Experts are cautioning travelers about a common mistake in packing hand luggage that could lead to travel disruptions. Many people carefully pack their carry-on bags before a flight to ensure they have all necessary items like headphones, snacks, reading materials, and travel documents. Additionally, skincare products are often included for in-flight refreshment, especially on long journeys, such as lip balm, lotion, facial mist, or face masks.
However, experts have highlighted that packing specific skincare items in hand luggage can result in significant delays at airports. It is crucial for travelers to be aware of restrictions on carrying skincare products through security to avoid having these items confiscated.
One prevalent error observed by experts is the misconception that certain products do not fall under the liquid category. With the introduction of new skincare products like balms, jellies, and sticks, it can be unclear whether they are classified as liquids. Items such as sheet masks, eye patches, cleansing balms, face creams, and serums are considered liquids at security checkpoints and should be packed according to airport regulations to prevent confiscation and delays.
Another issue highlighted by experts is the tendency to overpack travel-size skincare products. Even if these items are within the liquid allowance, some airports may still stop passengers if the liquids are not in a single, fully sealed, clear bag.
Incorrectly packing liquids, such as dividing them among multiple bags or presenting them poorly in hand luggage, can lead to additional screening and unnecessary delays at airport security. Experts also advise against transferring products into unlabeled containers, as this can raise suspicions and result in manual checks.
While facial mists, setting sprays, and spray sunscreens are popular skincare essentials for travel, they are pressurized and more likely to undergo inspection, causing delays at security checkpoints. Travelers are urged to familiarize themselves with liquid rules at their departure airport to avoid any issues, as some airports have eliminated the 100ml liquid rule while others still enforce it.
Skincare expert Rhysa Phommachanh from Landys Chemist emphasized the importance of understanding which skincare products are permissible in hand luggage. A simplified skincare routine is recommended for long-haul flights to prevent skin irritation due to the low humidity in cabin environments. Basic essentials like lip balm, lightweight moisturizer, and facial mist are sufficient to maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin barrier.
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