is there any thing to know about packing toilerties with checked luggage?
Do they need to be packed a certain way?
Can anything happen to them?
Can they explode???
thanks
Melissa

1. yes.

2. yes. Pack in plastic bags.

3. yes. The pressure difference can make things squirt out (shaving cream especially).

4. Probably not.

I would suggest at least one ziplock for all liquids and gels.

I usually pack them into individual small ziplocks, then all into a large ziplock. Dunno why, I do cheak for leakage at home, I always end up with at least one leaking.

How to check a bottle for leakage: fill 2/3 with water, close, turn upside down on a paper towel for a few hours. If the towel is dry, use it. If there is a wet ring, discard.

Even if you bought a sealed new jar, still pack in ziplocks.

Also be aware that other travelers may not pack their toiletries in plastic bags, and they may leak through fabric suitcases and tote bags. So, to be on the safe side, pack all your clothing in plastic.

(a friend I traveled with had some garments spoiled by somebody's olive oil)

I usually pack my toiletries in my checked luggage. Nothing ever exploded, but there have been occasional leaks, so I also always pack them in a ziplock bags, or a similar sealed container.

We just flew home yesterday, had flown out prior to new security increase and put toiletries in carry on. First, all we did was run out and buy some gallon size zip lock bags, squeeze lids real tight. Everything arrived home safely, nothing spilled, broken, etc. Second, NO ONE even bothered to check my purse for lipstick, etc. I had prescription medicine with me and NO ONE looked. The airports we flew, PNS, ATL, DAY only hand checked selected people. We got to the airport 2.5 hours early thinking it would take forever and we were through security and at the gate in very little time. Wish I could have that 1.5 hour back on a Sunday morning!

Soft containers, like tubes and plastic squeeze bottles, can expand and contract in response to changes in temperature and air pressure. In addition to using ziplocks and making sure that covers are on tight, give the containers a little expansion room: Loosen the cover, squeeze a little air out, tighten the cover.

Your suitcase could spend most of the trip right-side-up, upside-down, or anywhere in between, so keep that in mind when positioning items in your luggage. Fragile and squeezable containers should be protected; roll inside garments or tuck inside shoes (after putting them securely in Ziplocks of course). If your luggage is searched, it will end up being repacked randomly, so this final step is just extra insurance; don't count on it.