Experts are cautioning travelers against a common mistake in packing hand luggage that could lead to travel disruptions. While preparing for a flight, many individuals meticulously pack their carry-on bags with essential items like headphones, snacks, reading materials, and travel documents. Skincare products are also commonly included to stay refreshed during the journey, especially on long-haul flights, such as lip balm, lotion, facial mist, or face masks.
Nevertheless, experts have advised that packing certain skincare items in hand luggage may result in significant delays at airports. These errors can even result in the confiscation of items if travelers are unaware of the restrictions on carrying skincare products through security checkpoints.
One prevalent mistake observed by travelers is assuming that certain skincare products do not fall under the category of liquids, as outlined by experts at Landys Chemist. With the introduction of new skincare products like balms, jellies, and sticks, it can be unclear whether they are classified as liquids.
However, it is clarified that items such as sheet masks, eye patches, cleansing balms, face creams, and serums are all considered liquids by security regulations and should be packed according to airport guidelines. Failure to comply could lead to confiscation of items and potential delays.
Another issue highlighted by experts is the excessive packing of travel-size skincare products. Even if these items are within the liquid allowance, some airports may still flag passengers if their liquids do not fit into a single, fully sealed, clear bag.
Incorrectly packing liquids across multiple bags or presenting them poorly in hand luggage can also trigger additional screening procedures, leading to unnecessary delays at security checkpoints.
Travelers are also advised against transferring products into unmarked containers. While this may save space, unlabelled skincare items can raise suspicions and result in manual inspections.
Despite facial mists, setting sprays, and spray sunscreens being popular skincare choices for travelers, especially on overseas trips, their pressurized nature makes them more likely to undergo inspection, potentially causing delays at security.
The skincare experts further recommend that travelers review the liquid regulations specific to the airport of departure before embarking on their journey. While some UK airports have eliminated the 100ml liquid rule at security, others still enforce it, necessitating a check on restrictions to ensure compliance, even if it means leaving some products at home.
Rhysa Phommachanh, a skincare expert at Landys Chemist, emphasized the importance of understanding which skincare products are permissible for air travel. She advised that products that can be spread, rubbed, or sprayed typically fall under liquid restrictions at airports.
Additionally, she cautioned against overly complex skincare routines during flights due to the low humidity in cabin environments, which can stress the skin. Simplifying the routine with basic essentials like lip balm, lightweight moisturizer, or facial mist is recommended to maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin barrier.