Bug sprays or bug repellents are handy products to always have inside your bag, especially if you are a frequent traveler.
On the other hand there are so many reasons you need to bring bug sprays and repellents when traveling besides using them in hotels.
But the big question is can you even take bug spray on a plane without any restrictions? and what size bug spray can i take on a plane? as some bug repellents are considered aerosols and toxic items that can be used to harm someone.
Bug sprays that can be applied for skin are allowed in carry-on in limited quantities of 3.4 oz / 100 ml oil less, the maximum in checked luggage is 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces), each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
In this post we will cover every detail you need to know about taking bug repellents in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
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Take Bug Spray Through The Security Checkpoint
Just to clarify, the TSA stated on its website that only bug sprays that people can use on their body or skin are allowed through the security checkpoint.
The TSA and airlines do not allow bug insecticides or bug repellents designed to be sprayed in the air or at the insects.
Any other insecticides that are labeled as flammable will not be allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Here is what the TSA has to say on its website.
only bug repellents to be applied to the skin are accepted
The TSA Website
And as the TSA always claims, the security officer at the airport has the final decision whether an item is allowed or not.
Can I Take Bug Spray In My Carry-on?
You can bring bug spray inside your carry-on bag as long as it is within the carry on limits, no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml for each container.
And just like any other liquids and aerosols your bug spray needs to be placed in a quart sized bag along with other toiletries before placing it inside your carry-on bag.
Aerosols are hard to be transferred or fill in other small travel sized containers, but there are more chances that you will find a travel sized bug spray.
Like this family care 2.5 oz / 74 ml container @Igrimm wants to take in a carry-on bag.
If you don’t want to bother your self with aerosols or you don’t find a travel sized container you can opt for a cream which can be refilled in travel size containers easily, you can also take bug repellent wipes.
There are no restrictions to be applied on wipes, most travelers prefer them as they can be used as hand sanitizer alternatives.
Can I Bring Bug Spray In Checked Luggage?
Bug sprays for personal use that can be applied on the human body like this Repel or a homemade spray are allowed, but as long as they are considered toiletries they have certain limits as the FAA mentioned on its website.
The total quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
FAA website
Bug sprays or insecticides that are not for skin use and are flammable are not permitted in checked luggage as they are considered dangerous items, those products are not considered necessary or medical products.
This passenger is traveling on an international flight and wondering if he can bring 2 pieces of bug repellents in addition to 2 bottles of spray sunscreen, the AskTSA customer service replied the same as we mentioned above.
Bug repellents that can be used for skin are allowed in limited quantities and other types of insecticides are not allowed as they are considered dangerous items, but they forget to mention if the container indicates flammable item.
Note: it is better to avoid sending any expensive items in checked luggage, whether it is an expensive or necessary repellent that you can’t find anywhere else or any other type of valuable items.
Pack Bug Spray For Travel Perfectly
If you are traveling with a small bottle of bug repellent (Less than 3.4 oz / 100 ml), you can easily place it inside your carry-on bag, provided that it is inside a quart sized bag.
It is better to add extra protection to the container cap to prevent it accidentally spraying inside your bag.
On the other hand if you place your bug spray inside your checked bag, it is better to wrap the bottles with tape or a piece of plastic and then place them inside a plastic bag.
Most of the time checked luggage is not handled carefully, and it will be tossed around so to avoid the bottle spilling inside your bag ensure that you double check that your bottles are fully secured and placed in the middle of the bag.
Final Thoughts
You can bring bug spray, bug repellent or mosquito repellent that can be used for people’s skin on planes but in limited quantities, just like any liquids and aerosols.
No more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml for each container inside a quart size bag.
In checked luggage you can bring a full sized bug repellent and because it is considered a toiletries, each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
We hope this helps.
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