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Can I take powder in hand luggage?

Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350mL in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of. For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.



You are allowed to take powders in your hand luggage in 2026, but they are subject to specific TSA and international security protocols similar to the rules for liquids. Any powder-like substance (such as baby powder, protein powder, or cosmetics) that exceeds 12 ounces or 350 mL (roughly the size of a soda can) must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening at the security checkpoint. These items may be subject to additional inspections, and officers may require the containers to be opened for testing. To avoid delays, the TSA strongly encourages travelers to place non-essential powders larger than 12 oz in their checked baggage whenever possible. For international flights, particularly those departing from certain hubs in the Middle East or Australia, these rules can be even more strictly enforced, with some airlines prohibiting large quantities of powder in the cabin altogether. Medically necessary powders and baby formula are exempt from the volume restrictions but must still be declared for inspection.

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If the original container is less than 12 ounces (350ml) of powder, you can pack your protein in your carry-on without worry. However, TSA will require any powder or supplement containers greater than 12 ounces to be placed in a separate bin for screening at airport security.

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Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350mL in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of. For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.

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You may not pack gunpowder in your carry-on or checked baggage under any circumstances. Gunpowder includes black powder and percussion caps.

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Powder Makeup Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.

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Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Is Mascara Considered a Liquid by TSA? TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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With the exception of balls, many pieces of sporting equipment such as baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts weapons, hiking poles, and tent spikes/poles, are prohibited from carry-on luggage and must be transported in checked baggage.

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However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.

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Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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The Bottom Line. Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA and can be thrown into your handbag or carry-on without any issues. Liquid lip gloss, jars of petroleum lip balm, and other lip care liquids must be placed in your clear liquids bag for security checkpoint screening.

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Traveling with cleaning or disinfecting #wipes? Pre-moistened wipes are allowed in carry-on luggage. They do not need to be placed in your travel-size liquids bag.

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Carry it – wipes are not liquids, so load up on what you need. Carry it – Mascara is small enough to fit easily in your quart-sized bag. If you plan to travel with other personal hygiene tools, check out this chart for what you can and cannot bring with you in your carry-on.

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Think the usuals, like shampoo, toothpaste, and aerosol or roll-on liquid deodorant (solid deodorant isn't regulated by the 3-1-1 rule). But here are some surprising items that the TSA prohibits in carry-on luggage.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

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Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

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Since a bar of soap is a solid rather than a liquid, TSA puts no restrictions on bringing them through airport security. You can bring a bar soap of any size or as many bars as you wish.

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You're free to pack items like mascara, brow gel, and concealer in your carry-on, as long as they're smaller than 3.4 ounces. You might assume you're in the clear to pack whatever solid makeup products you want, but this isn't always the case.

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