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If you've got a trip coming up, you're probably wondering how much air travel rules have changed since your last flight. No one wants to be in that awkward position going through luggage in a corner while everyone else keeps moving up in line. If you're one of the unlucky few, Transportation Security Administration will confiscate your goodies. To avoid being put in the spot, go through your luggage and throw the contraband into your checked luggage before it's thrown out for you.
Reason for the Rules
You can't hurt anyone with moisturizer, so why do you have to ask whether you can take it along into the plane? The TSA conducted extensive explosives testing and concluded in August 2006 that liquids, aerosols and sprays are safe in limited quantities. Had they decided that all liquids were unsafe, you wouldn't be able to take anything. They've allowed passengers a restricted amount of liquid cosmetics to carry on board but passengers have to make sure any liquids they're carrying are in a single, clear plastic bag.
Allowed Items
Anything above 3.4 oz. is a huge don't. If you try to sneak in anything bigger than this, it will be confiscated and thrown away. You can't even suspect the TSA officers of keeping your new moisturizer, high-end foundation, magic hair product or such fun stuff for their own use because they will throw it in the trash in front of you. Follow the regimen: 3.4-oz. bottle, 1 quart-sized clear plastic bag, 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.
Face Care
Airplanes recirculate air and over a matter of time, it becomes dry and dehyrates your skin. You'll need face lotion even if you have oily skin. Pack a travel-size face lotion bottle or a medium-size skin hydrating cream. Also keep blotting papers for when your skin gets oily. Foundation can be taken as long as it's less than 3.4 oz. To be on the safe side, stick to mousse because it's a solid. Lip glosses and lipsticks are allowed as long as they remain in your clear plastic bag.
Hair Care
Hair tends to get very oily over long flights, especially trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights. You're can take travel-size shampoo with you to wash your hair between flights at airport bathrooms or you can take the simpler option -- carry dry shampoo. It's a powder that soaks up the oils in your scalp to de-grease it and make it look more fresh -- less grimy and more bedhead glam. The powder turns into a waxy solid upon application and disappears into hair.
