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Coconut Oil

Since this is such an awesome and informative forum to get answers and suggestions, I thought I would ask another question re an item that I use all the time and was wondering about being able to take when I travel. I use Organic Coconut Oil for absolutely everything and I can't seem to find anything on the CATSA website about it as it's not in oil form, more like a cream....Has anyone ever taken this in a carry on?

Posted by
2431 posts

I took a look at the rules, and it looks like it's ok as long as it's 3.4 ounces or less, and you have it in your quart-size container with other liquids and creams, ready for inspection. Also, depending on where you're going, you could probably buy some there, which could be fun.

Posted by
15679 posts

As long as it's in the right-sized container, I don't know why there would be any problem.

Posted by
7010 posts

Depending on where you're traveling to it's possible it's readily available there. Goggle: where to buy coconut oil in ______ .

Posted by
1097 posts

Just to be clear, creams only need to be in the 3/1/1 bag if they are actually liquid. I've heard it described like this: If you lay it on its side and it makes its way out of the container, it's liquid and has to go in your 3/1/1. I carry a night cream and petroleum jelly in small quantities and do not consider them liquid as they do not come out of their little jars on their own.
Coconut oil transforms from solid to liquid state pretty easily so I wouldn't take a chance on considering it non-liquid, but the Container Store has little jars in various sizes and if you choose one of those in carryon-allowable size, and put in your 3/1/1, you'll be fine to take it on the plane with you. Or you can carry a tub in your checked luggage. :)

Posted by
13809 posts

Here is a link to the TSA rule which says "You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item." This is going to fall in the cream/paste consistency just like toothpaste and would include a heavy face cream or petroleum jelly.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule

Posted by
32521 posts

If you can pour it, squeeze it out, or spray it, it goes in the 3-1-1.

Posted by
7129 posts

If you use a lot of it, you could place it into a couple of carry-on approved sized containers within your plastic bag. Similarly, I bring two travel size tubes of toothpaste.

Regarding the "pouring it" test, I thought that gel deodorant needed to go into the carry-on plastic bag. Is that not the case now?

Posted by
13809 posts

Jean, on the search function on the above-linked website, gel deodo comes up as needing to go in to the 3-1-1 bag as well as lip gloss. I know some people have had different experiences going thru TSA security but that is the basic rule.

Posted by
305 posts

I have had TSA agents take issue with my eye liner pen which is much like a felt tip marker. I have also gone through with lip gloss in the bottom of my bag that was not noticed. I find it all depends on the TSA agent and the airport.

Posted by
9363 posts

The sign at our local airport says that if something can be poured out (liquid), squeezed out (creams, gels), or sprayed out (aerosols) they must be in the 3-1-1 bag. Petroleum jelly, thick cream, yogurt, peanut butter, etc. all fit in that category.