Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, it is important to know which items are allowed on an airplane and which items would be confiscated during security screening.
Having this prior knowledge protects you from the embarrassment of unpacking at the airport as well as the disappointment of losing some of your belongings.
For the gentleman concerned that his beard trimmer may be deemed contraband by airport security, rest assured that you can carry your beard trimmer on a plane in both your hand luggage and checked baggage. Bear in mind, however, that subject to the security officer’s discretion, the item may still be confiscated if anything suspicious is detected.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about carrying your trimmers on a plane and answer your most common questions!
Let’s get started!
Can Beard Trimmers Go In Hand Luggage?
In short, passengers are allowed to bring beard trimmers aboard flights in their hand luggage.
Regarding hand luggage, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) demands that passengers should not carry items that are injurious to people.
Since beard trimmers generally lack sharp edges that can injure people, they are exempt from this rule. Also, airlines do not consider electric razors as dangerous because their blades are usually covered.
They are therefore safe to carry in your hand luggage.
What Kind Of Razors Can You Bring On A Plane?
While most razors are allowed in checked baggage (which are usually carried in the storage compartment of the plane), some are prohibited from being carried in hand luggage which is stored in passenger cabins.
This prohibition is for the safety of passengers and the flight crew. Let us take a look at some types of razors and whether or not they are allowed on a plane:
Straight Razors
Because straight razors have their sharp edges exposed, they fall under the sharp object category which airlines prohibit aboard flights.
Items with sharp edges are regarded as posing a threat to the safety of everyone onboard the flight and as such, they are not allowed on a plane.
The solution is to pack your straight razor in checked luggage. Nonetheless, remember to wrap it securely and tightly to prevent injury to baggage handlers or airport security during an inspection.
Safety Razors
Just like straight razors, these are also not allowed on a plane. According to the TSA, this is because the razor blades are easily removable.
A useful tip is to detach the blades from the handle; you can then keep the detached blades in your checked luggage. You can also pack safety razors in your checked luggage without detaching them.
Electric Razors
Since electric razors and their batteries are allowed on flights, most people prefer to travel with these without worrying about security issues.
They may be carried in hand luggage or shaving kits. Because electric razors are expensive, it is advisable to pack them securely, so they do not become damaged during the flight. It is also advisable to pack batteries separately to prevent razors from coming in mid-flight.
If you are traveling overseas, you should also consider taking a dual voltage razor and a universal plug adapter to avoid issues with voltage and plugins.
Disposable Razors
These usually come in two types: one fully disposable and the other using removable cartridges. Both types are allowed on a plane.
Ensure that you cover the blades or wrap them in plastic. They can also be carried in Ziploc bags.
Can You Bring Shaving Liquids On A Plane?
Although rules concerning carriage methods apply, shaving liquids are allowed both in hand luggage and checked baggage.
The TSA considers shaving creams, foams, and gels as liquid, and because only small amounts of liquids are permitted on flights, you would have to transfer some of your shaving liquids into smaller containers.
Read Also: Which Shaving Product Is The Best? Foam, Gel Or Cream?
According to airline rules, passengers must pour them into containers measuring 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and place them inside clear plastic bags measuring around 20cm by 20cm.
As an alternative to shaving liquids and the hassle of methodically packing them to follow TSA rules on liquids, you can opt for shaving soaps that come in solid bars.
These form lathers like shaving foams when used with water. Additionally, you may also consider shaving oils since they already come pre-packed in small quantities.
Can You Take Hair Clippers On A Plane?
Hair clippers are nonlethal, so passengers are allowed to pack them (manual or electric) in their hand luggage as well as checked baggage. You can pack a single clipper with you or travel with your hair clipper kit since kits are also permitted in hand luggage.
However, you should note that the TSA officers reserve the discretionary right to allow or disallow hair clippers on an airplane.
Can You Take Beard Scissors/Shears On A Plane?
TSA regulations prohibit scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
It follows that scissors and shears with blades shorter than four inches are allowed in hand luggage.
However, because most shears and scissors have blades longer than 4 inches, it is advised that you carry them inside your checked baggage, just make sure they are securely packed in a way that poses no threat of injury.
Best 3 Beard Trimmers To Carry On A Plane
To determine which beard trimmer is best for your flight, there are some features you would have to consider:
- Whether or not a trimmer is wireless is a good place to start from. While some men may not care whether it’s one or the other, you should note that a cordless trimmer is more suited to travel, and you would not need to worry about access to a power outlet. However, with a corded trimmer, you wouldn’t have to worry about charging its batteries. By simply plugging in your trimmer, you have access to unlimited power. An easy solution would be to carry extra batteries or a universal adapter.
- You may also need to consider whether or not a trimmer is waterproof. Waterproof trimmers can be used in the shower; they cut down on time and make cleaning easy.
- If you prefer to travel light, you should consider a versatile beard trimmer i.e., a trimmer that you can use for your beard and other parts of your body.
- Finally, note the attachments that come with the trimmer as they enable you to achieve different styles. This is particularly useful on trips where you cannot afford to look for a barber; having a trimmer with different comb attachments will help you switch up your looks.
Bearing the aforementioned in mind, here are 3 of the best trimmers to take with you on your next flight:
#Best Option Overall
PHILIPS NORELCO ONEBLADE PRO
The OneBlade Pro trimmer is a hybrid cutting tool that can perform numerous functions such as shaving, trimming, and edging any hair length.
It is a cordless trimmer that is also waterproof, making it ideal for shower use. Additionally, it provides 90 minutes of continuous use on a single charge and features a battery-capacity digital screen display.
The trimmer’s unique technology incorporates an ultra-fast cutter moving at 200x per second with dual layers of protection.
These work together to give an efficient and comfortable shaving experience. It also comes with a replacement blade with a four-month lifespan.
#Best Alternative-Great Quality
WAHL LITHIUM-ION 2.0
From 4 head attachments to 12 comb attachments, this trimmer stands out for numerous reasons.
Touted as an all-in-one trimmer, the many attachments of the Lithium-Ion 2.0 cover a wide range of cuts and grooming styles. The different head attachments allow users to groom their ears and noses in addition to their beards.
Also, the comb attachments enable users to switch styles for haircuts and beard cuts. Another endearing feature of the Wahl Lithium Ion 2.0 is that it runs on worldwide voltage.
This means that you can use this trimmer on 110v, 220v, or dual voltage, making it ideal for trips outside the country. It provides 6 hours of continuous usage per charge.
#Best Cheap Option
GILLETTE ALL-PURPOSE STYLER: BEARD TRIMMER, RAZOR, AND EDGER
This cordless and waterproof trimmer comes with three interchangeable comb attachments (2mm, 4mm, and 6mm).
It also has a precision feature that creates tidy and defined lines along hair edges. Also, as the name implies, the All-Purpose Styler allows you to master and create different styles easily.
In addition, the trimmer comes with a Gillette Proglide cartridge attachment and can be used with any Gillette Fusion5 men’s razor blade cartridge for an even better performance.
This trimmer stands out as the most affordable on this list. Obviously, it is not the best trimmer you will ever see however I wanted to include one option for men that do not have much money to spend.
I think it is fair, isn’t it?
Conclusion
Whichever your preferred grooming travel option, it is important to consult your airline before your trip to determine which items they permit aboard their planes and which ones they prohibit.
You can also go through TSA’s guidelines for items allowed or disallowed on a flight for further guidance.
However, I think we did our best to give you the latest information as far as carrying razors, trimmers, liquids, etc on a plane is concerned because I get it sometimes managing to contact the company may be really challenging.
I really hope you found this article helpful and easy to understand.
Read Also: Do Beard Trimmers Work For Pubic Hair?
Until next time,
Stay safe,
Tasos
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.