There are plenty of toiletries and other items that come in aerosol forms, and if you are planning to bring any type of these aerosols on your next flight, you will need to comply with the airlines rules and know what to expect at the airport.
Here is the short answer.
According to the TSA liquids, gels and aerosols are good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage, when packed in carry-on baggage they need to be in 3.4 oz / 100 ml containers or less, and packed in a quart sized bag along with any toiletries.
Keep reading to know more about taking aerosols on planes and if there are any exceptions.
Let’s dive right in.
| Aerosol type | Carry on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Hairspray ( more details here) | 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less | 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) in total, each bottle must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml. |
| Deodorant (more details here) | 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less | 4 ounces 118 ml ( Check the rules for your destination country ) |
| Spray Sunscreen ( more details here) | 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less | 4 ounces 118 ml ( Check the rules for your destination country ) |
| Pepper Spray( more details here) | Not Allowed | 4 ounces 118 ml ( Check the rules for your destination country ) |
| Beer spray | Not allowed | Not Allowed |
| Aerosol bug repellent ( more details here) | Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed | 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) in total, each bottle must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml. |
| Aerosol makeup foundation | 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less | 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) in total, each bottle must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml. |
Can You Take Aerosols Through The TSA Security Checkpoint?
There are some rules that you need to follow in order for your aerosols to make it through the security checkpoint.
The TSA stated that any liquids, aerosols and gels need to follow the TSA 3-1-1liquid rule.
The TSA are specific about their 3-1-1 liquid rule:
“ Any item you can spread, smear, spray or spill must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on, it is considered a liquid, all the liquids must fit inside a clear quart sized bag and each passenger is allowed to have only one clear quart sized bag ”.
So if you are traveling with a large aerosol container, like a 4 oz / 118 ml antiperspirant you will be required to place it inside your checked bag or find a small one that is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
I checked Twitter to find more answers.
Sara wanted to bring this family care insect repellent in her carry-on.
They replied that the size of the insect repellent pictured is 4 oz / 118 ml so it needs to go in checked baggage, as it exceeds the size limits.
Dangerous aerosols like bug sprays and any other product with toxic chemicals will not be allowed in carry-on baggage even if they are less than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, if you bring them to the airport they will be confiscated.
There are exceptions when it comes to medications:
Aerosol medications are exempted from the TSA liquid rule; they are permitted through the security checkpoint even if they are larger than 3.4 ounces / 100 ml. However, you will need to let the TSA officers know you have this item and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Deanna wonders if this 1.5 oz / 50 ml babies aerosol nose spray is permitted in carry-on.
The TSA customer service replied that nose spray is good to go, and medically necessary aerosols are allowed even if they exceed the 3-1-1 liquid rule.
As we already mentioned above, these items need to be placed in a separate bin for x-ray screening.
Benny asked if a medicine flammable aerosol spray foam is fine in carry-on bags.
Flammable aerosol cans of foam medication are good to go in carry-on bags, but they need to be removed from the bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Can You Take Aerosols In Checked Baggage?
If you don’t want to disturb yourself with the TSA rules, or you can’t find the travel size of your favorite product, then taking these items in checked baggage is a great solution.
Even though there are also some rules that you need to keep in mind.
The TSA stated that toiletry aerosols need to be 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) or less in total and each container must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml, when transported in a checked bag.
The good news is most aerosol cans are small and do not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml.
Pack Aerosols For a Flight
One important thing to keep in mind is the way you pack your aerosols matters.
Most aerosols can easily mess your bag if not packed properly.
Ensure that the cap is protected and it can not open accidentally, especially when transported in checked baggage.
You can place the can inside a solid bag, place it in the middle of the bag and surround it with extra layers of clothes.
Final Thought
Unless you are traveling with aerosol medications, you can only bring small containers of aerosols in carry-on baggage.
After you pass the security checkpoint, you can buy any size you want and take it on board the airplane without any issues.
If you want to bring toiletries and aerosols in checked baggage, cans must not exceed 18 oz / 232 ml for each and 70 oz / 2000 ml ( 2 kg ) if the total is combined.
Flammable aerosols and sprays will not be accepted in both carry-on and checked bags.
We hope this helps
Happy travel
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