Can You Bring Sunscreen And Suntan Lotion on a Plane?
Category: Toiletries & Personal Care
Yes, with limits — you can bring sunscreen and suntan lotion in carry-on bags provided you follow security limits. Bottles over 100 ml prohibited at checkpoint.
Verified against published 2026 TSA (United States) & CATSA (Canada) security screening databases.
On this page · 9 sections
⚖️ Why This Rule Exists: International 3-1-1 Liquid Security Rules & Container Geometry
Containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less that fit within a single clear, resealable 1-quart (1-liter) plastic bag are permitted through screening because small volumes can be rapidly inspected and present limited hazard potential.
Rules by security authority
United States — TSA
Cabin:
LIMITED
Restricted — subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml).
Hold:
YES
Yes — allowed in checked luggage.
Flying internationally? Security follows the country you depart from — the authority above applies at your departure airport. Customs at arrival is separate.
🔍 Security Checkpoint & X-Ray Screening Advice
Place your clear 1-quart bag in the screening bin outside your luggage in 2D X-ray lanes. In 3D CT scanner lanes, keep it inside your bag unless instructed otherwise by the screening officer.
Learn more about scanner differences and traveler rights in our Airport Security Screening Guide →
⚠️ Common Traveler Mistake to Avoid
How to Avoid It: Consolidate all toiletries into one quart bag per traveler or transition to solid alternatives (shampoo bars, solid deodorant).
How to Pack Sunscreen and suntan lotion for a Flight
Sunscreen and suntan lotion on a plane — FAQs
Can you bring Sunscreen And Suntan Lotion in a carry-on?
Restricted — subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml).
Can you pack Sunscreen And Suntan Lotion in checked luggage?
Yes — allowed in checked luggage.
Why are there rules for sunscreen and suntan lotion on a plane?
Containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less that fit within a single clear, resealable 1-quart (1-liter) plastic bag are permitted through screening because small volumes can be rapidly inspected and present limited hazard potential.
Can I bring sunscreen and suntan lotion on a plane in Canada and the US?
CATSA: Restricted — subject to the 100 ml (3.4 oz) liquids and gels limit in carry-on. In checked bags: Yes — allowed in checked baggage with proper packaging.
Last verified:
Verified against official sources. Rules change — for high-stakes items, confirm with your airline and the screening authority. Our verification method →