Can You Bring a Razor on a Plane?

Air travel can be a wonderful experience, but packing for it can be a nuisance. Knowing what you can bring on a flight can be confusing, especially for first-time flyers. One of the most common questions is if you can bring a razor on a plane.

You can bring a razor on a plane if it meets the TSA criteria. Disposable razors come in two types: completely disposable (blade and handle) and refillable (replacement blades). You’re allowed to bring both, as well as electric razors, in carry-on baggage and checked luggage. You can not bring safety and straight razors in carry-ons, but they’re fine in checked baggage.

Many people enjoy freshening up before landing or have a specific razor brand they adore. As razors can be expensive to replace, it makes sense to know what you can bring on board.

Will the TSA Confiscate a Razor?

The TSA will only confiscate your razor if the blades fail to meet travel criteria.

You cannot bring straight blades and safety razors in carry-on luggage. But you can pack them in your checked bags.

TSA will confiscate them during the scan if you fail to pack them in checked luggage. The same goes for carry-on luggage.

Failing to store razors in the proper luggage could be a costly mistake. TSA agents will remove the items and will dispose of them accordingly. A state agency may auction items in many cases, and people can buy them via a bidding system.

You might find confiscated items on auction at GovDeals.com. Other times the TSA has contractors remove the items and donate them.

Either way, owners will unlikely get their prohibited razors returned. Whether the razors are in original packaging determines their fate: the garbage, donation, or for sale online.

A Quick Look at the TSA’s Razor Rules for 2022

• Electric razors are okay. They may be kept in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Wrapping the cord (if it has one) will make traveling with an electric razor a little easier.
• You cannot bring straight blades in carry-on luggage due to their sharpness. However, you can store them in checked baggage. Be sure to stash them securely and safely.
• Safety razor handles are acceptable in carry-on luggage, but you must safely store any blades in checked baggage. The blades easily attach to the handle, which poses a safety risk, so ensure they are secure.
• Cartridges can go in checked baggage. You can attach them to a handle or leave them separate in their own container.
• You must carry disposable razors in checked baggage, and you can bring the handles in carry-on luggage.

What Happens If the TSA Takes My Razor?

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If the TSA takes your razors, prepare to buy more. You can choose the airport mall for the quickest touch-up but mind the higher prices.

A nearby convenience store could be a good second opportunity. The TSA may give you advice on current regulations for your next trip.

In the aftermath of losing your razors, don’t lose hope. Thankfully they are relatively easy to replace with many options, hopefully nearby.

You might look online at a state agency auction for more expensive or irreplaceable objects. It can be hard to keep up with the TSA’s rules, so it’s common to pack prohibited items accidentally.

Does it Matter What Kind of Razor It Is?

If you have a preferred brand or dislike the up-charge at airports, do your research ahead of time. The TSA is stringent on what you can bring in a carry-on bag or checked baggage.

Reading up on what you can and cannot bring on board will save you time and money. The types of razors will determine which (if any) you can pack in your luggage.

There are five main types of razors: disposable, safety, straight, cartridge, and electric. You must cover blades to protect yourself and TSA personnel.

Disposable Razors

Disposable razors come in two variations. The first is a handle and blade all in one connected piece. These often have 1-2 uses before you throw them away.

They usually come in packs of 3-5. The other type is a separate handle with refillable blades. You can store refills in checked baggage.

Cartridge Blades

Replacement (cartridge) blades often come in packs of 3 or more and can run quite expensive. Some may come from a membership-based club or auto-fill delivery. They don’t attach to a handle, but you can bring them in checked or carry-on baggage. Keeping the cartridges in the original packaging makes them easier to identify.

Electric Razors

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Electric razors are long-lasting and often a larger purchase than other blades. These razors come in several forms, from battery-operated to plug-in. Both of these types are permissible in your carry-on or checked baggage.

You should sheath them if possible or wrap the cord (if there is one). Trimmers also fall under this category and are okay in either bag.

Related Read: Can You Bring A Pillow on a Plane?

Straight Blades

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Straight blades are a no-go when it comes to carry-on bags. The handles are acceptable in carry-ons, but you must safely store all razor blades in checked baggage.

If you can’t separate the straight razor, ask customer service before checking your bags. You might not be able to bring it in your checked bags.

Safety Blades

Store safety blades in your checked baggage, but you can keep the handle in your carry-on luggage. Any safety blade you can’t separate from the handle must go in checked baggage.

Due to their sharp nature, you must secure blades safely in checked baggage. Original packaging is best, but clear or other containers may also work in a pinch.

Does It Matter If the Razor Is in a Carry-On vs. Checked Bag?

In short, yes, it does matter. Your carry-on is often quick access, and a razor can be very dangerous. Storage of a razor can impact the safety of yourself and other passengers, so location is vital. While certain types of razors in carry-on baggage are okay, you must put others in checked baggage.

Safety blades and straight blades can’t go in carry-on baggage. This is for the safety of everyone, TSA agents and passengers included. Cartridge, electric, and disposable razor are permissible in a carry-on so long as you contain them safely. You must store safety blades and straight razors in checked baggage only.

What Is the Best Way to Pack a Razor?

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The best way to pack a razor is to wrap it with thick fabric in a clear container. You should mark these containers clearly as to the contents. Make sure to sheath every blade not to expose the sharp blades or keep them in the original (sealed) packaging. You can store electric razors in their original case or cap them.

Original containers aren’t essential but can be a great way to store your blades safely. The best way to pack a razor is in its original packaging or a plastic container that can securely close.

You can also place them in a washcloth or plastic bag and label them accordingly. Just ensure to cover every blade suitably. No one wants to get cut going through luggage, including TSA agents that may have to investigate your baggage.

Related Read: How to Choose an 18x 14x8 Bag

Can I Bring Shaving Cream on the Plane?

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The TSA’s rule on shaving cream falls under liquids and pressurized containers. You can bring small cans of shaving cream in carry-ons, so long as they are 3.4oz or less.

The TSA’s website states: “The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).”

In other words, the canister must have a cap and be 3.4oz or less. Aerosol canisters (buttons/nozzles) are permitted types. The travel section of a local market will likely carry these amounts.

Shaving cream can be in an original container, but a 3.4 oz (100ml) size can be hard to come by. You may place shaving cream, gel, and lotions in closed containers inside a quart-sized (1L) ziplock bag.

Related Read: What Does 100 ml Look Like?

Still Not Sure? Ask the TSA

Ultimately it is up to the TSA officers what items you can bring past the checkpoint. You may contact the TSA directly from their webpage via email, phone, or social media. Twitter is typically the best way to get a quicker answer.

The website provides a comprehensive list of what and how things may travel. The Travel Security Administration (TSA) also runs a blog and has a new app called MyTSA. It holds the entire list of approved and prohibited items to save you the trouble of having to ask a person or place a call.

Still can’t find what you’re looking for or have additional questions? Ask. The answer may surprise you.

Most information can be online but if you’re already at the airport, find an agent before boarding. No matter how you contact the TSA, you’ll be ready for your next trip.

Summary

Knowing the TSA rules on which razors are allowed will save you time and money. Being forced to throw away a brand new pack of razor blades is no way to start a trip. Razors are too expensive for you to have to toss them out before they can be useful.

When packing for a trip, remember to look at the TSA’s website to check the current rules. Take care to store each item properly and safely in a TSA-approved bag. If you plan on freshening up soon into your trip, you’ll want to keep razors in your carry-on.

Thankfully, most of the main types of razor blades get the green light, but it’s wise to store them in a clear container to prevent accidental injury. If you aren’t 100% sure if your razor, or any other item, can come aboard, just ask. The TSA has many contact options, with one sure to suit your needs. Don’t worry; you’ll look fantastic!