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The Best TSA-Approved Products for Seamless Traveling, From Locks to Bags
The modern age of jet travel can be so undignified — with all of the restricted liquids and backed-up security checkpoints and none of the smart-looking suits and in-flight carving stations of the PanAm golden years. These days, the key to making it work is amassing niche expertise about TSA minutiae, having TSA PreCheck, and stocking up on the right gear.
To help you with the gear part of the equation, we’ve rounded up the best TSA-approved products to help you sail through security in comfort and convenience — from toiletry hacks to water bottles and performance-driven carriers for babies and pets, too.
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BEST TSA-APPROVED BAG
Everlane Renew Transit Weekender
Meghan Markle is among the cadre of celebs who appreciate the sleek, quiet luxury of Everlane’s logo-free and eco-friendly travel bags. This TSA-approved weekender is tricked out with features, including a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, and a trolly handle sleeve that also doubles as a pocket. Carry it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or in hand. This bag is made from 100 percent recycled polyester from recycled plastic bottles.
BEST TSA-APPROVED WATER BOTTLE
Stanley Legendary 1.5-Quart Bottle
Pro tip: TSA permits liquids over three ounces as long as they are in their frozen state — and remain fully frozen through the checkpoint. So freeze your water in the internet’s favorite water bottle du jour, hydrate as it melts, and reuse the vessel over and over again at your destination. This cool Stanley in neon hues has double-wall vacuum insulation, a twist-and-pour stopper for a smooth pour and an insulated lid that doubles as a cup.
BEST FLIGHT-FRIENDLY LAUNDRY SHEETS
Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets
$20.95 $24.95 16% off
Need to stretch your carry-on-only wardrobe as far as possible? Plan to launder some of your staple pieces and re-wear them. Make it easy with these eco-friendly and TSA-compliant laundry detergent sheets by Kind, which take up close to no space (and produce no landfill waste). The pack of premeasured, pre-cut sheets easily drops into a backpack or even a purse.
BEST REUSABLE CONTAINERS
Cadence The Honeycomb Set of 7 Flex Capsules
TSA’s liquids restrictions, combined with exorbitant costs and notorious mishandling associated with checking luggage, necessitate the need for a good system for packing toiletries. Cadence’s aesthetically appealing travel capsules are made for performance, with super-tight locking lids and magnetic sides that connect like a honeycomb. Customizable top tiles let you view what’s inside at a glance.
BEST PLANE-FRIENDLY DISINFECTING WIPES
Lysol to Go Wipes
$3.25 $4.89 34% off
The pandemic may officially be over but there’s always a buffet of germs swirling around airports and airplanes just waiting to get you sick and derail your travel plans. Safeguard against it with these TSA-complaint wipes that kill 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, including eright cold and flu viruses. Pro tip: Take one out of the resealable pack when you get on the plane and wipe down your tray table, armrests and other high-touch surfaces.
BEST TSA-APPROVED TOILETRY BAG
BAGSMART Clear Toiletry Bag, 2 Pack
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule requires travelers only bring liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pasts must be in a 3.4-oz. container or smaller, and that all of those products should fit in one clear quart-sized bag. Bagsmart’s clear zippered toiletry bags meet all of these guidelines — and we like that this two-pack is affordable and comes in a variety of colors.
BEST TSA-APPROVED LOCKS
Tumi TSA Luggage Locks
Keep your stuff secure on your journey —and increase your peace of mind — by locking it up. But, to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you reclaim your checked bags, make sure you use a TSA-approved style. The agency recognizes and approves this style of lock, so agents can open them as needed without cutting the lock or damaging your bags in the process. Solidly made and built to last, these luggage locks come in a pack of three colors for easy identification.
BEST HAIR CARE BARS
HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner Set
Sure, TSA puts a max on liquids. But if your shampoo and conditioner aren’t in liquid form, you can sidestep the issue entirely. Carry them in solid form with this shampoo and conditioner bar set by HiBar, formulated with rice water and vitamin B for volumizing and adding texture. Eco-friendly and travel-ready, these products are plastic-free, right down to the shipping materials. (Grab the coordinating pouch for efficient travel.)
BEST TSA-FRIENDLY BLUETOOTH TRACKERS
Apple AirTag
$24.99 $29.00 14% off
Whether you’re checking luggage or bringing a carry-on, TSA has to screen it — and that means plenty of opportunities for loss or other mismanagement. Keep tabs on all of your stuff by outfitting every piece with its own GPS tracker in the form of an AirTag, which is on sale for 14 percent off (or get 20 percent off when you buy the four-pack). Then follow it throughout the journey using the Find My app.
BEST TSA-APPROVED PET CARRIER
Wild One Pet Carrier
Wild One’s TSA-compliant pet carrier is stylish and understated, available in black or chic tan and limited edition colors (like this k. The inside is roomy, and the breathable mesh walls allow two-way communication with your little buddy. The carrier also folds out to become a travel mat for dogs to lounge on in the airport — and wherever else your travels take you.
BEST PLANE-FRIENDLY STROLLER
Munchkin Sparrow Ultra-Compact Stroller
$171.99 $219.99 22% off
If you know, you know: Traveling with all the gear needed for littles can be a whole to-do. Make it easier by keeping a compact stroller with you at all times in the cabin. Munchkin’s Sparrow ultra-compact folding stroller folds down to fit in tight spaces, including overhead bins, ensuring hassle-free travel through TSA checkpoints and beyond. When folded down, it measures just 15 inches on its longest side and weighs under 13 pounds.
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