Can You Bring Vaseline on a Plane? [TSA Rules on Liquids] (2024)

Frequent travelers know that battling dry air during a long trip is a real struggle. Chapped lips, skin irritation, stuffy noses, and more can put a damper on your in-flight experience. When prepping your carry-on bag, you might be tempted to toss in your trusty tub of Vaseline petroleum jelly to fend off annoyance from plane cabin dryness. But before packing up that self-care staple, an important question arises — can you bring Vaseline on a plane these days?

The answer has a few more caveats than you may assume. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does allow carrying on and even checking travel-sized amounts of Vaseline, regulations exist around how much you can fly with and how it should be packed.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll clearly outline everything you need to know about bringing Vaseline jelly on a plane.

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Can you bring Vaseline on a plane? The good news is, yes, you can. Vaseline, or petroleum jelly as it’s scientifically known, is a staple for those looking to combat dry skin, especially in the challenging conditions of dry plane air. However, when packing Vaseline in your carry-on luggage, it’s crucial to remember the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines.

Vaseline is subject to the same rules that apply to liquids, gel items, and aerosols. This means your Vaseline container must comply with the TSA’s 3–1–1 liquid rule, which allows travel size containers of up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) stored in a single, clear, quart-sized bag.

Why bother bringing Vaseline on your flight? Beyond its well-known use as a skin moisturizer, Vaseline serves various purposes for travelers. It can act as a makeup remover, a solution for dry nasal passages, and even a protective barrier against cold temperatures. Its versatility makes it an absolute favorite among seasoned travelers.

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Vaseline in Carry-On Luggage

When it comes to carry-on luggage, the TSA’s 3–1–1 rule reigns supreme. This regulation means that any Vaseline container in your hand luggage must not exceed 3.4 ounces, and it must fit comfortably in your quart-sized, zip-top, clear plastic bag along with your other liquids.

This rule is designed to streamline the security checks and ensure a smooth passage through TSA checkpoints. TSA agents will require you to place this clear plastic bag in a separate bin during the screening process, so keeping it accessible is a good idea.

Vaseline in Checked Baggage

For those who need to bring larger containers of Vaseline for long trips or medical purposes, checked-in baggage is the way to go. The restrictions on liquids in checked luggage are more lenient, allowing passengers to pack a larger tub of Vaseline without issue.

However, it’s still a good practice to secure your Vaseline container to prevent leaks that could create effects you’d rather avoid. Packing your Vaseline in a sealed container and wrapping it in plastic can offer additional security and peace of mind during your travels.

Taking Vaseline on international flights adds another layer to the question, Can you bring Vaseline on a plane? While the TSA sets the standard in the United States, international security agencies have their own regulations, which can vary significantly.

Generally, the 3–1–1 liquid rule is a widely accepted guideline, but some countries may impose stricter liquid restrictions, impacting how much Vaseline you can carry in your hand luggage.

For those embarking on long haul flights, where dry plane air is even more of a concern, it’s prudent to be prepared. Before your travel date, a quick check of the liquid rules for all the countries you’ll be visiting or transiting through can save a lot of time and prevent any unwanted surprises at airport security checkpoints.

Keeping your Vaseline in a travel-sized container within the clear, quart-size bag will usually keep you within the safe zone of international liquid rules.

When your journey includes connecting flights, especially with different airlines or through various countries, the complexity of traveling with Vaseline increases.

Can you bring Vaseline on a plane through multiple airports? Yes, but every time you land and need to pass through another security screening, your Vaseline will be re-evaluated against the current airport’s security regulations.

To ensure your Vaseline makes it through each checkpoint without a hitch:

• Keep your Vaseline in its travel-sized container, adhering to the 3–1–1 rule, even if your initial flight allowed for larger quantities.
• During layovers, reconfirm the liquid gel restrictions if you’re switching to a different airline or entering a new country.
• If you’re picking up checked baggage containing a large tub of Vaseline, ensure they’re well-packed to avoid leaks during the next leg of your journey.

When considering, Can you bring Vaseline on a plane? it’s essential to recognize that while TSA guidelines provide a baseline, individual airlines may have their specific rules that could affect your ability to travel with Vaseline, especially in larger quantities or outside of the standard 3–1–1 liquids rule for carry-on luggage.

Allegiant Air aligns closely with TSA regulations, allowing Vaseline in carry-on bags as long as it adheres to the 3–1–1 rule. For checked luggage, there are no specific restrictions against Vaseline, so larger containers are permissible.

Air Canada is stringent about the liquids rule but does permit Vaseline in both carry-on and checked baggage. Travel-sized containers must be within the quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag for carry-on, while checked baggage offers more flexibility for larger sizes.

Air France enforces the standard TSA’s rules on its flights, meaning Vaseline must be in containers no larger than 100ml for carry-on baggage. The airline advises passengers to pack larger items in checked luggage to avoid issues during security screening.

American Airlines adheres to TSA’s 3–1–1 liquids rule for carry-on luggage, allowing small containers of Vaseline. For checked baggage, passengers can pack larger quantities without specific restrictions from the airline.

Delta allows passengers to bring Vaseline on board in compliance with TSA’s liquid guidelines for carry-on. There’s flexibility for larger containers in checked luggage, provided they’re securely packed to prevent leakage.

Emirates emphasizes compliance with international liquid rules, requiring Vaseline to be in travel-sized containers for carry-ons. The airline is more lenient with checked luggage, allowing larger quantities.

Frontier Airlines requires that all amount of liquids, including Vaseline, follow the TSA’s 3–1–1 rule in carry-on luggage. Checked baggage can include larger sizes, but the airline recommends ensuring all containers are well sealed.

Hawaiian Airlines permits travel-sized containers of Vaseline in carry-on bags within the quart-sized bag. For those traveling to or from destinations with unique agricultural regulations, like Hawaii, ensure any large containers in checked baggage are properly declared if necessary.

JetBlue follows TSA guidelines for carry-on luggage, allowing Vaseline in small containers within the liquids bag. There is no specific quantity restriction for checked baggage, so larger containers are allowed.

Lufthansa strictly adheres to TSA’s 3–1–1 rule for carry-on luggage, including Vaseline. The airline allows larger containers in checked luggage but advises passengers to check the regulations of their destination country.

Qatar Airways requires that Vaseline in carry-on luggage be within the standard liquid limits. For international flights, particularly those entering or transiting through Doha, be mindful of local regulations regarding liquids in checked baggage.

Ryanair, known for its strict baggage policies, allows Vaseline in carry-on luggage only if it meets the 3–1–1 liquids rule. The airline is less restrictive about checked luggage but encourages passengers to check specific destination regulations.

Southwest Airlines has no specific restrictions against Vaseline in either carry-on or checked luggage, as long as carry-on items comply with the TSA’s liquids rule. Passengers are encouraged to pack larger items in checked luggage.

Spirit Airlines follows the TSA’s guidelines for liquids in carry-on luggage, including Vaseline. The airline suggests checking larger quantities of Vaseline in compliance with standard baggage policies.

Turkish Airlines permits Vaseline in carry-on luggage under the 3–1–1 rule. For international flights, especially those to and from Turkey, ensure that any Vaseline in checked baggage adheres to international liquid regulations.

United Airlines allows Vaseline in carry-on luggage as long as it fits within the TSA’s liquid guidelines. For checked luggage, passengers can pack larger quantities without specific limitations from the airline.

When packing for a long flight, it’s not just about asking, Can you bring Vaseline on a plane? but also considering which type of Vaseline is best suited for air travel. Vaseline comes in various forms, from the classic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to more travel-friendly options like Vaseline Lip Therapy tins or the convenient Vaseline brand Jelly Sticks.

Each form has its own advantages for travelers looking to combat dry skin or protect against the harsh conditions of high altitudes.

The traditional tub of Vaseline Healing Jelly is a go-to for many, known for its versatility and effectiveness. However, for carry-on luggage, ensure it’s within the travel-size limit of 3.4 ounces to comply with TSA’s 3–1–1 liquids rule.

For a more travel-friendly option, Vaseline Lip Therapy tins and Jelly Sticks are perfect. They’re compact, easy to apply, and most importantly, they typically fall below the TSA’s liquid restrictions, making them a hassle-free choice for both carry-on and checked luggage.

Navigating airport security with Vaseline in your carry-on requires a bit of preparation. TSA agents will screen your Vaseline as part of their routine checks for liquids, gels, and aerosols.

To ensure a smooth passage through security checks, place your Vaseline container in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag along with your other small plastic containers of liquids. This bag should then be placed in a separate bin during the X-ray screening, making it easily accessible for TSA officers.

If you need to bring a large amount of Vaseline for medical reasons, such as treating a specific medical condition during your flight, TSA allows for exceptions to the 3–1–1 rule. In such cases, it’s advisable to carry necessary documentation, such as a doctor’s note, to present to TSA agents.

This documentation can help facilitate additional screening processes and ensure that you’re allowed to bring the medically necessary quantity of Vaseline on board.

To avoid delays and ensure that your Vaseline makes it through security without a hitch, consider these tips:

• Pack Vaseline in its original, sealed container to avoid questions about its contents.
• For larger tubs of Vaseline in checked luggage, ensure they’re well-packed to prevent leaks that could lead to additional screening or damage to your belongings.
• Be prepared to explain the purpose of your Vaseline, especially if it’s for a medical condition, to TSA officers during the screening process.

When packing Vaseline in your carry-on luggage, the key is to avoid any messes or security hiccups. Opt for a travel-sized container of Vaseline, ensuring it’s no more than 3.4 ounces to comply with the TSA’s 3–1–1 rule. Place this container in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag along with your other liquids.

For those who need to pack larger quantities of Vaseline, checked baggage is your best bet. To prevent any in-transit accidents, seal the Vaseline container tightly and consider double-bagging it in plastic zip-top bags. Wrapping the container in a soft item, like clothing, can provide extra cushioning and leak protection.

The dry air in airplane cabins can take a toll on your skin, making Vaseline an essential item in your travel kit. A small dab can provide relief for dry skin, chapped lips, and even dry nasal passages, enhancing your comfort throughout the flight. Vaseline can also be a savior for dry cuticles or as a quick fix for minor scrapes or scratches, making it a versatile travel companion.

For long flights, keep a small container of Vaseline within easy reach in your seat pocket or personal item. This allows for quick application whenever you feel the need, ensuring your skin remains hydrated and comfortable, no matter how long the journey.

To further safeguard against leaks, especially when dealing with larger containers of Vaseline in checked luggage, consider placing a piece of plastic wrap over the opening before sealing the lid. This extra barrier can help contain the Vaseline, even if the lid comes loose.

Remember, Vaseline isn’t just for skin care. It can also act as a temporary ointment for minor cuts or burns, making it a valuable addition to your travel first-aid kit. For those visiting colder climates, applying Vaseline can provide a protective layer against harsh winds and prevent skin from cracking.

A dab of Vaseline can also tame flyaway hairs, shine shoes in a pinch, or even help ease the discomfort of new or tight shoes. Its versatility extends beyond skincare, making it a must-have item in every traveler’s bag.

We’ve navigated the ins and outs of flying with Vaseline, from TSA regulations to airline-specific policies, and even how to pack it like a pro.

Safe travels!

For more content about getting on planes using points and miles, head over to my main blog Nomad Veronica. I teach families how to become minimalists, use points to pay for travel, and live as full-time slow travelers.