| Carry-on Luggage | Checked Luggage |
|---|---|
| Yes, some types only | Yes |
Safety precautions on planes are understandably tight. Nobody wants to get caught up in a dangerous situation thousands of feet above the ground, all because of a banned substance or prohibited item. While many of us will lean on the side of caution when it comes to questionable objects, we may not have to do this.
A good example is razors on planes. There are different rules and considerations depending on what you have and where you plan to stow it during the journey. So, you don’t have to give up on the idea of taking one across the country or on a foreign vacation. Instead, you just have to know the rules for each type of razor.
- Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane?
- Which Razors Are Permitted In Cabin Luggage?
- Which Razors Need To Go In Checked Luggage?
- Why Are Some Of These Razors In Checked Luggage And Other Razors In Cabin Luggage?
- Important Considerations For Traveling On A Plane With A Razor
- Should I Switch To Disposable Razors When Travelling By Plane?
- What About Shaving Cream/Foam On A Plane?
- Traveling On A Plane With A Razor
Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane?
The short answer here is yes, but not necessarily in your cabin luggage. You can travel with all kinds of razors on a plane. However, there are restrictions depending on the type of razor and its storage on the plane. Some, like your little disposable razors or electric razors, are safe to travel with in a small cabin bag, and the TSA agents shouldn’t mind. Others, like safety razors with detachable blades and straight razors, need to go in checked luggage.
Which Razors Are Permitted In Cabin Luggage?
The TSA permits the following in your carry-on luggage.
1) All-in-one disposable razors. These are the razors that have everything built into one plastic body that is thrown away in its entirety when blunt. They are safe enough to stay in a toiletries bag in your carry-on bag.
2) A Razor with cartridges. These are the ones where the heads and handles detach, and you just replace the head. Again, the design of that head is safe enough for travel in the cabin.
Which Razors Need To Go In Checked Luggage?
1) Safety Razors. These are a bigger problem because of the nature of the detachable blade. The TSA guidelines start that the handle can be in carry-on luggage while you put the blades in checked baggage. But, you may as well keep them together in checked luggage.
2) Straight razors. These are the more classic barber-style razor with the long blade that folds into their sheath. These have to go in checked luggage.
Why Are Some Of These Razors In Checked Luggage And Other Razors In Cabin Luggage?
It all comes down to the safety implications of these personal grooming products. The main reason that we question can you bring a razor on a plane is because of the “blade” part of the razor. By definition, they are sharp-edged components designed to cut something, and sharp objects tend to be prohibited.
We might cut the back of our ankles with a new disposable razor, but we aren’t going to do much harm trying to use it as a make-shift weapon. The same goes for electric-powered blades on an electric razor. However, loose razor blades are another story. A straight razor is on another level again as it is a significantly large and dangerous blade in the wrong hands.
This is what is important here and why we have to respect TSA agents when they impose restrictions and decide to confiscate anything deemed unsafe. We have to look at these items as potential weapons and not shaving paraphernalia.
Important Considerations For Traveling On A Plane With A Razor
You must make the TSA agents aware of what you have, where it is, and that you have done your best to keep the razor as safe and secure as possible. Here are some helpful tips depending on the type of razor you have.
1) Disposable razors may be safe for cabin luggage, but you still need to make sure that the little protective cap is on the blades.
2) A bigger issue with electric razors could be the power source. Mains-powered ones aren’t an issue, but there may be limits regarding the batteries you use.
3) Safety razors and their blades need to be carefully stored so that they aren’t loose in a bag. Get a case that holds them all together where it is clear what is inside. The last thing you want is a TSA agent rummaging through a bag with loose blades and injuring themselves.
4) While straight razors are permitted in checked luggage, they also need to be carefully packaged. This way they can’t open up and cause damage or injury. Again, a secure case helps a lot.
Should I Switch To Disposable Razors When Travelling By Plane?
There are pros and cons to this idea. On the plus side, you have something that will offer a decent shave short-term and no hassle at security. You can get a cheap pack for the trip and return to a preferred method at home. This also saves you from any hassles of dealing with foreign outlets and battery issues with an electric razor. Furthermore, you could save some space in your luggage.
The downside is that you won’t get the shave and user experience you are used to. Anyone that shaves frequently and swears by their straight razor could be better off investing in a good case and following the rules to use it on vacation.
What About Shaving Cream/Foam On A Plane?
Finally, we can’t talk about our razors without mentioning shaving cream. Remember that TSA rules state that liquids in carry-on bags can’t be more than 100ml. This includes aerosols. So, either you find a travel-sized version for carry-on luggage or pack something larger in your checked case.
Traveling On A Plane With A Razor
To summarise on this common question “Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane?”, there are more types of razors permitted on planes than you might expect. Still, there are important safety guidelines and restrictions about where they go and how to store them. Always check the latest TSA guidance and don’t do anything that could put them, other passengers, or yourself at risk. If in doubt, play it safe with a more suitable razor or put everything in checked luggage.
