There are plenty of toiletries and other items that come in aerosol form, and if you are planning to bring any type of aerosol on your next flight, you might be wondering if you can take Aerosols on a plane?
Here is the short answer. Generally, you can take aerosols on a plane. However, the rules depend on whether the item is for personal care / medicine or a household / hazardous product, and whether it is in your carry-on or checked luggage.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about taking aerosols on planes and whether there are any exceptions.
Let’s dive right in.
TL,DR
You can bring aerosols on a plane, but the rules depend on the type of aerosol and where you pack it.
In carry-on baggage, most aerosol toiletries like hairspray, deodorant, sunscreen, and dry shampoo need to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller and fit inside your liquids bag.
Larger cans usually need to go in your checked luggage.
In checked baggage, individual aerosol containers must generally be 18 oz (532 ml) or less, with a combined limit of 70 oz (2 kg).
Medically necessary aerosol medications are allowed in carry-on bags, even if they are more than the usual liquid limits.
Hazardous or highly flammable aerosols, such as spray paint and many insecticides, are typically prohibited.
Pack any aerosol cans securely to prevent leaks during your flight.
There are some rules that you need to follow in order for your aerosols to make it through the security checkpoint.
The TSA states that any liquids, aerosols, and gels need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
The TSA is specific about its 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 baggage, as it is considered a liquid. All 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, such as a 4 oz / 118 ml antiperspirant, you will be required to place it inside your checked bag or find a smaller one that is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
I checked the TSA social media 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, such as bug sprays and any other products containing 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 exempt from the TSA liquid rule and are permitted through the security checkpoint even if they are larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml. However, you will need to let the TSA officers know that you have this item and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Deanna wondered if this 1.5 oz / 50 ml baby aerosol nose spray is permitted in carry-on baggage.
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 mentioned above, these items need to be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Benny asked if a flammable aerosol foam medication is allowed in carry-on bags.
Flammable aerosol cans of foam medication are allowed in carry-on bags, but they need to be removed from the bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
Usually restricted or prohibited depending on airline and country rules
Self-Defense Spray (Mace)
No
Usually restricted or prohibited depending on airline rules
Spray Starch
Yes, up to 3.4 oz (100 ml)
Yes
Air Freshener Spray
Only if non-flammable and 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
Depends on ingredients and airline rules
Disinfectant Spray
Some travel-size products allowed
Depends on ingredients and airline rules
Cooking Spray
Yes, up to 3.4 oz (100 ml)
Yes, within size limits
Whipped Cream Aerosol
Yes, up to 3.4 oz (100 ml)
Yes
Spray Cheese
Yes, up to 3.4 oz (100 ml)
Yes
Can You Take Aerosols In Checked Baggage?
If you don’t want to deal with TSA rules, or you can’t find a travel-size version of your favorite product, then taking these items in checked baggage is a great solution.
Even so, there are still some rules that you need to keep in mind.
The TSA states that toiletry aerosols must be 70 oz / 2000 ml (2 kg) or less in total, and each container must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml when transported in checked baggage.
The good news is that most aerosol cans are small and do not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml.
How To Pack Aerosols For a Flight?
Photo by Thgusstavo Santana on Pexels.com
One important thing to keep in mind is that the way you pack your aerosols matters.
Most aerosols can easily leak and make a mess in your bag if they are not packed properly.
Ensure that the cap is secure and cannot open accidentally, especially when the item is transported in checked baggage.
You can place the can inside a sealed bag, position it in the middle of your luggage, and surround it with extra layers of clothing.
Final Thoughts
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, individual cans must not exceed 18 oz / 532 ml, and the combined total must not exceed 70 oz / 2000 ml (2 kg).
Flammable aerosols and sprays will generally not be accepted in either carry-on or checked baggage.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQ About Bringing Aerosols on a Plane
Can You Bring Aerosol Toiletries on a Plane?
You can bring most aerosol toiletries on a plane, including hairspray, deodorant, sunscreen, and shaving cream. If you pack them in your carry-on bag, each container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller and fit inside your liquids bag. Larger containers can usually go in checked baggage.
Are Aerosol Products Considered Liquids by TSA?
The TSA treats aerosol products like liquids when you pack them in your carry-on bag. That means they must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and fit inside your quart-sized toiletries bag.
Can You Bring Aerosol Insecticide on a Plane?
You cannot bring aerosol insecticide in your carry-on bag. Most insecticide sprays contain chemicals that airlines and security agencies consider hazardous. Some may be allowed in checked baggage, but you should check the product label and your airline’s rules before traveling.
Can You Bring Aerosol Dry Shampoo on a Plane?
You can pack aerosol dry shampoo in both carry-on and checked baggage. In your carry-on, the container must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller. If you use a larger can, place it in your checked bag.
Can You Take Full-Size Aerosol Cans on a Plane?
You can take full-size aerosol cans in checked baggage as long as they meet airline and TSA size limits. You cannot bring full-size aerosol cans through security in your carry-on bag because they exceed the 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit.
What Size Aerosol Can Is Allowed in Carry-On Baggage?
You can bring aerosol cans up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) in your carry-on baggage. TSA applies this limit to all liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols that go through the security checkpoint.
Do Aerosol Cans Need to Go in a Quart-Sized Bag?
If you pack aerosol cans in your carry-on bag, they need to fit inside the same quart-sized liquids bag as your other toiletries. This rule applies to products like hairspray, deodorant, and spray sunscreen.
Are Flammable Aerosol Products Allowed on Planes?
Airlines and security folks do not allow most flammable aerosol products because they create a safety risk. Products such as spray paint, canned air, and many industrial sprays cannot travel in either carry-on or checked baggage. Always check the product label before packing it.
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.
