We’re are all trying to stay on top of the ever-changing rules from the TSA. Currently, you are not allowed to carry liquids through security unless they are in 3 oz. or smaller containers and can fit in a quart-size zip-top clear bag.
Me? I’ve been putting my toiletries in sandwich bags but these tend to get beaten up after just a few uses. When the folks at FlyBags offered to send me a sample of their TSA-compliant toiletry bags, I figured it was worth a try. I used it on my trip to NYC this past weekend when I went to the New York Times Travel Show.
What I found was that it is quite nice to have my toiletries in a bag that I could trust wouldn’t rip open (like my sandwich bags) if it gets poked with something as innocuous as a pencil. I crammed it down into my daypack with my laptop, magazines, camera, and snacks and quickly pulled it out at a security.
In addition to the three bottles, it comes with an eye mask and earplugs, both of which I thought were a nice touch. Since my flight to the East Coast was a red-eye, I used the eye mask from the moment I got on the flight and slept like a baby. (Seriously, people who travel with me, hate me. I’m asleep before we leave the tarmac and can sleep through ’til landing.) I rarely use earplugs but will definitely hang on to these, and the cute little carrying case they come in, for my next trip abroad.
That’s the good news.
There are a couple of things that I don’t like about the FlyBag. Namely the bottles for my toiletries are so hard that I can’t get my body lotion out of it. My shampoo and conditioner, which are more watery, are just fine, but the thicker lotion can’t be squeezed through the flip-top cap. I have to remove the cap and pound it on my hand to get it to come out. Not a huge deal but a bit annoying just the same.
I also found that the zipper on the bag, while very convenient and sturdy, is relatively hard to open and shut. To their credit, FlyBag has added a large ring to the zipper pull so you can slip your finger in and give it a good hard tug.
All in all, I’ll definitely continue to use this (sans lotion) but wouldn’t pay the list price of $26 for it.
In an ironic twist, when I was at the Travel Show, American Express had put similar toiletry cases in all of the schwag bags for consumers. It doesn’t include an eye mask or earplugs but it does have three bottles that probably hold 2 oz of liquid as well as a small spray bottle. There’s also a cute little funnel so you can get your own potions into the bottle with out spilling. Cost? Free.
Travel Well!
Beth
Related links:
WanderGear: Healthy Travel Socks
WanderGear: Travel Clothes Roundup
WanderGear: Travel Books Roundup
WanderGear: Gift Gadget Roundup
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Gear guy says
I reviewed this too on the Practical Travel Gear blog. I only put “watery liquid” in my bottles and it was fine. A while back though I reviewed a 3-1-1 travel bag that had pump-type containers instead and those were good for lotion. You can buy this at Amazon for less than the list price, by the way.
Donna Hull says
I’m always looking for carry-on solutions for toiletries. Still using the sandwich bags on my trips.
Candice says
Although travel restrictions aren’t as rigid in South Africa, I do still like travelling with smaller versions of my toiletries (I take quite a few weekend breaks). I’d never actually considered travel packs like these, thanks for the reviews, I think I’m going to treat myself!!
Beth says
@ Gear guy – Yes, Amazon is a great option to save a buck or three.
@ Donna – dump the sandwich bags – you’ll be glad you did!
Flybags says
Beth, Thank you for your candid review of our product. Just to clarify a few things for your audience – The price is now $16 on both Flybags.com as well as on Amazon.com. I also wanted to comment on the zipper. Like a good pair of leather shoes, or a zipper on a new jacket, the zipper is rigid at first, but after some use it becomes very smooth and you grow to appreciate the sturdiness of the product. It is a genuine YKK zipper, and in all honestly was the most expensive component to build into the bag. We had the option of less expensive, plastic, smoother zippers, but felt they would not stand the test of time like a stainless steel, high-quality zipper. My Flybag has traveled around the world with me over the past year and completely replaced my toiletry bag. With more use, hopefully yours will too!
Beth says
THANK YOU Flybags for your comment and clarification.
Glad the price has dropped and I look forward to breaking the zipper in. I’m off to the Bay Area and then DC in the next week, all with carry-ons-only and will be sure to use my Flybag!