Durable 3-1-1 TSA approved toiletry bags, suggestions?

Some countries, the UK is one, don't like anything but the simple ziplocks. Freezer quart bags are a bit more durable.

I would stay with the ziploc for over and back and carry whatever type of bag you like while in between. Even some that say they are TSA and security approved actually aren’t and it isn’t fun to be in line and be asked to change everything out.

Thank you for your advice!! It makes sense to keep using the Ziplocs and avoid issues.

For ziplocks, try to get the freezer versions. They are supposed to be more sturdy than regular ones.

I always use the ones from Target, except when leaving the UK. Ours have been used many times and of course, they weren't expensive.

I’ve been using this clear bag by Tom Bihn for years, and love it. It’s great for toiletries and it’s never been rejected by anyone except when I was at CDG. And all I needed to do was transfer it to a Ziploc bag. Heathrow is another airport where you should bring a Ziploc bag. But other than those two, I don’t think you’ll have any problem.

If you’re worried about it, one thing you could do is put your liquids in a Ziploc bag, and then put them inside the toiletries bag. 😊
https://www.tombihn.com/products/3d-organizer-cube-clear?variant=42882243068093

I have used these https://flanabags.com/products/airquart-travel-bag for years. I have never been asked to transfer my items to a Ziploc-type bag, even at Heathrow. I like the Airquart so much I use one for my 3-1-1- and have two others that I use to organize other non-liquid essentials (first aid bag, additional liquids I put in a checked bag) as they are sturdy and endlessly reusable.

I also use the Tom Bihn clear cube mentioned in a previous reply, and never had a problem with that in any airport. It probably doesn't provide as much capacity as a zip-lok bag, but I always have a larger checked bag so I have larger quantities of liquids available once I reach the destination.

I put everything in a Heathrow ziploc bag and then oi put that bag in a more sturdy one from Ikea. It's never been a problem, even at Heathrow.

Last 3 times through Heathrow I was made to use their bags. I vote for ziploc freezer bags. 50 bags is about $10.

I use this TSA approved clear plastic bag from Amazon, the ziploc baggie is not durable enough to keep my items standing up and the tear factor is too risky for me, especially taking it in/out of my bag. I have been to Ireland, France and Italy with this bag and never had a problem. I love that it has a flat bottom and it seems to fit more in it that the baggie.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D3H2DJR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

A few years ago I bought exactly the bag Letizia has linked in her post and it's held up great through several trips--sturdy, items can stand up or be stacked nicely. I only have a few things I consider essential so it's never seemed too small.

Interesting comments about Heathrow--I was using a Ziploc freezer bag on my trip to London last year and I was pulled aside so they could inspect each and every item in it as well as my purse and carryon tote. I do mean EVERY item. It was excruciating. Nothing was declared too big or contraband in any way and they felt much better when my 5 items were placed in one of their own zipper bags. Something about American quarts vs liters. I will now only use my other 3-1-1 bag, which, coincidentally, got me through Heathrow twice before when I traveled carryon only.

Thank you, everyone, for the thoughtful replies. You've all been very helpful on this subject.

I really like the Sephora Beauty on the Fly Reusable bag. It is durable, easy to clean and is $4.95. I have traveled with this for years, including 2023 to Europe with no problems in security.

Years ago, I bought 1 quart clear freezer bags from Walmart and they have lasted. I still have the box. It’s pretty much filled as I’ve only used two bags.

I use one similar to the Amazon link above—I like that it stands up. While many folks have, I've never had an issue in UK airports (the ziplock rule there must be somewhat random or arbitrary?) It was an issue in Colombia back in 2018.

Heads up that newer scanning technology is bringing changes to the liquids rules, eliminating the 100ml/3oz limitation, and, I expect, the liter/quart bag as well. This is rolling out in Europe over the next year or so and will be slower in the US. So maybe don't make too much of an investment. (though the current rules are also maybe just smart packing guidelines—I'll never travel with a full-sized bottle of shampoo.)