TSA Approved! Add a few solid travel items to your next packing list.
Let’s face it—navigating airport security with your toiletries can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube with oven mitts. Between the 3.4 oz rule, exploding shampoo bottles, and the eternal juggle of zip-top bags, packing liquids is a pre-flight headache we don’t need.
But what if you could ditch the drama without sacrificing your skincare routine or personal hygiene?
We took to the skies to test out five clever, non-liquid travel essentials that not only passed TSA with flying colors, but also made us feel like we were winning at life. So we added these items to our must-have travel tech list.
From fizzy toothpaste tabs to space-age laundry sheets, here’s what deserves a permanent spot in your carry-on.
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1. Bite Toothpaste Bits: Fresh Breath Meets Pop Rock Energy
What it is: Tiny chewable tablets that foam up like toothpaste when you crunch them.
Why we love it: These minty marvels are not only TSA-compliant—they’re downright fun. Pop one in your mouth, chew, and brush like normal. No goo, no waste, and definitely no “did my toothpaste explode in my dopp kit?” drama. Plus, they come in a sleek glass jar that looks way cooler than a crusty old tube.
Pro traveler tip: The charcoal version makes you look like a Bond villain while brushing in an airport lounge. (Bonus points for drama).
Option: Another option for fresh breath and whiter teeth is the chewable tablet from Burt’s Bees – Bambo Earth.
2. Ethique Shampoo & Conditioner Bars: Spa Vibes, Zero Slosh, Zero TSA Mess
What it is: Salon-quality shampoo and conditioner in solid bar form.
Why we love it: These little bars pack a mighty punch. One bar can last as long as three bottles of liquid product, and the lather? Dreamy. The scents are transportive—think “Frizz Wrangler” or “Pinkalicious”—and the eco-friendly compostable packaging gives your conscience a warm hug.
Pro traveler tip: Let the bar dry completely before packing it up, unless you enjoy playing “what’s that damp smell in my backpack?”
3. Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick: TSA Compliant
What it is: A solid roll-up stick for all-over body moisture from a trusted brand
Why we love it: This stick blends into your skin like a whispered secret, leaving you feeling dewy and alive, with zero spill risk. A mess-free, fragrance-free Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Stick delivers targeted moisture to stressed, sensitive, and dry skin.
Pro traveler tip: Stash it in your carry-on for mid-flight rehydration.
4. Kind Laundry Detergent Sheets: Clothes Get Clean, Planet Gets a Hug
What it is: Ultra-lightweight laundry detergent in dissolvable sheet form.
Why we love it: Doing laundry while traveling just got upgraded. No more hunting down overpriced hotel detergent pods or lugging around mini jugs. These sheets dissolve instantly in water—cold or hot—and leave clothes smelling like fresh air and responsibility. Perfect for washing socks in the sink or taking on extended trips where packing light is non-negotiable.
Pro traveler tip: Slice a few sheets into quarters to create “single sock” doses. You’re welcome.
5. Yuni Shower Sheets: On-the-Go Shower Alternative That’s A TSA Winner
What it is: Biodegradable sheets that transform into a silky lather with a splash of water.
Why we love it: These compostable, biodegradable sheet wipes, with a no-rinse body cleanser that feels like magic. Once wet, they lather into a rich body wash, leaving you squeaky clean and smelling like peppermint, coconut, or citrus sorcery. Perfect for campgrounds, hostels, or post-flight freshen-ups in an airport sink (we’ve all been there).
Pro traveler tip: Keep a couple of these TSA and airport security uber-friendly necessities stashed in your wallet or passport holder—never underestimate the power of an emergency shower moment.
Final Boarding Call
Who needs a quart-sized bag of sadness when the future of personal care fits in your palm, smells like paradise, and doesn’t count toward your liquid limit? These five non-liquid gems prove that travel-friendly doesn’t mean compromise—it means a clever, sustainable, and leak-free carry-on.
R. R. Fletcher
Rhonda is an accomplished writer and published author. She is a zoologist, articulate hodophile, and dedicated journalist focused on cultural exploration, wildlife expeditions, ancient discoveries, and sustainable travel. Follow her travels on X – @rr_fletcher.