Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane? (5 Different Types)
When it comes to hair removal, everyone has their preferred way of maintaining their appearance and personal hygiene.
Whether traveling for work, relaxation, or a little bit of both, packing your grooming supplies may be a priority.
According to the TSA, razors are allowed on planes, but where you pack them matters. All razors, including straight razors, are permitted in checked luggage. Disposable razors, razors with cartridges, electric razors, and safety razors without blades are allowed in carry-on bags.
The following explains where to pack razors and shaving necessities for air travel and what happens if you get caught with prohibited items.
A Quick Skim
| Razor Type | In carry-on luggage? | In checked luggage? |
| Disposable | YES | YES |
| Straight | NO | YES |
| Electric | YES | YES* |
| Razor w/cartridges | YES | YES |
| Safety | YES, without the blade | YES |
| Individual Blades | NO | YES |
Can You Bring Razors in Carry-On Luggage?
You can bring several types of razors in your carry-on luggage:
- Disposable razors, including those with removable cartridges
- Electric razors
- Safety razors without blades.
When traveling with disposable razors and razors with cartridges, ensure the blades are covered to prevent cutting yourself, damaging other packed items, or injuring baggage handlers/security inspectors.
The simplest razor to pack in hand luggage is an electric razor – other than remembering to put it in your shaving kit, there’s not much else you need to worry about.
In contrast, some people like the close shave of an old-school safety razor; however, since these work with a replaceable open blade, you can only bring the handle in your carry-on.
Any open razor blades or blade-like objects (such as straight razors) must be packed in checked luggage.
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Can You Bring Razors in Checked Luggage?
The TSA permits all razors, including straight razors, in checked luggage.
When packing any kind of razor, ensure the blades are clean and covered properly.
Wrap straight razors and safety razor blades securely so they don’t injure you or safety personnel who may inspect your bag.
Pack your electric razor in a carrying case and place it in the center of your suitcase, away from the sides where things are more easily damaged.
Just keep in mind that while cordless electric razors are allowed in checked bags on all domestic flights within the US, international airlines may have additional restrictions for razors powered by lithium-ion cells.
(Lithium-ion batteries are potentially flammable, so as a general rule, it’s better not to pack them in your checked bags.)
Additionally, when traveling abroad with an electric shaver, ensure it’s dual voltage as plugs and power sources may differ overseas.
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Can You Bring Other Shaving Necessities on a Plane?
You can bring shaving necessities on a plane, but like razors, it matters what you pack and where you pack it.
Items like shaving cream, aftershave, oils, and lotions can all be packed in checked luggage without restrictions.
Just make sure your checked bags are within the airline’s weight limit – otherwise, you’ll find yourself paying hefty overweight fees.
When it comes to carry-on luggage, you can only have a certain amount of liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols.
These items must conform to the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which limits passengers to one quart-sized (1L) bag of travel-sized containers that are 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.
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What Happens If You Get Caught With a Prohibited Razor in Your Bag?
The TSA reserves the right to remove any item from carry-on or checked luggage that fails to meet their guidelines.
If you attempt to go through security with a prohibited razor in your carry-on luggage, it will be confiscated.
There are no exceptions, regardless of how precious or expensive your stuff is – you must follow the rules, or they won’t allow you to board the plane.
Being disruptive in an airport can end badly, so it’s best to confirm all the rules for your flight before you pack your bag.
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Conclusion
The TSA and airlines set regulations for your safety and the safety of others. When it comes to everyday items, like razors, the only restriction is where you can pack them.
All razors can be packed in checked luggage on domestic flights within the United States.
However, if you’re flying with an international airline, there may be restrictions for electric razors powered by lithium-ion batteries.
The only razors permitted in carry-on bags are disposable razors, razors with cartridges, electric razors, and safety razors without blades.
When packing any razor, ensure it’s clean and covered to prevent damaging other items in your bag or injuring yourself or security inspectors.
If you’re unsure how to pack your razor, contact your airline for more information.
