Can You Bring a Razor on a Plane?

It’s time to start traveling again. Flights are less expensive. Aunt Betty needs to see you. As you are packing, you might be wondering, can you bring a razor on a plane when you take that next trip?

You can bring certain types of razors on an airplane. After reading this, you will understand the TSA Razor Rules (yes, they have these). Additionally, you will know which razors to pack in a carry-on bag and which to pack in a checked bag.

Follow the TSA Razor Rules

I don’t know about you, but I tried to find a summary of the TSA Razor Rules specific to what can and can not go in a carry-on or checked bag. I didn’t find a useful summary resource. For that reason, I created a helpful guide. Below is a table showing what you can pack in a carry-on bag or pack in your checked bag when it comes to razor technology. 

It is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules before packing. You don’t want to get to security and lose your favorite straight razor to the TSA agent.

Can You Bring a Razor on a Plane in Your Carry On?

You have several options for packing razors in your carry-on bag. You can bring a cartridge razor, disposable razor, or electric razor on a plane in your carry-on and through security.

If you prefer the Sweeny Todd method of a straight razor or Edward Scissor hands, you will be out of luck. You will not get a straight razor, safety razor, or shears through security in a carry-on bag. 

Can You Bring a Razor on an Airplane?

What most people mean when they ask can you bring a razor on a plane, is whether it’s okay to bring a cartridge razor on a plane?

Cartridge razors can be packed in carry-on or checked bags. A cartridge razor is where the head or cartridge can be detached from the handle to be discarded when it becomes worn. You can purchase replacement cartridges. These razors may have 2-5 very sharp blades and are seen as a low risk since getting the blades out is challenging. Popular cartridge razor brands are Gillette, Schick, Bulldog Skincare, and Dollar Shave Club.

Can You Take Disposable Razors on a Plane?

Like cartridge razors, disposable razors are the frequent flyers of all razors. They can make it through security and on a plane in your carry-on and checked bag.

So, what is the difference between a disposable razor and a cartridge razor? Well, the head. Sound funny? It’s true. Disposable razors are thrown away, handle and all. In cartridge razors, you retain the handle and replace the cartridge (the head). Disposable razors are great for traveling and guest bathrooms.

Can You Take a Straight Razor or Safety Razor on a Plane?

Have you seen The Barber of Seville or Sweeney Todd?  Straight razors slashing people? TSA and security frown on straight razors. You can check them in a bag, but you will get them confiscated at security if they are in your carry-on bag.

I had to ensure I knew what a safety razor was. A safety razor has a handle and head, which is typically metal. You use the handle to screw the head open and shut to replace a razor blade onto the head. I remember my father using a safety razor. Talk about sharp. Safety razors have to be carried in a checked bag. Even more, the TSA would like straight razors and safety razors (along with replacement blades) to be securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Can you carry spare safety razor blades on a plane? Yes, in a checked bag. Those blades are sharp and can easily cut someone. 

Can You Bring an Electric Razor on a Plane?

Electric razors are a godsend. No more tiny toilet paper band-aids on accidental cuts along the neck. These genius inventions and beard trimmers can be brought on a plane in your carry-on or a checked bag. 

One caveat, check the TSA rule on batteries. To ensure that your electric razor or beard trimmer batteries meet TSA rules, you might double-check that they meet the guidelines. 

Can You Bring Shaving Cream or Shaving Gel on a Plane?

If you take a cartridge or disposable razor on the plane in your carry-on, you might wonder if you can take shaving cream or gel? You can take these items in your carry-on as long as they follow the TSA 3-1-1 Liquid Rule. What is that? First, know that gel and shaving cream are considered liquid.

The TSA 3-1-1 Liquid Rule states you can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in a carry-on bag or handbag. These items must be transported in a clear sealable 1-quart bag. You can purchase travel-size shaving cream and gel for your convenience at big box store, Wal Mart, or Target. These will meet the TSA rules.

If you check a bag, you can carry a full-size can of shaving cream or gel. I recommend putting these items in a sealable plastic bag. If they leak or rupture you don’t want shaving gel all over your clothes.

Traveling with a Razor & Other Toiletries

Going on a trip can be energizing and fun. Right up until the time you realize you forgot something essential. Honestly, it puts a damper on my day when I go to shave or brush my teeth and realize I forgot the toiletry. Here are some toiletries tips for your future trips to ensure a smooth time:

• Select a Toiletry Bag. I recommend a bag that helps you organize all the essentials. One with compartments, so you know what you have and have not packed. Some people like hanging bags. There are also compact bags and TSA-approved clear toiletry bags.
• Purchase travel-size toiletries in bulk.  If you are like me and don’t care for checking a bag, travel size shave gel, deodorant, and so on are a lifesaver. 
• Purchase toiletries in bulk. If you are checking a bag and flying international, as an example, take plenty of your preferred shaving cream, gel, shampoo, etc. This will save you money and time trying to track down more if you run out.
• Pack a Universal Travel Adapter. If you take an electric razor or beard trimmer, you will need a charge and adapter. This also comes in handy charging your cell phone.

Can You Shave on a Plane?

Do you need to get rid of that 5 o’clock shadow before you get off the plane? To be sure, you can shave on the aircraft. It would help if you had the disposable razor and some shaving cream or gel (maximum 3.4 ounces) from your carry-on. 

However, the lavatories are small, so be careful not to get the shaving cream or gel all over your shirt. Using an electric razor might be the best option in such cramped quarters.

Also, you might be watchful for other passengers needing to use the facilities. Lastly, clean those whiskers up after grooming!

Razors on a Plane

In short, the answer to can you bring a razor on a plane depends on what kind you have. Some razors get to go carry-on, while others must travel in a checked bag. However they travel, you will be well-groomed wherever you go.

You may also be curious if you can bring cologne on a plane.