How to pack Play-Doh
 

I know the title sounds ridiculous, but I will have to travel with about 8 fl oz of something like Play-Doh or Silly Putty in a couple of days.

It is for required therapy in recovering from a badly dislocated finger.

I am not sure how it would be classified. The nearest thing on the prohibited items page on tsa.gov is ...

Non-flammable liquid, gel, or aerosol paint

I don't think this is a gel, but you never know.

I don't know if I should pack in in my checked luggage or take it as part of my carry on. It is an organic compound and may trigger a false positive as an explosive.

Hopefully one of the DHS folks who hang out here or someone who has had to carry this kind of substance can offer advice.

It's a solid. And also edible. Carry it on without worries. And if anyone gives you any grief, tell them you like to snack on it.

Seriously, don't worry about it.

The only reason that I am worrying about it is my therapist indicated I may have problems travelling with it.

on the off chance it may be taken
 

why not fedex/ups it to your home?

Read this thread from January 2010: TSA takes Play-Doh from Child
Also this single post.
Then weep for what the once proud USA has become. Scared of Play-Doh. Incredible. :(:(

Why can't your doctor write a note that it is required for your therapy?

I think it easer to pack it in my checked luggage.

While I expect it very likely that I would sail through security with the stuff in my carry on, I don't want to risk it.

And unfortunately I didn't think of this until after I had left the therapist's (and doctor's) office.

Even if it's in checked baggage, there is some probability that it won't arrive. Play-Doh looks like plastic explosive on their fancy machines. DOH.

I've packed it in my checked luggage without any problems.

I've packed a small container of therapy putty in my checked luggage and it arrived at my destination. However, that was a couple of years ago.

If you do decide to take it with you in your carry on, remember to declare it as a medical item before the x-ray. [Anything that can help back that up like a Rx label on the product may be of help - but provides zero proof as far as the TSA is concerned.] They'll probably want to ETD swab / test it, etc.

But, unfortunately, it will most likely come down to what kind of mood the screener is in that day, etc. -- so the standard "YMMV" disclaimer will apply (as alluded to by the other posters above)...

I have the instructions on the exercise my therapist wants me to do. These specifically refer to the substance as "Play-Doh" or "Silly Putty". I am now leaning to carrying it on.

My rationale is ...

If I am lucky nothing will happen either way (pack it or carry it).

If am not lucky it will get confiscated at security or worse, my bags will get pulled aside for more intensive screening (meaning, I get to Europe with no luggage).

Don't forget to check the rules for your European departure airport. Others are correct, this stuff looks like and has the same characteristics as plastic explosive. Best thing to do here is to carry a letter from the prescribing MD or a copy of the prescription (if there is one).

The Play-Doh is a gel, and therefore cannot be carried on unless it is a medical supply -or- in a quantity smaller than 3.4 ounces and fits in your liquids baggie. Convincing a TSO that play-doh is allowed is questionable and you risk seizure of the item. It is completely legal in checked luggage, the only concern is that it will have characteristics similar to explosives and may trigger a bag inspection.

You can look around at the Halloween candy at your local grocery store. They usually have small tubs of play-doh (to give away instead of candy) that are smaller than 3.4 ounces. This would make it easier to carry-on if you are not checking luggage. The key is you need it in writing on the label that it is less than 3.4 ounces, so I'm guessing an egg of Silly Putty won't work.

It may sound absurd, but here is what I would do:

Pack it in your checked bags; put the original unopened container in a plastic quart or gallon baggie, with a copy of the therapist's instructions in the bag. Put it on top of everything else in the luggage, so when they open the luggage, it will be the first thing they see and they won't have to paw through your undergarments. Don't pack anything valuable in the bag, with the Play-Doh if you can reasonably avoid it. I wouldn't pack any electronics or cords in the suitcase with the Play-Doh, either, because that might make it look more bomb-y.

Personally, I would also seal the luggage shut with a zip tie, so I could verify whether or not anyone opened my bag; if so, I would check it for missing items before I left the airport. :D

A note from your doctor would be a plus to avoid any problems.

Another way is to stick a couple of wires in it and tape a battery to it. they'll miss it for sure.