Deodorant is a must-have toiletry when you’re traveling, especially since sweat and odor can be a bit of a challenge. But can you bring deodorant on a plane? And what are the TSA rules for deodorant?
Here’s the 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 any limits.
Gel, spray, roll-ons and liquid deodorants need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, 3.4 oz/100 ml or less for each container inside a quart sized bag for carry-ons; otherwise, you can place larger containers in your checked bag.
In this post, I’ve got handy advice to help you understand everything about bringing deodorant on a plane, the TSA rules for all types of deodorant, and how much you can bring in checked luggage.
Let’s freshen things up.
TL;DR
Yes, you can bring deodorant on a plane.
Solid and stick deodorants are allowed in any size in your carry-on.
Liquid, gel, roll-on, and spray deodorants need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule (max 3.4 oz / 100 ml per container or bottle and fit in a quart-size bag).
Pack large liquid or aerosol deodorants go in checked luggage (up to 18 oz per container, 70 oz total).
Powder deodorants are allowed, but containers over 12 oz may need extra screening. Prescription deodorants can exceed limits with documentation.
Rules are basically the same on international flights.
If you want zero hassle, pack a solid stick or buy deodorant after security or at your destination.
Can You Bring Deodorant In Your Carry-on And Though The TSA?
If you’re flying within or from the U.S., the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are the guys that regulate what you can and can’t bring through the security checkpoint.
They allow both liquid and aerosol deodorants in carry-on baggage, but they need follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule which means.
Each container of gel, past or aerosol must be 3.4 ounces / 100 ml or less
Each passenger is allowed only one quart sized bag
So, you can only bring deodorants in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less through the security checkpoint inside your carry-on or personal item.
Here are some screenshots from the TSA website about liquid and aerosol deodorant.
Screenshot from the TSA website Screenshot from the TSA website
Keep In mind that TSA officers 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 bing any size in your carry-on.
Screenshot from the TSA website
Travel-size deodorants are the safest choice to avoid having your deodorant confiscated.
The good thing is that most deodorant containers are less than 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
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
This table is an overview of different types of deodorant and their allowance in carry-on and checked baggage.
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; however, powdered deodorant has slightly different rules.
Powders are generally allowed, but large quantities will need additional inspections.
I found this screenshot of Carrie asking the AskTSA team about taking her powder deodorant in carry-on luggage.
Screenshot from X (Twitter )
TSA customer service replied that she is permitted to bring powder deodorant with no limits. Powder and stick deodorants are not counted as liquids, so the TSA 3-1-1 rule does not apply to them.
However, 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, 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.
So keep your doctor’s note or prescription ready.
If you don’t have a doctor’s note, you might find it hard to pass the security without a valid reason.
Can You Take Deodorant In Checked Baggage?
You can bring stick and liquid deodorant in checked luggage on most airlines.
But, if you are planning to bring a box full of aerosol deodorant, it is not just something that you can toss inside your checked bag and head to the airport.
If you want to bring liquid, gel, or aerosol deodorant, 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. That said, you generally don’t need to worry if you’re bringing deodorant for personal use.
You will need 26 bottles of 2.7 ounces of liquid deodorant to reach this limit.
@Kumar asked the TSA on X (Twitter) about bringing his 10 oz / 300 ml aerosol deodorant in checked baggage.
Screenshot from X Twitter
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.
Can You Bringing Deodorant On International Flights?
It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling within the U.S. or to another country the rules are almost the same.
You can only bring liquid deodorant in containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on baggage.
So make sure you follow the liquid rules.
Is Deodorant Allowed On Planes, Reddit?
I also checked the TSA community on the great of the internet (Reddit) to find some answers and tips.
As I expected, the answers confirms that liquid deodorant must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule, while there are no restrictions on solid deodorant.
What Are Some 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. 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 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 isn’t something you need to worry about, as long as they are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
The good news is that most deodorants already come in small containers.
For a hassle-free flight the solid stick deodorant is the easiest option for carry-on.
You can easily find deodorants in 2.7 oz, 2.6 oz, and 3 oz, which are already travel-sized and under the 3.4 oz / 100 ml limit.
FAQs on Flying with Deodorant
Can deodorant explode in checked luggage?
It’s very unlikely. Aerosol deodorants are designed to handle pressure changes during flights. As long as you stay within FAA limits (no more than 18 oz per container and 70 oz total), you shouldn’t have any issues. To be safe, keep the cap on and place it in a zip-top bag to prevent leaks.
Does TSA treat antiperspirant differently from deodorant?
No. TSA treats antiperspirant and deodorant the same. The rules depend on the form (solid, liquid, gel, or spray), not the ingredients.
Can you bring opened or partially used deodorant on a plane?
Yes. TSA does not care whether your deodorant is new or used. The only thing that matters is that liquid or spray deodorants are 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage.
Can you bring more than one deodorant in your carry-on?
Yes, you can bring multiple solid deodorant without any restrictions, while travel sized liquid or spray deodorant need to fit inside a quart sized bag.
Are natural or homemade deodorants allowed on planes?
The TSA or the airlines does not treat natural or homemade deodorants differently.
Can you bring deodorant wipes in carry-on luggage?
Deodorant wipes are not considered liquids, so yes, and there are no size or quantity limits in carry-on or checked baggage.
Do deodorant rules change on international flights?
Not really. Most countries follow the same 100 ml / 3.4 oz liquid rule for carry-on luggage.
Can you use deodorant during the flight?
Yes, but it’s best to consider other fellow travelers, as some might not enjoy the smell or have allergies.
Can deodorant go in a personal item instead of a carry-on?
Yes. If your deodorant is within the allowed size, then you can place it in your personal item (such as a purse or backpack).
Can you bring duty-free deodorant through connecting flights?
Sometimes. Duty-free deodorant is usually allowed if it’s sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt. If the bag is opened, it may not be accepted at the next security checkpoint.
Are deodorant crystals treated as solid or powder?
Deodorant crystals are treated as solid items, not liquids or powders. You can pack them in any size in both carry-on and checked luggage.
What happens if TSA confiscates your deodorant?
If your deodorant is large than the allowed size, it will be confiscated at security. You typically won’t be able to mail it back, so your options are to discard it, give it to a non-traveler, or check a bag if time allows.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.