Can I bring a half empty tube of toothpaste on a plane?

Can You Bring a Half-Empty Toothpaste Tube on a Plane?

When traveling by air, understanding the regulations for carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols is crucial. Toothpaste, commonly used for oral hygiene, falls under these categories.

According to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. This rule states that:

• Liquid containers: must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
• One quart bag: all liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit within a single 1-quart (946 milliliters) clear, zip-top bag.
• One quart bag per passenger: each traveler is permitted one 1-quart bag.

Therefore, if your half-empty tube of toothpaste exceeds 3.4 ounces, even if it is partially used, it cannot be carried on board an airplane. It will need to be placed in your checked luggage.

This restriction applies regardless of the contents of the toothpaste tube. The TSA’s focus is on the volume of the container, not its actual contents.

To avoid any inconvenience or delays at security checkpoints, it is advisable to pack your toothpaste in a compliant 3.4-ounce container or leave it behind and purchase a new one at your destination.

If you are traveling with a larger tube of toothpaste that you wish to bring with you, you can consider transferring the contents into smaller, compliant containers before packing them in your 1-quart bag.