Can you carry a razor in your hand luggage?

Did you just see your razor while packing for a trip and did that make you wonder if you can carry a razor in hand luggage? Well, you are not alone! So many such questions also come to my mind when I start packing.

In fact, when I was faced with this question before my trip to Germany, I did a little bit of research and here is what I found on whether you can bring a razor in your hand luggage on a plane. According to TSA, as a general rule, straight razors and safety razors are not allowed on a plane and therefore cannot be carried in hand luggage. However, disposable razors and electric razors can be carried in your hand luggage provided they meet certain additional requirements.

Types of Razors

Since the answer to whether you can bring a razor on a plane depends heavily on the type of razor that you intend to carry, let’s just quickly look at the primary types of razors available in the market –

Safety Razor

This is the razor that has a small pocket at its top. You need to open the pocket and place a blade inside it for the purposes of shaving. The blade inside this type of razor is easily available in the market and can be easily replaced when it loses its sharpness.

Straight Razor 

A straight razor is essentially a razor whose blade folds into it. The blade of these razors is long and extremely sharp

Disposable razor 

This is the usually cheapest variant among razors. It usually comes in a plastic body and has a blade that is fixed to the body. Therefore, once the blade gets blunt, you need to throw away the entire unit.

Disposable razor with replaceable cartridge

This is the most widely used razor in the world. A cartridge is a head attached to the handle of the razor. The cartridge may have a single blade or multiple blades fixed to it. Once the blades lose their sharpness, the cartridge needs to be thrown away and replaced with a fresh cartridge.

Electric razor

These are the new-age battery-operated razors that come with small blades fixed to its head that can only be operated by turning on the device. 

Also check >>> Can you carry a hair straightener on a plane? 

Also check >>> Can you carry alcohol on a domestic flight?

Which type of razor can you carry in your hand luggage?

Let’s answer this question specifically with respect to each type of razor. This will ensure that there is absolutely no ambiguity when it comes to whether to pack your razor in your hand luggage or in your check-in luggage.

Can you bring a safety razor on a plane?

You cannot bring a safety razor on a plane with the blade inserted in it. Basically, the blade of safety razor must at all costs go in your checked luggage. You can carry an empty safety razor without the blade in your hand luggage.

However, in order to avoid packing hassles, it is best to keep the safety razor in the checked luggage.

Can you bring a straight razor on a plane?

A straight razor is absolutely not permitted on a plane in your hand luggage. The blade of a straight razor is extremely sharp and is a potential threat. Plus, the blade can’t even be easily detached and stored separately.

Therefore, if you must travel with a straight razor, store it in your check-in luggage.

Can you bring a disposable razor on a plane?

You can definitely bring a disposable razor on a plane. In fact, both the types of disposable razors  (including the one with replaceable cartridges) can be carried in your hand luggage.

Can you bring an electric razor on a plane?

You can bring an electric razor with you on your plane in your hand luggage. The best part about this is also that you do not need to take off the batteries from the electric razor and store them separately.

How should you carry a razor on a plane?

Now that we have established that we are allowed to carry disposable razors on a plane, do not just fling them into your handbag.

You must pack them in accordance with TSA guidelines in order for them to be allowed on board.

Thus, while packing a razor in your cabin baggage make sure that

1. The razor is properly wrapped so that its sharp edges are not likely to pierce through the luggage and cause injuries.
2. The cartridges of disposable razors are also neatly packed in a protective covering in such a way that they do not cause injuries.

Should you really carry a razor in your hand luggage?

Now, this is the part where I am going to give you some unsolicited advice. While disposable razors are permitted to be carried in your hand luggage, I do not recommend you to carry it unless you are only going to travel with your hand luggage.

If you are heading out on a longer trip where you will also be checking in a couple of bags as checked luggage, it is best to pack your razor therein.

Best travel razors

If you are looking to carry along a razor with you, it is best to buy a travel razor that can be easily carried along on your flight as well. Here are our top picks –

Philips Electric ShaverThis is one of the most popular electric razors available in the market. It can be charged super-fast. A 5-minute charge is enough for one full shave. It can be easily carried around and is perfect for travel.

Gillette Venus Snap with Embrace Women’s Razor

 All you women out there, seriously, do not even give it another thought. Just buy this razor and you’re good to go. Not only is the quality top-notch, but its refill cartridges are also easily available in most countries and cities.

Additional information on carrying razors on a flight 

1. Can you carry shaving cream in your hand luggage?

You can carry shaving cream in your hand luggage subject to TSA guidelines on carrying liquids. As you may be aware, you are only allowed to carry liquid in travel size containers i.e. less than 100 ml or 3.4 ounces in quantity.

However, I would only recommend you to pack shaving cream in your hand luggage if you are only travelling with hand luggage and are headed out on a work trip.

2. Can you carry a razor in your hand luggage on domestic flights?

The rules stated above are universally applicable. Therefore, there is no leniency when it comes to domestic travel.  Consequently, the only types of razor you will be allowed to carry onboard are the disposable razor and electric razor.

3. Can you carry a razor on a budget airline plane?

Budget airlines are known to be extremely strict with their hand baggage size specifications. However, when it comes to items that they allow to be carried on board, most budget airlines also have guidelines similar to those specified by the TSA. Therefore, you will be able to carry disposable and electric razors on budget airlines such as Ryan Air, Air Asia etc.

4. Do you need to store the razor in a transparent bag?

The rule of storing liquids in transparent, resealable zip-lock bags is only applicable to the storage of liquids. Disposable razors can be stored anywhere in the hand luggage provided they are securely wrapped and are not likely to cause injury.

5. Are you allowed to carry only razor blades on a plane?

Replacement cartridges of disposable razors are allowed to be carried on a plane. However, blades of a safety razor or straight razors are strictly forbidden and must be securely packed in your checked luggage.

Final Word

There are plenty of products that we like to carry in our hand luggage simply to have quick access to them. 

You should ideally carry only such items that you absolutely can’t buy locally at your destination. That said, most people like to stick to their favourite brand and type of razor instead of experimenting with ones available locally. Therefore, there is no harm in carrying your travel razor along with you wherever you go. Just make sure it is disposable or electric and that it is lightweight.   

For more details, please check out the TSA guidelines here.