Part of the essentials of traveling are toiletry bags. For travelers who prefer bringing their carry-on luggage, there are restrictions on some items like liquids which are common for toiletries. For those who are unaware, people often ask if toiletry bags must be clear and we have the answers for you.
Generally speaking, the TSA does not explicitly state that toiletry bags must be clear for them to pass through security. However, items inside the 3-1-1 liquids bag must be in a clear, quart-sized resealable bag. This makes it easier for the security officers to clear your items through the checkpoint.
We know that there are a lot of things to consider when packing, and worrying about toiletry bags can be an added stress to the situation. Fortunately, we have some great tips and advice on how to pack your toiletry bags. We also have some suggestions on the best bags you can use, so please enjoy and keep reading our post!
Do Toiletry Bags Need To Be Clear?
For many travelers, bringing their toiletries with them on vacation is an absolute must. Regardless of whether you have the basics like soap and shampoo waiting for you in your hotel room, there is nothing better than using your own favorite personal care items.
In general, toiletries are items that a person would use for washing and taking care of the body. You can also call toiletries personal care items, and this category will list a number of products that people use daily. Soap, hair care products, oral care products, and deodorant are all part of these toiletries.
When traveling via plane, there are certain restrictions that the TSA implements for carry-on bags. The 3-1-1 liquids rule states that all passengers can bring one quart-sized clear plastic bag of liquid, cream, or aerosol items less than 3.4 ounces. This includes all liquid items, especially toiletries.
According to the TSA, only the 3-1-1 liquids bag has to be clear because it will help expedite the checking process by the officers. However, they do not explicitly say that toiletry bags containing other non-liquid items should be clear.
You can use any kind of toiletry bag available for your use. Items like disposable razors, toothbrushes, q-tips, or other similar items can be inside this toiletry bag. The TSA will not require checking these bags unless they find liquid items in the toiletry bag that are not inside the 3-1-1 bag.
What Should I Consider In A Toiletry Bag?
Toiletry bags are important when traveling because it saves you time and it keeps all your essentials (and favorites) all in one bag. When choosing a toiletry bag for your travels, it is important to choose one that will not take over too much space in your luggage but can still keep everything in place.
1. Right size
Before getting your toiletry bag, make sure that you have downsized the toiletries that you will bring during your travels. First, you have to consider all the liquid items that you will put in your 3-1-1 bag. Make sure that everything liquid, gel, or cream fits inside this bag.
Get this quart-size Ziploc bag on Amazon.
Choose the right size of toiletry bag that will only fit the important stuff. It can be tempting to get a bigger-sized toiletry bag so you have everything that you need. However, a heavy toiletry bag can be problematic because it adds weight to your luggage and you probably won't use everything anyway.
2. Lightweight
When choosing a toiletry bag, make sure that it isn't heavy on its own. A heavy toiletry bag will be even heavier when you put items inside. This can be a problem because it will add more weight to your luggage (and we don't want that!)
Pick a lightweight toiletry bag that can keep all your items secure. Fabric or plastic toiletry bags are quite lightweight, so choose one that will best suit your needs.
3. Durable and water-resistant
Obviously, the toiletry bag will be in the bathroom most of the time so make sure to find a bag that is water-resistant and durable. They should be able to withstand the splashes from the shower without ruining the material.
Durability is also important for toiletry bags because it will keep your items from getting all over the place. Toiletries occasionally can get messy when caps are loose or bags are not sealed correctly. Choose a toiletry bag that is durable enough for all the cleaning it will experience and the general wear and tear.
4. Easy-to-organize
Bags with small pockets are great because you can put small items in them without having to dig through the entirety of your toiletry bag. You can separate items for specific needs like shaving, cleaning, or general skin care using these small pockets.
5. Airport-friendly
Your toiletry bag should be airport-friendly to prevent waiting in the security line for a long time. While it's true that toiletry bags do not need to be clear, it can help expedite the checking process. If you are really not fond of clear toiletry bags, choose bags that are easy to open for airport checking.
Best Toiletry Bags
There are many toiletry bags available on the market and they all cater to specific travelers' needs. However, we have come up with a list of toiletry bags that you might want to try on your next trip.
Men's toiletry bag
Despite some men being more "less-maintenance" than most women, it is still important to bring their own personal care items when traveling. Most toiletry bags on the market have more feminine designs, so we looked for the perfect toiletry bags men would enjoy.
Check out this Dopp kit on Amazon.
For those who like their toiletry bags basic and straightforward, these canvas Dopp kits are perfect. These bags are very spacious and they can generally fit a lot of toiletry items altogether in one bag. You can put your quart-sized 3-1-1 bag inside your Dopp kit and put it back after TSA officers check them.
Get this organizer Dopp kit on Amazon.
Some men who prefer their bags a little more organized might like this Dopp kitt better. This toiletry bag has a separate compartment wherein you can store your toothbrushes, razors, and other similar items. The small inner pockets are also great for keeping smaller items like q-tips and dental floss.
Hanging toiletry bag
Keep all your toiletries close to you while you're in the bathroom by getting a hanging toiletry bag. These bags come with a small foldable hook that you can put on the shower rod of your hotel room. They are great for keeping everything within reach without having to go back and forth to the bathroom counter.
Grab this hanging toiletry bag on Amazon.
Make-up and toiletries
If you prefer to bring your make-up and toiletries with you, consider getting a multi-functional separate compartment toiletry bag. These bags usually have two compartments on the top and on the bottom so you can put different items in separate areas of the bag.
Check out this cosmetic bag case on Amazon.
These are also great for airport travel because they have transparent panels that are easy to look through for security checking. The zippers are also easy to open so you can easily take out your liquids bag for inspection and put it back without any hassle.
Final Thoughts
A quality, durable toiletry bag is a great way to carry all your favorite personal care items for travel. Before traveling, make sure that your bag is easy to check and open, so it won't be a problem when you arrive at the airport. Remember, your toiletry bag only needs your essentials in it, so take only what you need to prevent any hassles from happening during your trip.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out these great posts:
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