Can You Take Deodorant On A Plane: Stay Cool While Flying

While travelling, especially to countries with warm weather, it’s not always easy to stay fresh and cool. Minimising the unpleasant feelings of constant sweating and unfavourable body odour helps you feel confident.

Ultimately, you just wish to have your beloved deodorant right within your reach to stay fresh while on flights. But can you take deodorant on a plane? This is a common problem many travellers face. We will walk you through all you need to know about carrying your favourite stick into the cabin. Let’s dive in!

Can You Take Deodorant On A Plane?

 

 

The answer is definitely YES! As long as you follow the appropriate guidelines, it will be fine. Solid deodorants are far easier to take onto the plane than liquid ones. 

While you are less likely to face problems while travelling with deodorant, it is worth checking the guidelines before getting on a plane to avoid parting ways with your significant hygiene items

What Types Of Deodorant Can You Fly With?

What Types Of Deodorant Can You Fly With

Stick deodorant is the friendliest choice for your flight. Photo by Konstiantyn Zapylaie - stock.adobe.com

Deodorants come in various forms. The most commonly used versions are spray, roll-on, and stick. But which one is more suitable for a flight?

In general, no limitations are placed on our favourite stick (solid) deodorant; therefore, you can have your solid deodorant in any size for both carry-on bags and checked bags. They are your safest bet!

Since stringent security measures are in place at all airports, be mindful. There are indeed a few limitations to your stick deodorant’s cousins. The list includes some of the popular deodorants in liquid and semi-liquid forms:

  • Aerosol deodorant
  • Gel deodorant 
  • Liquid deodorant
  • Deodorant cream
  • Spray deodorant
  • Deodorant paste.

There's more to it when it comes to liquid or aerosol (spray) deodorant. You must pay special attention to some strict security rules for aerosol products such as spray deodorant.

This does not mean you are banned from bringing it, but you must keep an eye on the size and volume. Bring more than the allowed amount, and you risk being fined or your deodorant confiscated.

Can You Bring Liquid Deodorant In Carry-On Baggage?

The short answer is it is totally fine to do that! Again, no limitations are placed on stick deodorants. Other than that, travel-sized containers of liquid, gel and aerosol deodorants should be 100ml at most.

These containers must be put in a clear plastic bag for easy inspection. If you want to bring more, you should carry them in hold luggage.

According to gov.uk, your daily liquid deodorants must adhere to these specific guidelines:

  • Containers must hold less than or equal to 100ml
  • Containers must be in a clear, sealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of one litre and measure about 20cm x 20cm (you can use a toiletries bag)
  • Deodorants must fit the bag so that the bag is sealable
  • The top of the bag must not be tied or knotted 
  • Each passenger is limited to one plastic bag only
  • The bag must be shown at the security screening.
Can You Bring Liquid Deodorant In Carry-On Baggage

You need to pay more attention to liquid or aerosol deodorants. Photo by Atlas - stock.adobe.com

This rule was first introduced by the American Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is also applied to flights between the EU nations, the UK, and the major parts of the world.

Spray and roll-on deodorants are classified as liquids, just like your daily perfume. Therefore, you should pack them accordingly with the above rules. 

Also, liquids in containers larger than 100ml cannot pass security even if the container is partially full. The exceptions to the rule are baby food, baby milk, and liquids for essential medical purposes (must come with appropriate medical documentation). 

However, the deodorants in liquid form you purchased at an airport or on a plane can pass the security if: 

  • They are sealed in a security bag when purchased
  • The receipt can be seen and sealed in the bag 

Your security bag must remain sealed before arriving at the final destination. At the security check, the liquid may need to be screened by airport staff. Knowing these regulations, you can pack your favourite deodorant in the carry-on and pass through security easily.

Can You Bring Liquid Deodorant In Checked Baggage?

The answer is a big YES! You can bring your favourite spray or aerosol deodorant in a larger than 100ml container in hold baggage. While you can freely pack deodorants in any form in it, it is worth noting that they should meet some conditions.

Can You Bring Liquid Deodorant In Checked Baggage

Stay fresh and cool to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Photo by Jacob Lund - stock.adobe.com

According to caa.co.uk, though accepted to be carried within the hold luggage, your aerosol deodorant must fall under these guidelines:

  • Contains nonpoisonous gas that cannot burn and does not cause other risks
  • The volume of one item must be less than or equal to 0.5kg or 0.5L
  • Each person must not carry more than 2kg or 2L total
  • You must put lids over the aerosol can valves to avoid accidental release.

Once your suitcase is taken away at the check-in desk, you will have to wait until after landing to use your deodorant, which may be inconvenient. Fortunately, you still have the option to have it placed inside your hand luggage if following certain guidelines mentioned before.

Notes And Useful Tips

Solid (stick) deodorants are easily found in sizes less than or equal to 100ml, so it is wise to stick with them. On the other hand, roll-on deodorants are usually larger, so it is better to pack them in your hold baggage. 

There are some more valuable tips we would love to share with you: 

  1. Ensure you have already checked the container volume (within 100ml).
  2. If your current one does not fit the criteria, buy a new one! Remember, only those in appropriate sizes are allowed through security checkpoints.
  3. Pack your liquid deodorants in hold baggage if you want to bring containers over 100 ml.
  4. Read through luggage restrictions at airports both in your arrival/departure countries.
  5. Contact your air carrier before a flight to sort out any arrangements and things you need to know.
  6. Are you feeling that the above tip demands your time? After proceeding through the security check, buy your deodorant at duty-free shops or convenience stores.

Important note: If you use deodorants or sprays for essential medical purposes, you must show your medical record documentation or a doctor’s prescription. This should be done to security officials before the x-ray check.

Note and useful tips

Travel-friendly deodorant always makes it easier. Photo by phenphayom - stock.adobe.com

Why Is Deodorant Restricted?

Since many toiletries can hardly pass airport security, you may ask why such essential items are banned on board. Keep reading to learn more about how to travel safely with your favourite tube of deodorant.

Limitations on liquids in cabin bags were first introduced by British aviation in 2006. At the time, British police successfully prevented an act of terror that planned to cause liquid explosives on several flights.

As a result, toiletries in liquid and aerosol form have been included in the list of restricted items. This ensures passengers do not have to worry about possible explosives during their flights. It also helps explain why, although we can travel with our deodorants, airport staff usually pay close attention to them.

Key takeaways

  1. Solid stick and powder deodorant are your safest choices as they are allowed in carry-on and are not limited in size
  2. Gel or aerosol deodorant, on the other hand, must be 3.4 ounces or less and put in a quart-sized liquids bag to be eligible for carry-on
  3. If you want to bring more than the allowed amount, consider checking them in.

Final Thoughts

You have all the answers you need; so can you take deodorant on a plane. For cabin bags, make sure it meets the guidelines and is no more than 100 ml if in aerosol or liquid form. It is easier to bring deodorants on board if you check them in. Hopefully, at the end of this article, you have found yourself a pleasant answer. Finally, safe travel!

Gia Cam


1 comment


  • Ryan K Biddulph

    Good to know, especially since I travel to the tropics most of the time.


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