Women Travelers - 1 ziploc bag?

What are you putting in your ziploc bag? I have mine that I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond and already have it stuffed and I have more things I need to add.

:confused:

I end up with very few things in my ziploc and some of those could probably even be left out without problem (mascara, lipstick, etc.)

I have a small tube of my usual face moisturizer because I won't risk my skin going crazy on me if I change it up. Sometimes I'll have a small bottle of eye makeup remover if I'm doing a "water vacation" and plan on using waterproof mascara. There's also always been a small travel tube of toothpaste in there, but I might get rid of that soon too. I might also throw in a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, but that's easily replaced by wipes.

Other than that, I've pretty much switched to solids. I completely recommend Lush for solid products. I have their solid shampoo (Gentle Lentil) which I love, a solid massage bar which acts as a body lotion for me, and even a solid perfume (Lust - love the jasmine scent). On my last trip to Lush, I picked up the Toothy Tabs to try, but have only used one once when I got home. I'll have to see if they make the cut as a permanent replacement for toothpaste. For makeup, I've gone to a powder foundation from Sephora which works surprisingly well for me considering I have adult acne, oily t-zone, and rosacea.

I find that with the Gentle Lentil shampoo, I don't need a hair conditioner, but if I ever did, I'd just make due with whatever the hotel had or pop out to a drugstore for a cheap one.

What are you putting in your ziploc bag? I have mine that I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond and already have it stuffed and I have more things I need to add.
I am :confused: by the concept of buying a ziploc bag at BB&B.

My Acme-brand ziploc, pulled from the box in my kitchen drawer, contains a tiny tube of toothpaste, a tiny bottle of conditioner taken from a hotel room (in case I don't like the conditioner provided by my next hotel), a travel-size facial moisturizer, and a travel-size #30 sun block. If I'm out for more than a week, then I throw in a bottle of nail polish. That's it. I could fit in 3x as much stuff, but it's not necessary. Hotel shampoo will not kill me, nor will hotel moisturizer. I don't wear makeup. Nail polish remover comes in the form of pre-soaked pads, not a bottle.

I use a CVS TSA-sized travel bag and just remove all the little bottles that come with it and use Go-Toobs instead (LOVE them). The only reason I use the CVS version instead of a regular Ziplock is because it holds up better over a longer period -- I replace it about every year or so. They're about $6.

My bag is permanently packed and includes:

- Shampoo
- mousse
- toothpaste
- perfume
- conditioner
- roll-on deodorant
- face moisturizer (pot)
- light foundation lotion

Makeup -- even lip gloss, mascara, etc. -- doesn't need to go in. I have a separate small bag with those items.

Like TravelMad, I keep pad nail polish remover in my bag, use hotel lotion and hotel bath gel.

Well, where are you travelling and what is the purpose of your trip? Not all trips require the same items, and as we don't all travel the same, it's hard to advise without more info.

When I go to Costa Rica for vacation, I pretty much fill my bag with DEET and SPF. For business trips, I bring makeup (only liquids are eye liner and lip balm, though) and hair mousse. I usually bring my own shampoo & conditioner, though I could make do with hotel stuff for a short trip if necessary. As others mention, I've switched to wipes for as many things as I can. (makeup remover, nail polish remover). Small toothpaste. Hand lotion (I have solid balms as well as cuticle cream that's a solid in my purse too)

I usually have room leftover for a mini of rum^

What are you putting in your ziploc bag? I have mine that I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond and already have it stuffed and I have more things I need to add.

:confused:

I normally check a bag, so no major issues, but just in case my case goes astray, I have a small shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, evian water spritzer, some essential oil calm blend for pulse points, a small spray deodorant, mascara, liptstick, toner, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen stick, and possibly a bug spray in my ziploc bag (and I use a Canadian Security baggie - it is longer than a ziploc, and a better orientation for all the bottles - plus it clearly states its size and purpose, so no arguments over its size. Oh, and it was free :D

I am :confused: by the concept of buying a ziploc bag at BB&B.

Probably same concept as why I buy mine at Muji in Asia... super thick walls, pleated bottom (i.e. holds more), and a REAL zipper on top. I can put it in the dishwasher (or wash it in the sink) if something leaks and it's as good as new again.

They last 6-9 months each with heavy wear whereas the ones from my kitchen are thin, get holes in them, and eventually stop zipping.

Probably same concept as why I buy mine at Muji in Asia... super thick walls, pleated bottom (i.e. holds more), and a REAL zipper on top. I can put it in the dishwasher (or wash it in the sink) if something leaks and it's as good as new again.

They last 6-9 months each with heavy wear whereas the ones from my kitchen are thin, get holes in them, and eventually stop zipping.

Me three. I got mine with my Pitotubes, it also has sides/bottoms, zipper, reinforced edges.

But all it has in it is a travel size tube of toothpaste, a 3 oz tube of sunscreen, a 1 oz bottle of jojoba oil, and a small bottle of teflon dry lube for the wheelchair. I don't use makeup, and I can survive using hotel shampoo/conditioner.

Probably same concept as why I buy mine at Muji in Asia... super thick walls, pleated bottom (i.e. holds more), and a REAL zipper on top. I can put it in the dishwasher (or wash it in the sink) if something leaks and it's as good as new again.

They last 6-9 months each with heavy wear whereas the ones from my kitchen are thin, get holes in them, and eventually stop zipping.

I didn't know things like this existed! I can definitely see the benefit of being able to wash your bag. My latest trip, something leaked and I had to wash out my little plastic baggie in the shower and hang it to dry.

Considering that for $13, you get a box of 216 Ziploc quart-size bags, I'll stick with those and just toss them when they get ragged. I don't know what you're paying for those fancy bags, but it's pretty hard to beat a price of 6 cents.

Over the years, I've kept tiny sample jars for face cream, foundation and stuff. I refill hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles with my own (smaller than the travel bottles you can buy) and use travel size hair spray, deordorant, toothpaste, etc. A full kit of makeup and grooming stuff, plus things that aren't even liquid, like a razor and toothbrush, will fit in a quart ziplock bag and last 10 days at least. It is so handy to keep a ziplock bag at the ready full of everything you normally use, just in tiny sizes.

Considering that for $13, you get a box of 216 Ziploc quart-size bags, I'll stick with those and just toss them when they get ragged. I don't know what you're paying for those fancy bags, but it's pretty hard to beat a price of 6 cents.

Ditto. I look at the "sexy" more durable bags, but figure I don't need it - I end up using the cheapies for tons of things - I just make sure I keep extra in my carry-on bag in case of destruction en route.

I like the fancier bags. I just haven't been able to justify buying one yet.:p

I am also still packing my toiletries in an ancient BA F washbag (Anya Hindmarch, cloth, zippered) that I believe dates to about 2002. (It's the one on the top left.) http://i.ebayimg.com/t/3-Anya-Hindmarch-First-Class-Amenity-Travel-Bags-Free-Shipping-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$(KGrHqJ,!gwE9VfU7gVbBPlWtEBZw!~~60_57.JPG It washes up great, in the years when I remember to wash it :D

Over the years, I've kept tiny sample jars for face cream, foundation and stuff. I refill hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles with my own (smaller than the travel bottles you can buy) and use travel size hair spray, deordorant, toothpaste, etc. A full kit of makeup and grooming stuff, plus things that aren't even liquid, like a razor and toothbrush, will fit in a quart ziplock bag and last 10 days at least. It is so handy to keep a ziplock bag at the ready full of everything you normally use, just in tiny sizes.

I had these Hampton Inn bottles for shampoo and conditioner that I refilled with my products for my 3 oz bag. I accidentally left them in the shower in Crete last year and miss them. :( They were the perfect size. I also use travel sized everything else and make it all fit.

The only thing that never fits is the sunscreen since my husband uses so much of it. This I either have to check or buy at the destination when we get there.

OP, what do you have in your bag? Maybe we can help you pare it down.

I was once at the airport and had my 3oz toiletries in my carry-on and was worried that I forgot my ziploc. I asked the TSA agent if there was a dispenser nearby (some of them have it) and he said don't worry about it, and I just kept them loose in my bag and didn't hear anything about it. Is the bag getting phased out?

Is the bag getting phased out?
I have not bothered to actually take my ziploc bag out of my luggage since about 2007. (I take about 50 flights a year.) In all that time, I have been asked by security to take it out exactly once. That happened at Heathrow in 2009 or so. When TSA or any other security personnel ask me if I have any liquids, I say no, put my bag through the X-ray and keep on going. No one says a word.

TSA can be VERY inconsistent on this issue. Sometimes I forget to take the bag out and get yelled at. Other times I take it out and they say "why bother"? I try to follow the rules - whatever they are that day:rolleyes: but consistency would be nice.......

I carry a small shampoo, conditioner, lip gloss, nose spray, toothpaste.
I always check a bag so all makeup, etc., goes in there. I just have the "just in case" items if my bag is delayed for some reason.
As for phasing out the plastic bag, no they are not. It just depends on who you get, how busy the location is as to whether they are enforcing anything. As a matter of fact, last week at SeaTac, they got a bit testy with a woman who had her items in a clear plastic makeup bag that was not a ziploc baggie. They tried to get her to toss out the makeup bag, so I shoved a ziploc in her hand and she transferred her items to that instead. (I always carry extra)

TSA can be VERY inconsistent on this issue. Sometimes I forget to take the bag out and get yelled at. Other times I take it out and they say "why bother"? I try to follow the rules - whatever they are that day:rolleyes: but consistency would be nice.......

Consistency would make it too easy for the terrorists, or something.

Today at BWI there was a lot of yelling at people for not taking their baggies out.

Here's what's in my bag for a typical short trip - tiny containers of:
- saline solution
- moisturizer
- liquid makeup
- perfume
- toothpaste
- astringent
- maybe conditioner (just in case there isn't any at the hotel)

I don't usually have a problem fitting that into the 1qt. ziploc. If it's a longer trip, I either check my bag, buy more in transit, or take out and declare the extra saline as "medical" (it qualifies).

I've got:

- Flonase, even though it sometimes stays at the bottom of my purse
- mascara
- shampoo
- body wash
- hand cream
- face cream
- toothpaste

and maybe sunblock.

I generally carry 2 ziploc bags in my carry on. One with my travel make up (both liquid & not) and one with my small sized toothpaste, face cream, hair spray, teeny perfume (the free stuff given out at the cosmetics counters), as well as q tips, small suntan lotion, travel corkscrew, bottle opener etc. If I notice I'm running out of something, I'll just refill/replace it when I get home. Other than that they stay in my bag. I think I've only been asked to take them out of my luggage two or three times in the past 20 years. I'll replace the bags as they wear out, or if something leaks.

As a matter of fact, last week at SeaTac, they got a bit testy with a woman who had her items in a clear plastic makeup bag that was not a ziploc baggie. They tried to get her to toss out the makeup bag, so I shoved a ziploc in her hand and she transferred her items to that instead. (I always carry extra)

I also carry extra 1 quart bags. One time, however, I had a humorous interaction with TSA at SFO about extra bags.

On my trip out, I initially had one Ziploc bag for my tolietries and one for liquid medications. When I was returning home (and had used many of the liquids), I simply put everything in the one bag and had the other bag loose with my carry on. At security, the TSA agent, who could not have been a day over 19, looked at my items and said "you are only allowed one Ziploc bag." I responded that I only had one bag of liquids. She picked up the second (EMPTY) Ziploc bag and, with a very confused look on her face, repeated "you are only allowed one Ziploc bag." I responded that I did not think that the regulations actually limited the number of plastic bags I could possess, only the number of bags I could fill with liquids. She then asked another agent for confirmation! It was sooo hard not to laugh!

What are you putting in your ziploc bag? I have mine that I bought at Bed Bath and Beyond and already have it stuffed and I have more things I need to add.

:confused:It's a crap shoot regarding bringing a 2nd zip lock. You may get stopped at security; you may not. I know at LGA and JFK, I can get right through with 2 zip locks. ^ Coming home, not so sure. :p

What more do you need to add?

In mine is:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair spray
Hair smoothing cream
Moisturizer
Facial wash
Toothpaste
Hand cream
Cologne
Eye glass spray

Dental floss, toothbrush, anti-perspirant and meds go in the side pocket of pullman.

It's a crap shoot regarding bringing a 2nd zip lock. You may get stopped at security; you may not. I know at LGA and JFK, I can get right through with 2 zip locks. ^ Coming home, not so sure. :p

What more do you need to add?

In mine is:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair spray
Hair smoothing cream
Moisturizer
Facial wash
Toothpaste
Hand cream
Cologne
Eye glass spray

Dental floss, toothbrush, anti-perspirant and meds go in the side pocket of pullman.

Foundation
Coconut Oil
Lip Balm - Carmex
Under Eye Concealer

Here's what's in my bag for a typical short trip - tiny containers of:
- saline solution
- moisturizer
- liquid makeup
- perfume
- toothpaste
- astringent
- maybe conditioner (just in case there isn't any at the hotel)

I don't usually have a problem fitting that into the 1qt. ziploc. If it's a longer trip, I either check my bag, buy more in transit, or take out and declare the extra saline as "medical" (it qualifies).

How do you declare something as medical?

How do you declare something as medical?

The airports I've traveled in the US vary - but typically, just tell one of the TSA agents before your bag goes through the scanner. Some airports have a table set up to declare medical liquids. Sometimes my husband just tells the person assisting people putting things in the bins.

The TSA webiste states:Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

That "at the checkpoint" is where airports might vary in their set up.

I wear make-up and use various products, so I take quite a bit of products on my travel. I collect mini-sized samples from various companies (Prescriptives, DDF, Clarins, Clinique, etc) and take along everything I could possible need. I like to be prepared for the unexpected but everything I carry fits in a cosmetics bag the size of a Ziploc bag. I have not been asked to take my bag out of my carry-on suitcase.

I have not removed my bag my last three trips and no one has said a word.
Also I've had success with bringing on two bags and just putting them in separate bins going through security.

I have not removed my bag my last three trips and no one has said a word.
Also I've had success with bringing on two bags and just putting them in separate bins going through security.

Smart idea!

Got it from flyer talk ;)

I have not used Ziplog bag. I have had a white mesh bag which I use for all my cosmetic stuff.
I have not taken out my cosmetic bag for numerous trips domestic and international.
I also changed my product selection: Solid Shea Butter tin from the Vermont Soap Company (http://www.vermontsoap.com/sheabutter.shtml) is great for in flight moisturizer. Use dry face wash clothes (http://www.amazon.com/Olay-Daily-Facials-Cleansing-Cloths/dp/B000O2TO24/ref=pd_sim_bt_2/187-0514894-3241051). You add water at your hotel. Use sample bottles from cosmetic counters. Since I have simplified my cosmetic with a BB Cream, now available in the US per Wall Street journal article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304707604577422242426734830.html). More expensive in the US. I found a link to a Korean BB Cream on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/MISSHA-Perfect-Cover-Cream-Natural/dp/B0027A7CLG/ref=pd_sim_bt_1) You can find many other brands.
Simplify, take less, make it non-liquid means less weight and fewer things to take.

A little off topic - I just wanted to thank you all for all the the knowledge shared here. Just the other evening I was able to advise a couple of friends who were flying to Iceland, and even go into details such as what must go in the ziplock and suggestions for items they could use which weren't considered liquids and gels. They really appreciated the input.

For the last five years I have used a "decoy baggie". Just a supermarket ziploc with maybe sunscreen and a wee bottle of hotel lotion. I put this in the bin and leave everything else in my tote or carryon or pockets, including full tubes of toothpaste and any kind of liquids.

AND I ask for the patdown instead of going through the CAT scanner. Now and again I have to take the lipgloss out of my pocket for my private moment with the scanner.

TSA NEVER looks at anything else. I doubt they care in Europe, Oz, Japan and North Africa anyway but I threw my decoy baggie in the bins there, too.

I have not removed my bag my last three trips and no one has said a word.
Also I've had success with bringing on two bags and just putting them in separate bins going through security.

Brilliant! Also shows how ridiculous the TSA is.

I used to carry a decoy bag, but don't bother anymore. Figure I'll just say "Oops, so much yelling and undressing I got confused." if they ever do say anything. Another thing they seem to be allowing is keeping your watch on. Guess they've learned to recognize a wristwatch on the x-ray.

I don't take my iPhone out of my purse, so am wondering why I have to remove my computer from the same bag. Maybe I'll experiment next time I'm not in a hurry.

I only use the ziplock bags because I get them free at the airport (SAN T1) and usually take 3 or 4 if I see them. They make good doggie bags :)

My ziplock is usually a freezer bag with sunscreen, bug juice, shampoo and other liquids in it. It also contains a second thinner ziplock sandwich baggie containing my handcream, single-use moisturizing face mask and a small tube of Vaseline for my lips. I pull out the inner ziplock and put it in my seat-bag when boarding so I have everything I need at my seat without having to get up and rummage through my bag.

For the last five years I have used a "decoy baggie". Just a supermarket ziploc with maybe sunscreen and a wee bottle of hotel lotion. I put this in the bin and leave everything else in my tote or carryon or pockets, including full tubes of toothpaste and any kind of liquids.

AND I ask for the patdown instead of going through the CAT scanner. Now and again I have to take the lipgloss out of my pocket for my private moment with the scanner.

TSA NEVER looks at anything else. I doubt they care in Europe, Oz, Japan and North Africa anyway but I threw my decoy baggie in the bins there, too.

Decoy baggie doesn't cut the mustard in LHR! I didn't try a decoy baggie as such, it is just that as my mother and I packed, she put something bulky in her bag, I put the liquid baggies in mine (with the idea we would take them out and declare one each, no issue). However, we were screened at LHR (our mid point airport) and I was asked to be swabbed (the explosives thingy) before the scanners, my mother carried on (we are both adults after all!) and totally forgot about the baggie situation. I figured I would pull out my baggie, and 'forget' I had hers, and see if it just went through ok. It did not, they spotted it immediately, did a full search of both my carry on bags etc. My dearest mother, instead of waiting just the other side, had spotted something in a store window and wandered off, so there I am truthfully proclaiming all this, but my mother is AWOL! She eventually came back for me. Seriously, she is worse than a labrador or a toddler!

Quote Analise:

In mine is:

Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair spray
Hair smoothing cream
Moisturizer
Facial wash
Toothpaste
Hand cream
Cologne
Eye glass spray

Dental floss, toothbrush, anti-perspirant and meds go in the side pocket of pullman.
---------------------------
Quote Stars4SA:

Foundation
Coconut Oil
Lip Balm - Carmex
Under Eye Concealer
--------------------------------------


It probably really depends if you have long hair and need lots of product and how long your trip is. In special bottles I can see go all these things in a quart bag.

Now, if you have moisturizer, do you need coconut oil? If you have coconut oil, could you not use it for hair smoothing cream? It's what the ladies in Kerala, India use and they have the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen (granted not every woman has such hair). Lip balm doesn't need to be in the liquid bag. Not sure what consistency the concealer has but it could probably left out of the bag, too.

Eye glass cleaning spray? Hm. It's a very low concentration soap and alcohol and water spray. Eye glasses are easily cleaned under a faucet with a little soap. For on the go touch-ups the often included MF cloth is totally good enough and a bathroom is hopefully not far. If you absolutely wanted that spray, you could take the empty bottle and mix some water and liquid soap in your hotel room once you get to the destination.

Till

Lip balm doesn't need to be in the liquid bag. Not sure what consistency the concealer has but it could probably left out of the bag, too.

Till


Lip balm most certainly does need to be in the liquids bag and I've been pulled up on that more than once when I forget that I have one in my handbag and it gets picked up by the scanners. The most memorable time was when I wasn't travelling with any liquid carry-ons at all, so they produced a ziploc bag for me to put it in by itself because apparently it wasn't good enough to just send it through in the tray without one :rolleyes:

Lip balm doesn't need to be in the liquid bag.

Lip balm most certainly does need to be in the liquids bag

There are solid lip balms, there are gels, and there are liquids. Common sense (and tsa.gov) tell us the solids don't have to go in the ziploc and the liquid or gel versions do^ I usually carry both - kiehls #1 gel in the bag and a burts bees stick in my purse.

It was a Burt Bees stick that was in my purse that they made me put into the ziploc bag solo. Common sense unfortunately does not always prevail.

Admittedly this was not a flight to or from North America but between Australia and Japan, so perhaps the rules are different?

In the meantime I have a 100% success rate carrying Blistex lip ointment somewhere other than my ziplock baggie. Maybe .21 ounces is just to small for them to bother with.

It started out because I would forget I have it in my purse, but now I do it on purpose to see if I ever get caught.

It was a Burt Bees stick that was in my purse that they made me put into the ziploc bag solo. Common sense unfortunately does not always prevail.

Admittedly this was not a flight to or from North America but between Australia and Japan, so perhaps the rules are different?

I flew through Narita twice last year without issue (with a stick lip balm in my purse) but I don't know what the actual regulations are (just "dump liquids" eg my water bottle from my PEK flight and put my ziploc bag through the scanner....) And I really have no clue about Oz.

But no one should consider a solid a liquid or gel. There's a pretty substantial visible difference between a Burts Bees stick and a tube of lip gloss:rolleyes:

I am addicted to lip balm, and stories like this reinforce my habit to travel with redundancies!!!

I flew through Narita twice last year without issue (with a stick lip balm in my purse) but I don't know what the actual regulations are (just "dump liquids" eg my water bottle from my PEK flight and put my ziploc bag through the scanner....) And I really have no clue about Oz.

But no one should consider a solid a liquid or gel. There's a pretty substantial visible difference between a Burts Bees stick and a tube of lip gloss:rolleyes:

I am addicted to lip balm, and stories like this reinforce my habit to travel with redundancies!!!

I've been asked to put a yellow 'Burt's Bees' lipbalm solid stick in my ziplock! It was just loose in my handbag, and room in the ziploc so no issue at all. This was in a US airport (San Fran).

I'm amazed by all of these stories. My lip balm (the squeeze-tube kind, not a stick) and a travel-size bottle of hand lotion stay in my purse at all times. Not once in the last 5 years have I been asked to put them in a ziploc. This is in airports all over the world and the US. At the very beginning of the liquids ban, the very first time I went through PHL after it was instituted, a TSA officer triumphantly fished a 3-gram tube of toothpaste out of my purse and dramatically confiscated it. Since then, nothing. I think it is just about walking through like you (a) know what you're doing, and (b) own the joint, which is my normal attitude toward security checkpoints.

I think it is just about walking through like you (a) know what you're doing, and (b) own the joint, which is my normal attitude toward security checkpoints.

I walk the same way in all airports, and sometimes I have issues and sometimes I don't. So no, I don't think it has anything to do with attitude. I think it has to do with the security agents and whatever airport you're going through. I think these stories illustrate that there is no consistency whatsoever and what one person does one day in Airport A might be disallowed tomorrow at Airport A but just fine at Airport B and so on....

My husband has had his (appropriately sized and in a ziploc bag) travel shaving cream confiscated in Costa Rica because it has the word "explosivo" on it (signifying that the contents are under pressure - but shaving cream isn't on any banned list....except CR apparently:p) I really never know what to expect. Ah well. We do the best we can.

(CR also confiscated my corkscrew that was teeny and had been in my bag for more than 5 years through various international and domestic airports....)

At the very beginning of the liquids ban, the very first time I went through PHL after it was instituted, a TSA officer triumphantly fished a 3-gram tube of toothpaste out of my purse and dramatically confiscated it.I'm trying to picture this dramatic removal of that evil doer we all know as toothpaste!

I'm trying to picture this dramatic removal of that evil doer we all know as toothpaste!
Oh, it was a triumph for her, most definitely. You'd have thought I had a Bowie knife in there. :rolleyes:

I always have a small container of cleansing water, a moisture mask, moisturizing spray, deodorant and tooth paste. In addition and depending how much room there is, I also pack regular moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner. Again, it depends on where I'm going and how much room there is in the bag. Sometimes I'll also throw in some bb cream (samples really come in handy here!) and mascara.

Reading this thread I think I must have had an amazing string of luck. I am a Chap-stik addict and never leave home without one but have never put it into my ziplock, it stays in its usual place in my purse.

I also don't put mascara, lipstick, lip gloss or liquid eyeliner into the ziplock, they stay in the general makeup kit. The only things I ziplock are:

moisturizer
toothpaste
facial wash
sunblock
deodorant
and if I'm travelling somewhere w/ altitude (DEN or SLC) hand cream

I rarely bring shampoo or conditioner with me; what the hotel provides works fine. I used to be very careful to pack the tiny toothpaste tubes but more recently have been travelling with a 4 oz tube.

I'm a pretty frequent flyer & have yet to have an issue with confiscation. Although now that I've posted this I'm tempting the Fates to nail me on my next few trips. :p

I subscribe to Birchbox, and I received one of these in my June box:

http://www.birchbox.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/1762/s/tili-bags1-quart/category/8/

Is it just me, or do these seem like a terrible idea to anyone else? I hate digging for my stuff, and adding the inconvenience of not being able to see it does not seem worth it to me.

I'm sure some TSO will declare those illegal because they aren't clear, aren't ziplock, or for whatever other reason they can think of.

I'm sure some TSO will declare those illegal because they aren't clear, aren't ziplock, or for whatever other reason they can think of.

That was my thought too, but even if I am not using them for air travel, they just seem inefficient. They are pretty cute though. :)

On multiple trips, I've taken two ziploc bags: one prescription (incl. contact lenses items) and one non-prescription items. I have never had anyone even ask me about taking two ziploc bags.

On multiple trips, I've taken two ziploc bags: one prescription (incl. contact lenses items) and one non-prescription items. I have never had anyone even ask me about taking two ziploc bags.
Prescriptions and contacts are exempt from the "3-1-1" rules, so it shouldn't matter if they are in a 2nd ziploc, some other bag, or just loose.

Prescriptions and contacts are exempt from the "3-1-1" rules, so it shouldn't matter if they are in a 2nd ziploc, some other bag, or just loose.
I know that - thus the 2nd separate bag. However, I have never seen anyone take even a glance at the the prescription bag. For all they know, I could put other things in there with it.

Over the years I have tested the amounts I use while traveling to know exactly what I will need in the line of liquids for 5, 7, 10, 14 days etc. I never take any more than I need.

So depending on # of days, take the needed small tubes of toothpaste. I have been using "Wen" hair cleanser, which is THE best for your hair. It cleans, conditions and untangles your hair all in one. That saves several extra containers.

Several companies now make 3oz sunscreen, which is perfect to get me started. I'll pack extra in checked luggage. Mascara and face moisturizer is in there. I've switched to a nice body soap and solid deodorant. I now take facial wipes which remove makeup, clean and condition (many mfgs make now), but still put them in the liquids bag (they are in flat dispensers that may contain 5, 7 and up to 25 wipes). Always take the individual eye lubricant tubes (I've had lasik surgery).

I always have SP30 lip balm with me (put it in my jacket or pants pocket) so it's quick at hand for long flights.

Shameless bump of my own post! Still batting 1000 after five years of this method and so is my son Master Packer Jr.

As noted I leave all kinds of quasi-liquids in my pockets which the patdown ladies have me put on the table before they do their thing.


For the last five years I have used a "decoy baggie". Just a supermarket ziploc with maybe sunscreen and a wee bottle of hotel lotion. I put this in the bin and leave everything else in my tote or carryon or pockets, including full tubes of toothpaste and any kind of liquids.

AND I ask for the patdown instead of going through the CAT scanner. Now and again I have to take the lipgloss out of my pocket for my private moment with the scanner.

TSA NEVER looks at anything else. I doubt they care in Europe, Oz, Japan and North Africa anyway but I threw my decoy baggie in the bins there, too.

Shameless bump of my own post! Still batting 1000 after five years of this method and so is my son Master Packer Jr.

As noted I leave all kinds of quasi-liquids in my pockets which the patdown ladies have me put on the table before they do their thing.

Congrats at beating them at their own game and being willing to go for the patdown. Similar to my methods, shows how stupid they are.

Rock on, LLM.

I subscribe to Birchbox, and I received one of these in my June box:

http://www.birchbox.com/shop/catalog/product/view/id/1762/s/tili-bags1-quart/category/8/

Is it just me, or do these seem like a terrible idea to anyone else? I hate digging for my stuff, and adding the inconvenience of not being able to see it does not seem worth it to me.

Reminds me a bit of the Ikea bags with designs on them
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60177411/
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20176946/

I prefer my 311 bags with bottom gusset and zip slide top. Ziplock makes them.

Prescriptions and contacts are exempt from the "3-1-1" rules, so it shouldn't matter if they are in a 2nd ziploc, some other bag, or just loose.

I used to just leave them lying around, but they kept subjecting my bag to a hand search. When I started putting them in a smaller bag within a bigger bag that has ALL medicines and pulling THAT out of my bag they started leaving it alone.

There's a girl in our department who travels with two ziplock bags (not prescription items... just "stuff")... that has never caused a problem for her but I find a tad unneccessary. I know someday the airport gods are going to end up confiscating her $50 bottle of perfume and make her throw away a ton of stuff when they catch on.

Small tube of toothpaste.
"Gift" sized facial cleanser (I keep all the free with purchase gifts from my favorite brands, and at some counters where I have very good relationships, I just ask for gift and sample sizes).
Gift sized facial serum.
Gift sized eye cream.
Gift sized facial moisturizer.
Cream deodorant.
1 Hand cream.
1 SPF 40 for face (small bottle)
1 Mascara (gift sized).
1 undereye concealer
1 Lip gloss.
Travel sized shampoo and conditioner (longer trips only -- for a short trip, I will go to the hotel's salon for a wash and blow-out).

My lipstick is a lip "chubbie" and is therefore solid. My travel foundation is also solid, as is my travel perfume (Fracas).

I've probably gone through security 50 times with a tube of lip moisturizer in a sweater, pants, or jacket pocket. Never been questioned about that.

- Travel Sized Toothpaste
- Foundation
- Contact Lens Solution
- Contact Lens Case
- Spare Pare of Contacts
- Miniature bottle of perfume
- Travel sized bottle of lotion
- Travel sized bottle of hair spray