Why do I have to put my toothpaste into a plastic bag to go on an airplane?

The rationale, besides the needless scare-mongering, is twofold. 1. to make it easier to inspect, and 2. so that they can clearly see it on x-ray. If it were an explosive, the blast cap and power source (like a battery) would show up, since toothpaste doesn't typically need batteries.

This happens in Europe too, you have to put all the things that your are allowed to take with you on the airplane in a plastic bag (medicines too). These are all safety measures after the terrorist attacks against U.S.A. Nowadays you have a feeling that all who travel on airplanes are terrorists,but I´m sure that happens for a good reason,our plastic bag can easily be checked and we all can travel safely.(our travel baggage is thoroughly checked too) Have a safe and nice flight next time you fly.

i dont know but maybe its because if the toothpaste explodes for any reason due to heat or ect the bag will keep the tooth paste from going anywhere and i suppose if people disqise a deadly chemical as tooth past the bag would keep it in and would not go everywhere as planned.

It makes us feel better by putting forth the illusion of safety. The dopey little plastic bag scenario forces us to limit the amount of stuff we bring with us.

So it is easy for airport officals to see what you got there. There was a recent scare of chemical bomb bringed on an airplace, it was only a threat