Are Wet Wipes Considered A Liquid When Flying?

Fortunately, wet wipes like Lysol, Clorox, makeup, baby, and disinfectant wipes are allowed by TSA to be transported on a plane. However, what dictates the packing of wet wipes in luggage is an answer to the question- are wet wipes considered a liquid when flying?

We are all aware of how rules for storing liquid in luggage differ, and for many travelers, wet wipes have now become a staple product. It offers convenience to freshen up when on a long haul or quickly clean up after a messy meal, making wet wipes necessary to carry along in the checked or carry-on luggage. 

In this article, we will determine whether are wet wipes considered a liquid when flying and, if not, how they will be stowed in baggage. 

Are Wet Wipes Considered A Liquid When Flying?

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced a rule known as the 3-1-1 rule, precisely for liquids that are intended to be brought by the passenger on a flight. Since wet wipes do not fall under the category of aerosols, gels, paste, liquids, and creams, they are not subjected to the 3-1-1 rule, and you do not have to worry about packing wet wipes in a specific manner. Are Wet Wipes Considered A Liquid When Flying

Mainly TSA only considers the items above as liquids. As wet wipes cannot be classified into any of those segments, you are not mandated to follow the liquid rule and, for easy access in flight, are permitted to pack the product on top of the bag. 

According to the 3-1-1 rule, any product counted as a liquid has to adhere to certain limitations before it boards onto a flight, accompanying its traveler. The liquid is required to be only carried in a limited amount where it is to be placed in a separate quart-sized bag during the screening procedure and confined to the limit of 100 ml or 3.04 ounces. 

Luckily, wet wipes are counted as “solids” by the TSA; therefore, they do not have to abide by any restrictions otherwise imposed for liquids in luggage. 

Other Wipes:

Most travelers often wonder whether it is only the wet wipes that stand as an exception to the 3-1-1 rule or if other kinds of wipes are exempted as well.

All types of wipes, whether makeup or sanitizing, are not categorized under aerosols, gels, liquids, paste, or creams. So they are free from the obligation of following the 3-1-1 rule. 

It is a good idea and a practical approach to carry a handful of wet wipes in the carry-on luggage instead of liquid alcohol sanitizers. Sanitizing wipes are not seen as a liquid item, and there will be no quantity limitation for you compared to a hand sanitizer, which constitutes an eminent example of a liquid product. 

TSA Sanity Check:

Supposedly, despite our stated information, you still are in a dilemma with whether wet wipes are considered a liquid when flying and whether the 3-1-1 rule applies; you can further perform a sanity check through the TSA website. 

The provided link will navigate you to the TSA website’s prohibited item page. In the box with the text “When I fly, can I bring my?” Type out the key term “wet wipes” and click the go button, which will open up a pop window detailing wet wipes, informing you about its permissibility. 

“Liquid” Defined By TSA: 

The term “liquid” frequently confuses travelers, especially when unfamiliar with the 3-1-1 rule. 

According to TSA, anything with qualities like gels, aerosols, and liquid is considered a liquid. If you can squirt the product from a bottle or, for that matter, spread it on a surface, including skin, it is counted as a liquid. 

For example, a glow stick or a snow globe that a traveler might not plan on consuming or using is still subjected to the 3-1-1 liquid rule. Additionally, toothpaste and applesauce also count as liquids. 

When it comes to deciding if a deodorant counts as a liquid or not, it is not possible to be sure about it without confusion. You would have to examine the form of the deodorant to be able to decide. 

Such as a stick deodorant is a hard and spreadable item, yet per the liquid definition provided by TSA, it is not counted as a liquid nor subjected to the 3-1-1 regulation. On the other hand, a roll-on or a gel deodorant would be confirmed as a liquid and mandated to be packed accordingly. 

Packing Wet Wipes For Traveling: 

Wet wipes are not considered a liquid on a plane, and you are permitted to pack as many wet wipes as you want and keep them in any bag you like. 

But keeping wet wipes secured in your hand luggage and on top of the bag is always advisable. Placing wet wipes in this location not only offers you easy accessibility, but if the product tends to block the airport scan’s view, then you can quickly take the wipes out of the bag so they do not obstruct the x-ray machine’s vision and can be closely inspected by the airport officer. 

Simply place the wipes in the security bin to ensure that the airport officer sees the wet wipes when scanned at a terminal. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):

Do wet wipes count as liquids at the airport?

Wet wipes are not counted as liquids at the airport or considered liquid products by the TSA.

Can you take wet wipes on the plane?

All passengers can take wet wipes in an unlimited quantity on a plane. 

Can you take wet wipes on an international flight?

Most international flights allow for wet wipes; however, it is always safe to confirm beforehand by contacting the airline. 

How do you carry wet wipes while traveling?

There are no guidelines for carrying wet wipes when traveling; you can take them in their original packaging. 

Conclusion:

Now that we have cleared the air regarding are wet wipes considered a liquid when flying, you should face no trouble or confusion the next time you pack for your flight!

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