Packing your bags for your next flight and wondering if you can put that bottle of bleach inside your carry-on?.
Unfortunately you can’t bring any amount of bleach on a plane as a carry-on or checked baggage.
Bleach is classified as a corrosive and oxidizer that is not allowed by both the TSA and FAA.
Let’s dive into more details and why the TSA frowns upon bleach and explore safer alternatives for your travel needs.
TSA Rules.
When it comes to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about what you can and cannot bring on a plane.
Unfortunately, both chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach fall into the banned category.
As you might know, the TSA has had a love-hate relationship with liquids since the 9/11 incident. You can’t bring any liquid bottle over 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on baggage anymore.
This is a screenshot from the TSA website:
So regardless of whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, bleach falls into the HATE category and is listed among the prohibited items you can’t bring aboard because of its corrosive nature and potential safety hazards.
@AskTSA answer
The TSA team on X (Formerly Twitter) has answered many questions about why passengers can’t bring the beach on planes.
Smith asks the TSA team about bringing items like stickers, dog toys, and bleach in carry-on luggage.
The @AskTSA replies that all the items are allowed, except bleach, which is prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags.
Safety Concerns
So, why is bleach considered dangerous on planes?
- Corrosive Nature: Bleach is highly corrosive and can cause damage to aircraft materials and surfaces.
- Risk of Spills and Leaks: In the cramped space of an airplane, a spill could lead to damage and potential health risks.
- Respiratory Issues: Bleach fumes can cause significant respiratory problems, which is a serious concern in the recirculated air of a plane.
- Catch fire: Bleach can ignite when it comes into contact with other flammable substances.
Can other cleaning products be allowed on planes?
While bleach is off the table, you can always buy bleach at your destination, and avoid any airport hiccups.
There are also plenty of safe alternatives that you can bring to keep things clean and sanitized during your travels:
- Liquid soaps: liquid soaps are also allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but they must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule in carry-on.
- Tide pods: you can bring all types of detergents on planes, including tide pods, powders and solid pellets.
- Wet wipes or Clorox wipes: You can bring disinfectant or wet wipes on a plane carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions, they are convenient and effective for wiping down surfaces like your seat or tray table seat.
- Hand Sanitizer (Pump-triggered disinfecting sprays): Essential for personal hygiene and easy to carry, but you can only bring containers of 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less of hand sanitizer in your carry-on luggage, and placed in a quart sized bag with other toiletries, this include rubbing Alcohol.
Final Thoughts
In short, bleach and planes don’t come together.
But you can always buy bleach at your destination, if you want something to use during your travels, the TSA has your back with plenty of bleach free alternatives, like disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer.
Stay safe and remember: leave the bleach at home.
