Often you might only be traveling to visit a wonderful holiday tropical destination, a sunny paradise, looking forward to relaxing in the sun. If that sounds like your plan, you would not want to forget to bring sunscreen. But can you bring sunscreen on a plane?
Many people now widely regard sunscreen as the most essential component of toiletries, especially when heading to an island. This is because no one wants to be in for a couple of rough days under the sun, returning home with skin that is sunburnt.
The necessity of taking sunscreen along on a trip raises several questions, of which the primary one is- can you bring sunscreen on a plane? This article is dedicated to determining an answer and guiding you about traveling with sunscreen on a plane, in case it is allowed.
Can You Bring Sunscreen On A Plane?
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of how you can carry sunscreen in your airplane luggage and discussing other regards of sunscreen, the short answer to whether can you bring sunscreen on a plane is- YES, sunscreen is allowed!
Almost all the flights you board permit you to carry your vital and beloved product for protection against the sun and in most destinations you travel to. Even though there is one travel destination that might have trouble with incoming passengers carrying sunscreen along, we will consider that later. 
Regardless, while traveling with sunscreen, you do not have to consider many things or contemplate much. The only aspects that you have to worry about and pay attention to while packing your sunscreen are the placement and volume of sunscreen you carry.
Supposedly, suppose the carrying container of the sunscreen exceeds the permitted quantity or volume at the security check. In that case, you will be prohibited from carrying sunscreen further through the airport’s security checkpoints.
Additionally, sunscreen comes in several forms, including gels, lotions, liquids, creams, aerosols, solids, sprays, or any other standard form you might encounter at the store. To everyone’s relief, all these forms can also be carried on a plane.
Sunscreens In Checked Bags
Transportation Security Administration, just like most products, has also issued guidelines concerning carrying sunscreen on an airplane in your checked bags. Though these guidelines are not comprehensive, they are still mandatory to be followed by every traveler.
Full-sized Sunscreen
Generally, passengers aboard an international flight cannot bring full-sized sunscreens on a plane. Even so, TSA recently did publish a notification for full-sized sunscreens, categorizing them as a medicinal necessity and to be permitted on a plane. Still, the actions of the agents, in reality, indicate otherwise.
You can bring a limited sunscreen size on a plane in your checked luggage which must be 100ml or around 3.4 oz. The liquid capacity of the sunscreen can be lesser than the specified but shall never go beyond.
Any sunscreen container that has a size of 100 ml or more than 3.4 oz is not allowed in checked baggage or on a plane.
Let’s say you bring a massive quantity of sunscreen or many containers. You will have to notify the authorities of TSA beforehand, so they can allow your baggage to pass all security terminals without causing any confiscation or expressing disregard.
TSA Restrictions
No full-sized sunscreen should be placed in checked luggage, but that does not mean you cannot bring a sunscreen bottle. If you stay clear of the set restrictions and limitations on sunscreen, rest assured sunscreen is not prone to causing any hurdles to your journey.
- For all the bottles you are carrying for sunscreen, the container’s exterior and composition must be such that it is reusable and degrades on itself in the environment to benefit it. Use small sunscreen bottles because you can throw them away in less time than large ones.
- Passengers are requested to carry an amount of sunscreen within the 100ml/ 3.4 oz range.
- Thinking of carrying multiple bottles? Narrow the number of sunscreen bottles to 7-8, which can easily fit within one quart-sized plastic, clear bag. At most, these are the number of sunscreen bottles that will be allowed for you to board on a flight, so be careful of not exceeding the capacity and calling for complications your way.
Regions Banning Sunscreen
Unfortunately, this may come as a surprise to all those people planning to travel to Hawaii that they have banned the sale and distribution of certain kinds of sunscreen, which are now considered to be prohibited.
The ban was designed and then instigated to protect better and to significantly minimize the impact and the damage sunscreens do to coral reefs. Sunscreens, including octinoxate and oxybenzone, are banned as these substances bleach when entered and in contact with coral reefs in the ocean. As a result, they prevent the growth procedure of young coral reefs and lead them on the road to death.
Aside from Hawaii, other places have also implemented the same ban on sunscreens with non-biodegradable components. The list of these countries entails Florida’s Key West, the Virgin Islands of the USA, Palau, Bonaire’s Caribbean Island, and Mexico’s other naturally built holiday spots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Can you Bring sunscreen on a plane with checked baggage?
You can bring sunscreen in checked baggage in the right quantity and appropriate container.
Can you bring sunscreen on a plane with Air Canada?
Air Canada allows passengers to be aboard with sunscreen with a 100ml/ 3.04 oz capacity.
Do I need to wear sunscreen on a plane?
Anyone on a plane needs to wear sunscreen.
Can I bring lotion on a plane?
Yes, you can bring lotion on a plane in a safe and secured container in the specified and permitted amount.
Conclusion
Wonder no more about whether can you bring sunscreen on an plane, and for your next trip, pack 100ml/ 3.4oz sunscreen in a reusable and biodegradable plastic container. With this, you are good to go and will easily pass through any airport’s security terminal!
