Do You Really Need a TSA-Approved Makeup Bag?

Every time I get to the airport, I’ll be ditching whoever is with me and slipping through the TSA PreCheck line. I have mastered placing my items on the security scanners and am out as fast as I can. Because of this, I’m an expert on packing my bag to minimize my time in security.

Travel bag

When searching for backpacks and travel essentials, the term “TSA-Approved” frequently appears. Should you purchase these products to make your time going through security faster?

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Toiletries are something that can get you stopped while going through the airport. Is it too big? Are there too many? There are TSA-approved makeup or toiletry bags that can help limit the questions.

Orlando International Airport security

Before we get too far, what is a TSA-approved makeup bag? This is a bag designed to follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols while traveling. Some of them are even made with clear plastic, so if your bag needs to be pulled out, it’s easy to see what’s inside.

BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag

You are allowed to bring in one quart-sized bag with bottles filled with 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. If you’re asking me, I have an idea of how much 3.4 ounces is, but without a scale, I can’t be sure everything is correct. That’s why a TSA-approved bag can be a lot easier!

BAGSMART Travel Toiletry Bag

Personally, I like buying a toiletry kit with a clear pouch so I know where my smaller bottles are, and I don’t have to guess or use a disposable quart-sized bag that is hard to clean and rips easily. To make packing easy, I buy mini travel-sized bottles of the brands I use daily and refill them with my larger bathroom products at home. Then you’re not constantly buying the small bottles, and using the bigger bottles saves you money since it’s cheaper per ounce.

Let’s start taking a look a bags! This is a TSA-approved bag that lies flat to take up less space in your bag.

Its clear plastic makes it easy to spot, and there’s a zippered closure to keep everything in. When the inevitable spill happens, you just have to wipe it out, and your bag is ready to use.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Here’s another option that you can hang in the hotel bathroom.

It unfolds, which is the type of bag I prefer, allowing me to see all the items after hanging it on the towel rod. When you’re sharing your bathroom with the whole family, you’ll appreciate not having to spread out on the counter.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Speaking of packing for the family, here’s a 5-pack for everyone to have their own.

They’re color coordinated, so everyone has their assigned colors, and you can keep everyone’s personal items inside. Then there’s no more arguing over whose toothpaste is whose and where it is.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

If you like to store your bottles sitting up, this is a puffy cosmetic bag that might do the trick.

It doesn’t have a clear pocket, but it does open easily if TSA does need to search inside. It’s still plastic on the inside, so you can clean it, and there are spots for wet and dry areas.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

So do you need the bags? Well, you don’t need them, but they can make life a whole lot easier. If you’re someone who regularly gets stopped at security (which I used to be), figuring out the perfect packing of your carry-on can be challenging. If I’m bringing a carry-on suitcase and backpack, I keep my toiletries, medications, and other essentials that are easy to grab in my backpack. This way, if my bag does get pulled, I don’t have to unzip my entire suitcase, which is packed to perfection.

Security at Orlando

Or if you really hate dealing with the toiletry regulations, consider checking your bag. I know, I know, it can cost extra and take extra time at the end of your flight. For a short weekend trip, I’ll throw everything in a carry-on, but for anything longer, I hate the idea of pulling out of my toiletries, so I pack my bigger items in a checked bag. Sometimes, I’d rather pay for convenience than try to force everything to fit that isn’t working.

Just be sure that one thing people often pack with toiletries — medication — is in your carry-on in case checked luggage is delayed or lost.

What are your thoughts on TSA-approved bags? Do you always go for them, or do you have your own method? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and make sure you keep following AllEars for more tips and tricks for travel.