow, Russia ("as the crow flies"), which is about 5,446 miles or 8 764 kilometers .

Your trip begins in the United States. It ends in Moscow, Russia.

Your flight direction from United States to Moscow, Russia is Northeast (24 degrees from North).

The flight time calculator measures the average flight duration between points. It uses the great circle formula to compute the travel mileage.

United States

Related links.

• airports in United States
• cities in United States

Moscow, Russia

• airlines serving Moscow, Russia
• hotels near Moscow, Russia
• cities near Moscow, Russia

Flight time calculator

Travelmath provides an online flight time calculator for all types of travel routes. You can enter airports, cities, states, countries, or zip codes to find the flying time between any two points. The database uses the great circle distance and the average airspeed of a commercial airliner to figure out how long a typical flight would take. Find your travel time to estimate the length of a flight between airports, or ask how long it takes to fly from one city to another.

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy