Sweet and odour is a problem when traveling, that is why deodorant is an essential toiletry to always have in your bag. But can you bring deodorant on a plane? And what are the TSA rules for deodorant?.
Here’s a short answer: Yes, you can bring any form of deodorant on a plane, solid and stick deodorants are permitted in your carry-on luggage without limits.
Gel, spray, and liquid deodorants need to be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less in order to be packed in carry-on, otherwise you will need to place them in your checked bag.
In this post I’ve got handy advice and help you know everything about bringing deodorant on a plane, the TSA rules about all types of deodorant and how much you can bring in checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Solid deodorants (like sticks or crystals): No size restrictions in carry-on or checked luggage.
- Spray, gel, cream, paste, roll-on, and liquid deodorants: Must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in carry-on, and fit in your TSA quart-size liquids bag.
- Checked luggage: These types are allowed in larger sizes, but must not exceed 18 oz per container or 70 oz total.
- International flights : Same liquid rules apply, no more than 3.4 oz (100 ml) in carry-on bags.
- Deodorants for medical purposes : Can exceed 3.4 oz/ 100 ml, but need to be declared at security.
- Want to take more than 3.4 oz ? place it in checked bags or buy it after you clear the security(Duty free).
Can you bring deodorant in your carry-on?
If you’re flying within or from the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows both liquid and aerosol deodorants in carry-on baggage, but they must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
- Each container must be 3.4 ounces/ 100 ml or less
- All liquid toiletries must fit in one quart-sized bag
- Each passenger is allowed to have one baggie
So, only deodorants in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less are allowed through the security checkpoint in carry-on bags.
Here are some screenshots from the TSA website about liquid and aerosol deodorant.
The TSA clerks will most likely read the deodorant label, and If your favorite deodorant is more than 3.4 oz they will confiscate it.
Stick deodorant is not considered a liquid and can be packed in any size in your carry-on.
Travel-size deodorants are the safest choice to avoid your deodorant confiscated.
| Type of Deodorant | Carry-On Bags | Checked Bags (Limits Apply) |
|---|---|---|
| Spray Deodorant | Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Permitted (max 70 oz total, 18 oz/container) |
| Roll-On Deodorant | Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Permitted |
| Antiperspirant Deodorant | Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Permitted |
| Gel or Cream Deodorant | Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Permitted |
| Invisible Deodorant | Only 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Permitted |
| Solid Deodorant | No limits | Permitted |
| Deodorant Wipes | No limits | Permitted |
Can you bring solid and powder deodorants in your carry-on?
Solid and powdered deodorants are less likely to cause you any trouble at the airport; but, powdered deodorant has slightly different rules.
Powders are generally allowed, but in limited quantities.
I found this screenshot of Carrie asking the AskTSA team about taking her powder deodorant in carry-on luggage.
The TSA customer service replied that she is permitted to bring powder deodorant with no limits; powder and stick deodorants are not counted liquids, so the TSA 3-1-1 rule does not apply to them.
But, if the container holds more than 12 oz / 350 ml, she will be required to remove the deodorant from her bag for additional screening.
Can you take prescribed deodorant on a plane?
If your doctor prescribes a deodorant or spray (like Driclor deodorant) for medical reasons, then you can bring it through the security checkpoint in containers larger than 3.4 ounces / 100 ml without any problem.
But you will need to inform the TSA officer of the reason why you have such a large container.
A doctor’s note or prescription is required, but not always necessary though having one can help you avoid any delays or additional questions during screening.
Can deodorant be placed in checked baggage?
You can bring stick and liquid deodorant in checked luggage without any limits.
But if you want to bring liquid, gel, or aerosol remember this rule from the FAA and the TSA.
The total aggregate 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). You can find more information in the FAA regulations.
But, you don’t have to worry, if you’re bringing deodorant for personal use.
You will need 26 bottlers of 2.7 ounces of liquid deodorant to pass this limit.
@Kumar asked the TSA on X (Twitter) about bringing his 10 oz / 300 ml aerosol deodorant in checked baggage.
The TSA responded that aerosol deodorant in checked baggage is limited to 70 oz total and 18 oz per container so he’s good to go.
Bringing deodorant on international flights
It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling within the US or to another country, the rules are almost the same.
You can only bring liquids in containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on baggage.
So ensure that you follow the liquid rules.
Is deodorant allowed on planes, Reddit?
I also checked the TSA community on Reddit to find some answers and tips.
As expected, the answers confirm that liquid deodorant must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule, while there are no restrictions on solid deodorant.
Alternatives to travel size deodorant
There are always alternatives to taking small containers of deodorant on a plane:
Place it inside your checked bag
Chances are, you won’t need your deodorant during the flight. So if you have a checked bag, consider stashing your deodorant there.
It’s a good idea to place it in a ziplock bag to prevent any leaks or spills.
Buy deodorant after you pass the TSA security checkpoint
Once you’ve cleared security, you can purchase deodorants larger than 3.4 ounces or even multiple containers and bring them on board.
Buy deodorant at your destination
Another hassle-free option is to buy your favorite deodorant when you arrive at your destination.
What is the best travel sized deodorant?
If you’re looking for a travel-sized deodorant, check out Schmidt’s Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant, which comes in a 3.25 oz size.
Nadine recommends in this YouTube video traveling with a full-sized deodorant stick, as it’s allowed in carry-on bags.
If you want to bring a full-sized deodorant spray, you’ll need to place it in your checked bag.
Final thoughts
Taking small containers of deodorant in carry-on luggage is not something that you need to worry about, as long as they are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
The good thing is that most deodorants already come in small containers.
You can find deodorant in 2.7 ounce, 2.6 ounce, 3 ounce which is already travel sized, and are less than 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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