You can bring aerosols on a plane, but most aerosol products are subject to the liquids rule for carry-on packages.
The rules explained here are written with reference to TSA rules for American airports. The rules may vary from one country to another. So, check the relevant authorities in that country to avoid inconvenience. Moreover, the final decision to allow a certain item through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
Liquids Rule for Aerosols
Items like aerosols, gels, creams, pastes, and liquids are subject to TSA’s liquids rule or the 3-1-1 rule. The liquids rule allows you to take travel-sized containers in carry-on bags. The containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. The containers must be packed in a quart-sized zip-top bag and separated from carry-on luggage to facilitate the screening process.
The containers larger than 3.4 ounces must go in checked baggage even if the liquid inside is less than 3.4 ounces.
Medications, infant and child nourishment items don’t fall under this rule. You can also carry duty-free aerosols larger than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags under the following conditions.
- The liquids are purchased internationally, and you travel to the US with a connecting flight.
- The liquids were purchased 48 hours ago; you have the original receipt.
- The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag, and the packing is in its original condition when screened.
Common Aerosol Items & How to pack them for a Flight
Cologne, Perfume & Deodorant (Aerosol)
Cologne, perfumes, and deodorants are the common aerosol products most people are interested in knowing about. The liquids rule applies to these items when packing them in carry-on bags. You cannot take containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Moreover, the containers must be packed in a quart-sized zip-top bag.
The FAA has also restricted the quantity of medicinal and toiletry articles in checked bags. You can take a maximum of 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces) per person. The capacity of each container must be 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces)
Further, you must ensure that the nozzle or button on aerosols must be protected or secured by caps and/or other means to avoid accidental discharge.
Check out More if you’ve pets: Can You Bring Cat Food on a Plane?
Deodorant Liquid
The rules are the same for packing liquid deodorant. You can take 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags and more in checked bags.
Dry Shampoo (Aerosol)
You can pack containers up to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in carry-on bags. Shampoo bottles larger than 3.4 ounces will go in checked bags.
Hair Spray & Texturizer (Aerosol)
Hair spray and texturizers fall under the same category. You can pack a maximum of 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags and up to 2 kg in checked luggage in containers equal to or smaller than 0.5 kg.
Shaving Cream (Aerosol)
You can take containers up to 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. The FAA has set a limit of 2 kg (70 ounces) per passenger for shaving cream in checked bags.
Hand Sanitizer (Aerosol)
Hand sanitizer bottles up to 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on bags. Larger bottles (0.5 kg or less) will go in checked bags. You can take 2 kg (70 ounces) of hand sanitizer in checked baggage.
Inhaler (Aerosol)
Inhalers fall under the category of medically necessary aerosols. There is no restriction while packing them in carry-on or checked luggage. However, you must tell the TSA officer on the point that you are carrying liquids of more than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags.
Aerosol Insecticide
Aerosol insecticide sprays are prohibited in carry-on bags. You can take them in checked luggage as long as they are not labeled as hazardous by the manufacturer.
Aerosol Paint, Flammable Liquid, or Gel
All these items are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
Can I bring WD-40 aerosol on a plane?
No. Flammable liquids like WD-40 are prohibited in carry-on or checked bags.
Can you bring pepper spray on a plane?
Pepper spray, mace, and other self-defense sprays are not allowed in carry-on bags. You can take one container (4 fl. oz or 118 ml) per person in checked luggage.
Missed Something? Don’t worry if you didn’t find your required item here. TSA’s web portal and mobile app mention all prohibited and allowed items. You can snap the item and ask TSA through its Facebook and Twitter accounts.