Can You Bring Lotion on a Plane?

Direct Answer (2026 Official Rules)

Cabin: ⚠ LIMITED Hold: ✓ YES

Yes, with limits — you can bring lotion & moisturizer in carry-on bags provided you follow security limits. Carry-on: ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in the quart bag.

Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.

On this page · 9 sections

⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: International 3-1-1 Liquid Security Rules & Container Geometry

Containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less that fit within a single clear, resealable 1-quart (1-liter) plastic bag are permitted through screening because small volumes can be rapidly inspected and present limited hazard potential.

Decision Threshold: 100 ml (3.4 oz) or smaller container + 1 clear quart bag per passenger.

Rules by security authority

United States — TSA

Carry-on

Restricted

Yes — containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in your liquids bag, including gels like petroleum jelly.

Checked bag

Yes

Yes — no limits worth knowing; double-bag big tubs against altitude changes.

Rule conditions: Carry-on: ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container in the quart bagPetroleum jelly/aquaphor/vapor rub: gels — same rule countsChecked: allowed at any sizeSolid stick balms/bars: not liquids

Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.

🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice

Place your clear 1-quart bag in the screening bin outside your luggage in 2D X-ray lanes. In 3D CT scanner lanes, keep it inside your bag unless instructed otherwise by the screening officer.

Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →

⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid

The Mistake: Carrying multiple quart bags per traveler or forgetting that pastes and gels (toothpaste, hair gel, lip gloss) count as liquids.

How to Avoid It: Consolidate all toiletries into one quart bag per traveler or transition to solid alternatives (shampoo bars, solid deodorant).

💧 3-1-1 liquids rule checker

One quart-size (≈1 L) bag per passenger; every container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.

Your container size (ml)

Fit is approximate — container shape decides real-world packing. Medically necessary liquids and infant food are exempt: declare them. Packing a whole bag? Plan it container by container →

How to Pack Lotion & Moisturizer for a Flight

The surprise confiscee of the toiletry world is the big tub of Vaseline — gels count as liquids, full stop. Solid-bar moisturizers and stick balms are the loophole that actually works, and decanting into contact-lens cases beats a zip-top of leaks at altitude.

Lotion & Moisturizer on a plane — FAQs

Can you bring Lotion in a carry-on?

Yes — containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in your liquids bag, including gels like petroleum jelly.

Can you pack Lotion in checked luggage?

Yes — no limits worth knowing; double-bag big tubs against altitude changes.

Why are there rules for lotion on a plane?

Is Vaseline a liquid for TSA?

Yes — petroleum jelly and similar ointment gels count as liquids, so containers over 3.4 oz (100 ml) cannot go through the checkpoint. Solid stick balms are fine at any size.

Last verified: July 29, 2026

Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →