Have an upcoming flight and want to learn whether is toothpaste considered a liquid when flying? You are at the right place for it because, in this article, we will be detailing all the TSA regulations applicable to toothpaste.
Knowing about toothpaste and its classification by the TSA makes it easy to pack things in a carry-on bag. This way, you can ensure your screening procedure is hassle-free, with all delays avoided when flying.
There are only a few guidelines regarding is toothpaste considered a liquid when flying. As long as you follow these rules, getting through security checkpoints at the airport will be no trouble.
Remember, all the information we include are mere recommendations because the final decision of what will and will not pass through and in the luggage rests upon the discretion of TSA agents.
Is Toothpaste Considered A Liquid When Flying?
Generally, TSA will consider anything a liquid if it can be scooped, slurped, poured, mashed, or squeezed. Certainly, toothpaste has these characteristics, and as a result, it is also considered a liquid.
TSA authorities have introduced a rule for packing liquids, aerosols, and gels in hand luggage called “3-1-1.” Since toothpaste is categorized as a liquid, all travelers must pack per the 3-1-1 rule in their carry-on bags. 
This means you would have toothpaste in a container no larger than 100ml or 3.4 ounces, which will be placed in a resealable, clear, and single quart-sized bag. The 3-1-1 rule applies to every individual passenger, and one passenger can only carry one quart-sized bag in which all liquid containers have to be contained.
Supposedly, if the tube of your toothpaste is 4, 5, or 6 ounces, it will be banned from your carry-on luggage and must be packed in checked luggage. As there is no way for the TSA agents to determine accurately the quantity of the toothpaste in a tube, they rely on the volume marked on the packaging.
The liquid rule only has to be considered for hand luggage, whereas for checked bags, you can take containers larger than the 100ml limit that are appropriately labeled. Such as a labeled full-size or regular tube of toothpaste is allowed in checked luggage and not hand luggage.
Prescribed Toothpaste:
Often, travelers are not flying with a standard brand of toothpaste but are taking their prescribed one. In this scenario, is toothpaste considered a liquid when flying, and will the traveler have to adhere to 3-1-1?
Although toothpaste is considered a liquid when flying, when flying with prescribed toothpaste, individuals can disregard the liquid’s rule and travel freely with toothpaste of any size and quantity in their hand luggage.
TSA has stated and permitted larger amounts of liquids that are a medical necessity to be brought along in quantities that are reasonable, including a prescribed toothpaste.
However, the only aspect that passengers boarding with prescribed toothpaste must be aware of is to have the item declared to the TSA officers at security terminals for further inspection. Also, convince the agent that the toothpaste is medically necessary for you, or show them your doctor’s prescription to prove its importance.
Most Convenient Way To Pack Toothpaste:
The easiest and, so far, the most convenient way to pack toothpaste in your hand luggage, according to the 3-1-1 liquid’s rule, is to purchase a TSA-compliant toothpaste.
Manufacturers have eased the lives of frequent flyers by introducing packaging that is already TSA-compliant and only has to be included in the carry-on through a quart-sized bag. With such toothpaste, you will not have to buy an entire separate travel-size container and then try to fill it with the tube of toothpaste you have at home.
Below, we have suggested several brands that are popular for manufacturing toothpaste in packaging that are TSA-compliant.
Toothpaste Alternatives Aboard:
Usually, in a circumstance where someone would be looking for an alternative to toothpaste, we would have advised them to go for a mouthwash. However, the situation here is different, and mouthwash as an alternative to toothpaste in flight will only restrict you to liquid’s rule.
Hence, we ask you to consider utilizing a solid toothpaste tablet. These tablets are to be used on a wet toothbrush and are composed of natural ingredients meant to offer the same conventional cleaning power as ordinary toothpaste.
With toothpaste tablets, you can brush normally, flee the liquids rule, and bring as many as you like, but the best part about this product is that they are pretty affordable.
Alternative to toothpaste tablets, we have Crest Scope, a disposable toothbrush made for single use containing pre-pasted toothpaste with a tongue scraper and floss pick inside it.
Lastly, another recommendation for toothpaste alternatives on board is toothpaste powder, which works similarly to toothpaste tablets. As it is a dry powder, you will not be bound to abide by 3-1-1 and pack in the quantity you like.
To use toothpaste powder, mix it with water and then brush your teeth like you do regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Does toothpaste count as a liquid on the plane?
Despite the creamy toothpaste solution, it is counted as a liquid on the plane.
Is toothpaste OK to fly with?
Yes, toothpaste is OK to fly with, but you must follow the liquids rule when taking it in hand luggage.
Does toothpaste qualify as a liquid?
Toothpaste does qualify and fall under the categorization of a liquid,
What items are considered liquids when flying?
All those items that can be poured, spread, smeared, and scooped are considered liquids when flying.
Conclusion:
With all this information at your disposal, we hope you can pack your toothpaste such that it does not call for any uncalled trouble your way.
