Experts caution travelers about a common mistake in packing hand luggage that could lead to travel disruptions. Many passengers meticulously organize their carry-on bags before a flight, ensuring they have all necessary items like headphones, snacks, magazines, and travel documents. Some also include skincare products, such as lip balm, lotion, facial mist, or face masks, to stay refreshed during long flights.
However, including certain skincare items in hand luggage can potentially cause significant delays at airports, experts warn. Travelers may unknowingly violate security regulations regarding skincare products, leading to confiscation of items. One prevalent error observed by experts is assuming that certain products do not fall under the liquid category, particularly with the emergence of new skincare forms like balms, jellies, and sticks, which can be ambiguous in classification.
It is crucial to note that sheet masks, eye patches, cleansing balms, face creams, and serums are considered liquids by security standards and must be packed accordingly to avoid confiscation and delays. Overpacking travel-size skincare items can also pose issues, as some airports strictly require all liquids to fit into a single, clear, sealed bag to pass security checks smoothly.
Improperly packing liquids, such as dividing them into multiple bags or presenting them inadequately in hand luggage, may trigger additional screening procedures, leading to unnecessary delays at security checkpoints. Experts emphasize the importance of not transferring products into unmarked containers, as this can raise suspicions and prompt manual inspections.
While facial mists, setting sprays, and spray sunscreens are popular skincare essentials for travel, their pressurized nature makes them prone to inspection, potentially causing delays at security. Travelers are advised to review liquid regulations at their departure airport, as some UK airports have eliminated the 100ml liquid rule, while others still enforce it. Compliance with restrictions is essential to avoid inconvenience, even if it means leaving some skincare products behind.
Rhysa Phommachanh, a skincare expert at Landys Chemist, highlights the confusion surrounding permissible skincare products for carry-on luggage. She suggests a simplified skincare routine for long-haul travel, emphasizing basic essentials like lip balm, lightweight moisturizer, or facial mist to maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin.
