Can You Bring Spray Sunscreen On a Plane? TSA Rules 2024

Sunscreen is an essential travel companion which is known for protecting the skin from UV Rays, and without sunscreen, your skin is vulnerable to a host of problems.

But can you bring spray sunscreen on a plane? and will spray sunscreen explode on a plane?

Here is a quick answer.

You can bring sunscreen in carry-on and checked luggage, but only containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less are allowed in carry-on packed inside a quart sized bag (only one bag allowed for each one passenger). Larger container of sunscreen must be packed in checked baggage

However the FAA ( Federal Aviation Administration) limits the total of sunscreen that you can bring in checked baggage in 2k (70 ounces) or 2L and each container must not exceed 0.5 kg(18 oz). 

Without further ado, Let’s dive in more deeper.

Can you bring spray sunscreen on a plane-01
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen / Amazon courtesy

we may receive a small commission (with no additional cost to you) if you purchase an item from the links in this page, we really appreciate it!

Take Sunscreen Through The Security Checkpoint

According to the TSA sunscreen is allowed through the security checkpoint and in carry-on and must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less.

You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag.

One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags.

the TSA don’t limit the size or quantity of liquids in checked bags

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

TSA rules Sunscreen
Screenshot from TSA

Can You Bring Spray Sunscreen In Carry-On?

While packing your items it can feel easier that everything is allowed, though often at the airport a simple product can be suspected by the airport security and can be more than an issue if the security officer doesn’t recognize the type of the ingredient.

Most airlines allow spray sunscreen in carry-on baggage with limited quantities, for example if you are traveling within the U.S you will be required to take only in your bag 3.4 ounces 10ml of sunscreen for a single container inside a quart-sized bag.

The rules for bringing sunscreen are the same as the rules for bringing other types of liquid in your hand luggage. Each passenger is only allowed one bag of liquid (including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, and even your spray sunscreen).

This passenger wanted to bring Cancun sunscreen and asked if they could bring a 4 oz 118 ml in carry-on luggage.

The TSA answer about taking sunscreen in carry-on baggage
Screenshot from Twitter

The TSA replied, “ Sunscreen must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. You’re allowed to take as many travel-sized liquids as can fit into a single quart-sized, zip-top bag.”.

Can You Bring Spray Sunscreen On a Plane In Checked Luggage?

If you want to take your full sized spray sunscreen of more than 3.4 oz 100 ml , it is better to pack inside your checked bag, so there are more chances that your sunscreen will make it to your destination without being removed from your bag.

The FAA suggests packing a max of 2kg 70 oz in total and only in containers of no more than 0.5 kg for each.

This passenger asked the TSA if this spray sunscreen is permitted in checked baggage, and the TSA confirmed that Aerosol sunscreen is allowed in checked bags.

The TSA answer about taking sunscreen in checked baggage
Screenshot from Twitter

How To Pack Sunscreen For Your Flight?

When packing your toiletries along with your sunscreen don’t try to jam the whole shelf into your carry-on; it is always clever to put your essentials in carry-on and send some of your extra items in your checked bag.

If you have containers more than the allowed in carry on baggage you can use these empty travel Bottles 3.4 oz and fill them with your sunscreen, they are widely used by passengers .

Though, you want your carry-on to be light and uncomplicated, also you don’t want to waste time at the airport because your travel makeup bags are not well organized and will didn’t fit in your carry-on luggage.

Make sure that you protect your sunscreen well when placing it inside your check bag, so it won’t leak when transporting it. You can just place it in the middle of your suitcase and surround it with clothes, and you are good to go.

Best Travel Friendly Sunscreen Containers

Traveling with a TSA sunscreen size in carry-on baggage is the best idea when traveling with carry-on only, you can take as much as your quart-sized travel bag can fit.

We’ve done the research and found these Sunscreen travel sizes below 3.4 oz you can use whichever kind you prefer, they are top rated and are picked with most travelers you can just slip them in your bag and voila.

Will Spray Sunscreen Explode On a Plane?

NO, It will not!

However, sprays and aerosols are still risky because that is why they are regulated by the rules but sunscreen will not explode on planes as long as it is in its normal conditions, also as long it’s in a normal temperature it is fine.

Most of the sunscreen sprays have some kind of alcohol in them, and the alcohol is highly flammable and can easily ignite but not on its own.

Aerosols are more dangerous on lanes if a fire starts, they don’t explode on their own, not unless they are subject to an overheat from a fire or other things.

Though, as long as the FAA and the majority of airlines approve transporting sunscreen in both carry on and checked baggage, that means it’s much more safe.

Final Thoughts: Can You Bring Spray Sunscreen On a Plane?

You can take spray sunscreen or any other toiletry aerosols in both carry on and hold luggage.

But they must be in containers of 3.4 oz or less in carry-on baggage and and 18 oz in checked baggage.

Consider rebottling your sunscreen into travel-size, leak-proof containers if you are not traveling with a checked bag.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

people also ask: