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Even for the most seasoned pro, traveling can feel stressful; one major stressor involves going through airport security. Not only do you want to keep your items safe and secure, but they need to be accessible for any possible searches and, of course, must comply with the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. That's why having TSA-approved containers, bags, laptop sleeves, and more is so important. The right cases can reduce stress and help you breeze through airport security.

Here are the best TSA-approved containers.

Best Travel Bottles: LiquiSnugs Premium Silicone Travel Bottles at Amazon

"The bottles are designed for convenience with a wide mouth for easy filling or cleaning."

Best Toiletry Bag: CableintheBay TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag at Amazon

"A durable, waterproof bag that meets the 3-1-1 rules and regulations of all airlines."

Best Cosmetic Containers: ALINK Travel Size Toiletry Bottles Set at Amazon

"This set includes various bottle sizes to accommodate all beauty needs."

Best Backpack: SwissGear 1900 Laptop Backpack at Amazon

"The design allows for rapid, hassle-free movement through security."

Best for Beauty: Convenience Kits Women's Premium Travel Kit at Amazon

"Never forget your must-have items with this pre-packed travel kit."

Best Handgun Case: SnapSafe Treklite Gun Safe Lock Box at Amazon

"The durable polycarbonate and steel case is specifically designed to meet the TSA firearm and ammunition requirements."

Best Luggage Lock: TravelMore Luggage Lock at Amazon

"Its keyhole opening can be unlocked by TSA security staff."

Best Travel Kit: W&P Carry-on Cocktail Kit at Amazon

"The small tin includes the tools and ingredients to make your favorite drink."

Best Pet Carrier: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier at Amazon

"Keep your fur baby comfortable and safe in this carrier approved for use on most airlines."

If your at-home shampoo and conditioner bottles are too large to comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 carry-on rule, decant them into these travel bottles instead. The set includes two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles, giving you some size options while staying well under the 3.4-ounce limit. Made from 100 percent BPA-free food-grade silicone, they will store edible items, including baby food, condiments, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Whatever you use them for, these squeezable bottles are designed for convenience with a 1-inch wide mouth for easy filling and a cap that is 100 percent leak-proof. If a bottle leaks or breaks in another way, the company offers full refunds. There are also suction cups on the back of each bottle.

Price at time of publish: $17

Getting your liquids through airport security will be much easier with this TSA-approved toiletry bag. This clear, quart-sized bag meets all airlines' 3-1-1 rules and regulations so that you won't have issues at domestic or international checkpoints. The 7.7 x 2.2 x 5.5-inch bag is still spacious enough to fit your bottles, cosmetics, containers, and other essential toiletries. And, rather than stuffing your liquids into Ziploc bags, this toiletry bag is durable and is made of waterproof PVC, so your other carry-on items won't get damaged. At under $10, this bag is a total steal, too.

Price at time of publish: $9

The ALINK Travel Size Toiletry Bottles Set is the perfect purchase for those whose beauty products go beyond a few same-sized bottles. It features 16 bottles and jars of various sizes, all smaller than the 3.4-ounce/100-milliliter limit. These include three flip-cap bottles, one pump bottle, one spray bottle, one squeeze bottle, and six cream jars in varying sizes.

Use the included pipette, funnel, and spatula to transfer products from your at-home containers to your new, travel-sized bottles. All of them feature non-toxic BPA-free plastic and are lightweight and break-resistant. You can wash and re-use them repeatedly and store them together in the included transparent zippered pouch.

Price at time of publish: $13

The SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack has durable, weather-resistant 1,200-denier ballistic polyester. A key feature is its intelligent design, which allows for rapid, hassle-free movement through airport security. Stash your 17-inch laptop in the heavily padded, separate ScanSmart compartment, which opens up to lie flat on the conveyor belt so that your laptop can stay in your bag through security. The backpack also features a floating pocket for your tablet or iPad, designed to keep it safe while remaining easily accessible. Our tester noted that all the compartments and pockets were easy to access and that the padded straps make this bag comfortable to carry even on hot days. However, our tester did note that the zippers are noisy enough to be a nuisance and the bag tends to be top-heavy when not fully packed.

Also, the backpack includes a large, U-shaped front pocket with slip-in sections for essentials like your passport or boarding pass. The backpack complies with carry-on size restrictions at 18.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches. Choose from various colors, including black, gray, and red.

Price at time of publish: $90

Have all of your beauty and toiletry necessities ready in this pre-packed travel kit. With 16, 19, and 21-piece options to choose from, the latter comes with everything you need from trusted brands like Garnier, Dove, Nivea, Colgate, and more. Expect travel-sized items like mouthwash, hairbrushes, and deodorant—so you'll never leave a beauty product behind when traveling. The 7.5 x 3.15 x 5.11-inch bag is TSA-compliant and also makes for a great gift. There's also a men's version available here.

Price at time of publish: $19

Experience stress-free handgun check-in with the SnapSafe Treklike gun safe. It meets the TSA firearm and ammunition requirements, which state that you may check unloaded firearms into your main luggage in a locked, hard-sided container that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. The safe is made from a blend of polycarbonate and steel and has a standard key lock with two keys. There's also a version with a four-digit combination lock.

The exterior boasts a matte gray finish with black accents, while the interior uses protective foam to prevent your firearm from being damaged in transit. Depending on the design of your suitcase, you may be able to use the included 1,500 pound-test steel cable to secure the safe to the inside of your bag. Otherwise, use it to attach the safe to your car trunk or a fixture at home in between travels. Because it uses a mix of polycarbonate and steel, this lock box weighs a mere 1.7 pounds and measures a relatively compact 10 x 7 x 2 inches.

Although it’s not a container, this TSA-approved luggage lock is an essential accessory for international travel. It features a keyhole opening that can be unlocked by TSA security staff, allowing them to check your luggage without breaking it open and then re-lock it before sending it on its way. You gain access via the 3-digit combination of your choice. The lock features strong zinc alloy with a reinforced, flexible cable that loops through even the smallest zipper pulls. Available in orange or black and protected by a lifetime warranty, each lock measures 3.15 x 1.6 x 1.18 inches and comes in packs of one, two, four, or six. 

Price at time of publish: $26

Unwind during your flight with this fun, carry-on cocktail kit. The 7 x 4.1 x 2.3-inch tin is TSA-compliant and compact enough to store in your purse or pocket. This specific kit has the tools and ingredients to make two margaritas and two Moscow mules during your flight. Although alcohol does not come with the kit (you'll have to purchase that through the in-flight beverage selection), you get a recipe card, a spoon/muddler, a coaster, ginger syrup, margarita syrup, salt, and a jigger. A great gift idea, W&P also has other kit options for making an old fashioned, gin and tonic, bloody mary, and more.

Price at time of publish: $32

Traveling with your pet in tow? Ensure a hassle-free travel experience with the Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier. Measuring 18 x 11 x 10.5 inches, this top-rated carrier has approval for use on most airlines. Even more, its spring wireframe can push down on the rear end of the carrier to fit under your seat. It will make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, thanks to its top and side entry with locking zippers, roll-down flaps for privacy, mesh panels for ventilation, faux lambskin liner, and a side pocket for storing treats, toys, and more. In addition, its seatbelt strap ensures your pet's safety. Easily transport your pet via the padded hand carry straps and an adjustable shoulder strap, too. This medium-sized version is perfect for pets up to 16 x 10 inches and 16 pounds.

Price at time of publish: $56

Stuff starts to add up after a while, so although there are plenty of genius innovations that are also TSA-compliant, only pack what you’ll really need. Sure, the set of 16 toiletry bottles looks excellent, but if you just need two, there’s always the temptation to pack more just because you can.  

What items will you need to access most while you’re on the go? Plan your container purchases to make sure the items you frequently need to grab are those that are the most accessible. For example, if you plan to shower in a lounge, toiletry bottles will ensure you have your full routine at the ready.

If you’re a frequent traveler, ensuring you can get through the most stressful part of travel as quickly as possible is important. However, if you’re only occasionally hopping on flights, spending a pretty penny on a ton of gear doesn’t make the most sense.

The TSA website at tsa.gov provides the most up-to-date rules about which items and containers are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. Some items are only allowed in checked luggage, so it is best to prepare before arriving at the airport.

Liquids and gels do not have to be stored individually in a clear bottle or container when using a carry-on. You can put them in any container, but placing all your toiletry items in a clear bag is easiest. This makes it easier for the TSA agents to know what is inside, and it’s easy to remove one bag from your carry-on when going through a security checkpoint. 

No, the battery inside your laptop doesn't need removed to go through security. If you are traveling with any spare lithium or ion batteries, those must go in a carry-on bag.

Jessica MacDonald is a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition and has written extensively for various magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. Jessica lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016.

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