Traveling with Diffusers: Can You Take A Reed Diffuser On A Plane?

When you are traveling, your hand luggage is subject to strict perusal when going through airport security. And many items such as sharp objects or liquids above 100ml are not allowed into the cabin.

They also limit the number of toiletries such as perfume and makeup. Also, some perfumes are strictly not prohibited.

Essential oils are beneficial as they can be used as an alternative treatment for various ailments. And if you are traveling, you’d be relieved to learn that you can travel with your Reed Diffuser, but the rules differ from airline to airline.

So, if you are traveling with a Reed diffuser, familiarize yourself with the 3-1-1 TSA liquid rule to avoid delays and loss of items because you can only throw away anything prohibited on the plane.

This article explains what a Reed diffuser is, how to package it with your essential oils, and how you should adhere to the TSA liquid rules.

What is a Reed Diffuser?

Right now, Reed diffusers are trending and are primarily being used for home fragrancing. A Reed Diffuser is a glass jar or glass bottle filled with scented oil. It also has sticks known as rattans, which you insert into the glass jar.

Each rattan has about 20 channels that run its entire length. They function much like straws as they suck the oil to the top of the rattans. And the fragrance is emitted into the air through evaporation, leaving your home smelling great.

Reed diffusers are the best substitute for candles as they do not require heat to release fragrances into the air, as it’s a natural occurrence. Reed diffusers are eco-friendly, long last lasting and slow emitting.

They are safe for adding beautiful fragrances to a room because they are flame-free, making them perfect for use in a home, office, plane, and even classroom.

3-1-1 TSA Liquid Rules

If you are traveling with the U.S, You must make it a point to educate yourself about the TSA liquid rules. These rules ensure that you do not carry excess liquid than what is allowed on the plane. The rules are classified in the following manner:

• 3: You should carry liquid in bottles that are lesser than 3.4 ounces or 100ml
• 1: You should carry your liquids in a 1 plastic quart-sized bag
• 1: You are only permitted to carry 1 bag

The rule protects passengers by ensuring that all liquids in their hand luggage are reachable and easily accessible. When you place your liquid in a plastic bag, this gives the TSA agents an easy time inspecting your luggage to determine whether you adhere to the regulations.

Thus, helping speed up, the security line check stops.

Always ensure that all your oils are legal because airports are part of federal law zones; your state laws don’t necessarily apply. So, do your research about which oils are legal and not to ensure that you are not violating any federal laws.

Besides, if you are not sure about the oil’s legal status in your Reed Diffuser, ask the right authorities before flying.

How to Properly Pack Your Reed Diffuser and Essentials Oils For a Flight

1. Choose a Suitable Storage Bag/Container

The TSA liquid rule stipulates that you place your liquid bottles in a plastic bag. So, do not place them in an opaque bag with a magnetic clasp as it will trigger the sensor. Always use bags that follow the TSA rules, or you might get pulled aside, which might make you miss your flight.

You can also use a Ziploc bag found in your kitchen or go to your local container store and buy a plastic, clear, and quart-sized bag with a zipper.

2. Narrow Down Your Reed Diffuser

Some people have a collection of Reed Diffusers and essential oils, and it’s tempting to pack all of them, but don’t. Because anything can happen, you might misplace your bag, or they might get lost, and replacing them will be costly.

Essential oils have multiple uses, so only bring at most two that have numerous beneficial properties to avoid bringing each one. If it’s only for scent, pack two of your favorite.

If you carry two diffusers, ensure that you have different rattans for each because rattans cannot be used interchangeably. This is because the rattans used for peppermint oil cannot be used for lemongrass. Why? Because the rattans have absorbed the specific oil and mixing them can be produced unfavorable scents.

3. Clearly Label The Reed Diffuser Bottles

This is the most straightforward rule to abide by and most important as it helps the TSA agents at the airport screening your luggage faster if everything in your quart-sized bags is labeled.

If you make your own oil to use in the diffuser, kindly put them in cobalt blue glass jars and label them clearly using a sticker. If the Reed diffuser jars are not marked, even if you explain what they are, it will be challenging for the TSA agent to take your word for it, and you will be forced to discard off your jars.

4. Seal the Reed Diffuser Jars Properly

You don’t want your oil to leak into your bags because everything will be contaminated. Therefore, ensure that you have sealed all your Reed diffuser jars properly before packing them.

And if the TSA agent removed and checked them during security check, ensure that your lids are sealed tightly by twisting the caps before placing them back in the quart-sized bag.

How to Get Through Airport Security

Ensure that you adhere to the 3-1-1 TSA liquid rules when packing your Reed diffuser before going to the airport. And during security check, take out everything to be screened and ensure that you place everything in a separate bin, especially the liquids bags.

Alternatively, you can place the transparent bag on top of your belongings. Do not hide them under your clothing in the suitcase because you will be forced to disarrange your luggage as you remove them.

It’s also recommended that you stay with your luggage when the TSA agents screen your bags. This way, you can explain right away if they have a question. It also helps prevent other people from sneaking things in your luggage which might bring you problems.

Although it’s rare to have issues with your Reed Diffuser as you go through security check-ups, sometimes you may encounter someone who does not know what it is, and this could make them extra cautious.

If your trip is international, research the specific rules of the airline you are flying with and the particular country you are departing from before your trip. This will save you the hassle of learning their rules and regulations concerning liquids. This is because each airline and country have their own rules.

What are the Best Essential Oils to Use With Your Reed Diffuser when Traveling?

Each essential oil has multiple health benefits. Apart from smelling wonderful, some help you relax, reduce anxiety, motion sickness, and jet lags when you move to a different timezone.

So, ensure that the oils in your Reed Diffuser have multiple uses.

Some of the oils you should consider taking when traveling for your Reed diffuser include:

What are Some of the Travel Etiquettes with Essential Oils

If you are using essential oils on the plane, it’s necessary to consider other passengers. Would you please observe the following tips?

1. Essential oils, especially when using a Reed diffuser, have a strong aroma, so remember to use them with caution. The more rattans you use, the strong the scent. So please use two rattans to ensure that the scent is not strong to the point that it can irritate other passengers. You can check with those close to you.
2. You must stick to those essential oils that are familiar and widely recognized, such as lavender and peppermint.

Final Thoughts

Nothing is stopping you from bringing your Reed diffuser on the plane. Ensure that you adhere to the 3-1-1 TSA liquid rules, and you will have no issues at security check-ups. Pack your favorite essential oils and Reed diffuser in a transparent quart-sized bag.

If you want your travel to be seamless, follow the advice given above, and you are guaranteed to enjoy your vacation.

Emily Cummings

I currently work as a medical receptionist, but my ultimate goal is to work as an occupational therapy assistant. Helping others achieve a better quality of life is something I’m after. That’s one of the main reasons I started this blog. Learn more about me.