Best ways to avoid liquids while getting on a plane

We’ve seen the images and read the nightmare stories about airline travel this summer.  From lost luggage to security lines that feel they go on forever, the pent-up desire to travel has been running head-on into a travel industry that lost many workers.

Worried about lost luggage?  The best cure for that is making sure you don’t have to check bags.  That means what you can bring as a carry-on.

But limiting yourself to what you can carry on also limits the number of personal items you might bring.  Let’s talk about those things in your toiletry bag.  For some, this might be easy; for others, it might mean a significant rethink of travel personal care.

With carry-on, you are limited to very small amounts.  It’s the 3-1-1 rule Three ounces or less in one, one-quart clear bag.  That bag is a lot smaller than you think.  But if you plan, you might end up with extra space and be able to pack your favorite hair products. Or at least a hat if you don’t care at all.

First, you need to list all the items you think you need.  Ensure they are all in containers that meet carry-on requirements, less than 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters).  You can buy travel-sized.  But if you are one of those folks with specific shampoo or soap preferences, you can buy refillable squeeze tubes.  

Try to fit them in the one-quart bag.  Now you can think of how to get less in the bag.

I’ve heard before that bringing fewer personal care items on a trip is a lot easier for guys than for gals.  I would argue that’s not entirely true.  If I brought all the bathroom stuff I use during a regular week, I wouldn’t have enough space either.

The point is you need to rethink your personal care routine for traveling.  Yes, there are certain things that folks need to use.  Be it special lotions, medicine, or hypoallergenic products.  If that’s the case for you, pack those first.  Then figure out for to take less.

Both those above things said.  I’m going to approach this as a guy, chatting with guys.  And gal, you can use this advice too.  Either for your packing or that other travel partner who always packs way too much.  Leaving you waiting after the security checkpoint or at luggage claim because he just couldn’t travel without five types of beard product.

First, after you’ve laid everything out, ask yourself what you can buy when you get there.  How long are you going? If only a few days or a week.  Most travel sizes should be enough.  Longer stays, and it might make more sense to buy products there.  Staying in a hotel?  Most are going to offer shampoo, conditioner, and soap.  These days some of the stuff the hotel supplies is better than what I bring.

Does it have to be a liquid?  If it’s not a liquid, it can stay in your main carry-on bag. This is a little trick that lots of folks don’t realize right away. Castille soap bars are good for skin and hair. They make dry tooth powder that you can use instead of toothpaste. Ask yourself what can serve two purposes.  Soap and shave cream?

Opt for an electric shaver.  Small USB rechargeable ones can last for a week of travel.

The point is to make sure all you have is a carry-on.  Less hassle, on and off the plane faster and quicker through the airport.

The point is to get you through security faster.  One other trick if you are flying in around or out of the US enough is to sign up for TSA pre-check. Pre-check allows you to keep the 3-1-1 bag in your bag while going through security.  But you still need to meet the size and limits of the requirement. But it’s no guarantee that you won’t still be pulling out a 3-1-1 bag, so it’s best to be prepared.