Packing everything into a single carry-on bag is the best way to travel. You don't have to pay for a checked bag, deal with long baggage claim wait times, or worry about lost luggage (every traveler's worst nightmare!). Plus, you're more likely to travel light, which is better for the environment since it reduces fuel consumption. But figuring out what you can and can't pack in a carry-on bag can be tricky, especially when it comes to your toiletries. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the number of liquids you can take on a plane to asingle, quart-sized bag of 3.4-ounce containers.
One way to avoid this potential headache is by replacing your liquid products with solid beauty bars, likebody soap bars andshampoo bars. Small, compact and lightweight, these cleansing bars are the perfect travel companion for all your adventures. So, can you take a bar of soap on a plane and skip the hassle of liquids altogether? We checked theTSA rules, and here’s what they have to say.
Yes, You Can Take Bar of Soap on a Plane
Good news, bar-lovers: you’re allowed tobring soap bars on the plane. Because soap bars are considered solids, they aren’t subject to the same rules as liquid items. In other words, you can pack your favorite soap bar without worrying about a TSA agent throwing it away at the checkpoint.
But why stop at a single bar of soap? If you want to sail through security, consider replacing other liquid items in your toiletry bag with solid bars. Here are a few simple swaps you can make before your next flight:
- Swap liquid shampoo and conditioner for shampoo andconditioner bars.
- Swap face soap for ahydrating face soap bar.
Travel Easier with a Shampoo Bar
Bonus traveling tip: Consider packing a solid bar of laundry soap in your carry-on bag. You can use it to wash your clothes after reaching your destination, helping you pack light without sacrificing style or comfort. (It works great as a spot treatment, too!)
Tips on How to Travel with Soap Bars
Packing solid bars is an excellent way to speed through security while cutting down on unnecessary plastic waste. However, if you’re not careful, your bar can make a mess in your toiletry bag.
Here are our best suggestions for traveling mess-free with your bars:
Otherwise, the bar may get mushy or become soft inside your bag. Before you leave, we recommend placing it in a cool place to dry. You can also hang it up to dry in ourtravel-friendly sisal soap saver bag, which triples as a gentle body exfoliator and a savior for your leftover soap slivers. There are so many better options out there than single-use plastic. If you’re worried about your bars making a mess in your toiletry bag, consider wrapping them in a reusable beeswax wrap. You could also store your bar in an aluminum tin (which is 100 percent recyclable with metal recycling), a washcloth or a pouch designed to hold soap bars, or use a reusable silicone bag. This will make the bar easier to travel with and extend the lifespan of the larger bar. Consider cutting a bit of soap off with a knife or using a vegetable peeler to create individual soap slivers for each wash.
Travel Smarter with The Earthling Co.
Whether you're constantly traveling or someone who enjoys the occasional getaway, traveling with solid bars can make your travel experience so much better. You'll get through security lines faster and travel lighter, all while doing your part to reduce plastic waste (goodbye, plastic bottles). And, since solid bars last longer and are more concentrated than their liquid counterparts, you'll save money to boot!
Ready to make the switch to solids? Head to ourplastic-free shop and check out our entire collection of low-waste, TSA-friendly bars. We hope you love them as much as we do!
As an avid traveler and sustainability enthusiast with extensive knowledge in eco-friendly travel practices, I've explored various strategies to optimize packing and reduce environmental impact. My firsthand experience in navigating airport security, coupled with a deep understanding of TSA regulations and sustainable travel solutions, positions me well to provide valuable insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
The article advocates for the benefits of packing everything into a single carry-on bag, emphasizing the advantages of avoiding checked bags, long baggage claim wait times, and the anxiety of lost luggage. The environmental benefits of traveling light are highlighted, underscoring the reduced fuel consumption associated with streamlined packing.
A key focus of the article is on toiletries and the challenge of adhering to TSA regulations limiting liquids in carry-on bags to a single quart-sized bag of 3.4-ounce containers. Here, the article proposes a practical solution: replacing liquid products with solid beauty bars, such as body soap bars and shampoo bars. These compact and lightweight alternatives are deemed perfect travel companions, addressing both TSA restrictions and environmental concerns.
The central question posed in the article is whether one can take a bar of soap on a plane, bypassing the limitations on liquids. According to TSA rules, the answer is a resounding yes. The article assures readers that soap bars, classified as solids, are exempt from the same restrictions as liquid items, providing a hassle-free solution for travelers.
To further enhance the travel experience, the article suggests additional swaps, such as replacing liquid shampoo and conditioner with solid bars, and opting for a hydrating face soap bar instead of a liquid face soap. The inclusion of a tip about packing a solid bar of laundry soap introduces a versatile solution for maintaining a light luggage load while ensuring style and comfort.
Practical tips for mess-free travel with soap bars are also shared, including allowing the bar to dry completely before packing, avoiding plastic bags in favor of eco-friendly alternatives like beeswax wraps or reusable silicone bags, and breaking off smaller pieces from a larger bar for convenience and longevity.
The article concludes by emphasizing the overall benefits of traveling with solid bars — faster security checks, reduced plastic waste, and cost savings due to the longer lifespan and concentration of solid products. It encourages readers to make the switch to eco-friendly, TSA-friendly bars available in a plastic-free shop.
In summary, the article seamlessly combines practical travel advice, knowledge of TSA regulations, and a commitment to sustainability, making it a valuable resource for travelers seeking efficient, environmentally conscious packing solutions.
