Can You Bring Deodorant On a Plane In Your Carry-On Luggage?

Last Updated on September 16, 2023

Key Takeaways

  • Deodorant comes in many different forms
  • Liquid roll-on or aerosol spray deodorant is considered a liquid by the TSA and must be packed in travel-sized containers under 3.4 oz in your quart-size bag if packed in hand luggage
  • Solid stick deodorant is not a liquid and the 3-1-1 rule does not apply
  • Powder deodorant is not a liquid and can also be packed in hand luggage without restriction
  • All forms of deodorant can be packed in checked baggage

TSA Deodorant Rules

So What Types of Deodorant Are Allowed In Your Carry-On Bag?

Also, depending on your type of deodorant, it may be considered a liquid and therefore subject to the Transportation Security Administration liquids rule.

Here’s what the TSA say about the matter:

Can You Bring A Liquid Deodorant On A Plane? TSA Rules

So liquid deodorant needs to go in your plastic quart-sized bag in containers smaller than 3.4 oz. Roll-on deodorant is a liquid.

Can You Bring A Solid Deodorant On A Plane? TSA Rules

Solid stick deodorants don’t need to go in your quart-sized bag.

Does Deodorant Count As A Liquid?

So when is a deodorant liquid or solid?

Roll-On Deodorant

Roll-on deodorants are a broad category and usually come either as liquids or gels. When first applied, roll on antiperspirants feel wet and then quickly dry on your skin.

Since the liquid is hidden away inside the container it’s not obvious at first glance that roll-on deodorants are restricted by the TSA.

But if a product is a liquid, gel, cream, or paste it’s restricted! The general rule of thumb is that roll-ons are technically liquids, so they should be packed only in small containers no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml.

Additionally, make sure to pack the deodorant bottle in your one clear, quart-sized plastic bag for toiletries.

Solid Stick Deodorant

This is the good news…

Stick, powder, and crystal deodorants are a type of solid deodorant that applies dry to the skin. No matter your airline, all solid deodorants are not considered liquids, which makes them unrestricted in hand luggage.

In general, you may want to opt for stick products since they’re easier to control and cause less product waste during use. You can carry a solid deodorant of any size onto your flight and don’t have to adhere to a 3.4 oz rule.

You also don’t need to pack solid stick deodorants in your quart-size bag and that frees up space for other liquid toiletries.

Aerosols and Sprays

Without a doubt, large aerosols and spray cans are subject to size restrictions.

With Aerosols, it may seem like a gas that comes out the can but inside the pressurized container, it’s a liquid.

Sprays create a fine mist that first apply to your skin as a wet, cold layer and then quickly air dry.

Aerosols are never allowed in your carry on baggage over quantities of 3.4 ounces and many body sprays are in 5 oz canisters.

Luckily Renita realized before she got to airport security:

We feel your pain Renita...

What Are Alternative Methods of Bringing Liquid Deodorants to Your Destination?

Maybe your specific brand of aerosol, medicated, or gel deodorant is absolutely necessary to pack for your destination. Thankfully, you’re not out of luck. There are several different ways you’ll be able to bring your deodorant with you through the airport.

Check Your Bag

Checked luggage is a good option for full-size toiletries that are restricted in cabin luggage.

Keep in mind that checked bag charges will vary depending on when you check your bag.

If the main reason you are checking your bag is because of hand luggage liquids like deodorant it probably does not make financial sense because of the fees for checked bags.

Also checked bags are can sometimes get lost or end up in different destinations than you. Don’t check a bag just because your deodorant is greater than 3.4 oz, there are better solutions.

Carry a Doctor’s Note

Do you use a particular aerosol, spray, or gel for medical purposes? If your deodorant is prescribed, you can carry larger amounts than the standard 3.4 ounces.

When you head to the airport, make sure to keep a copy of your prescription or a valid doctor’s note on hand. If you’re stopped during the bag checking process, just show the note to show to a TSA agent.

It’s recommended that you are upfront with security before your bag is formally checked. Mention that your deodorant is medically necessary, then take it out of your carry-on and in a separate bin. Ultimately, this show of transparency will go a long way in decreasing the time spent at an additional security check.

If you don’t have a doctors note or want to check a bag you have other options to consider.

Buy Your Deodorant After The TSA Security Check

Often airports will have a pharmacy after the airport security gate. You could wait until you have passed through security before purchasing deodorant or other toiletries while you are waiting for your flight.

Even although the prices in these stores can be expensive it will probably be cheaper than paying for checked bags.

Ship Your Deodorant to Your Destination

It’s always an option to ship some of your belongings to your destination.

Typically, hotels will allow you to send packages and will keep it for you behind the front desk until you arrive. Before you ship anything, give your hotel a call to make sure they’ll be able to hold it for you.

As a last resort, you can ship a toiletries package to any participating post office in the area you’re visiting. When you’re ready, just head down to the post office to pick up your parcel.

This method is really recommended for those that want to ship several full-size hygiene products to their destination. It’s also a good way to lighten the weight of your bag by shipping some clothes or heavy shoes too.

Buy a Travel Size Deodorant

There is little sense in packing a 3 month supply of deodorant for a 1 week trip.

A small stick like this one won’t take up a lot of space in your bag and since it’s a solid stick variety it won’t even need to be packed in your toiletries bag.

Buy Deodorant at Your Destination

When all is said and done, it may be much more convenient to simply buy a product at your destination.

Get yourself onto Google maps and search for a pharmacy near where you will be staying. It’s usually not hard to check the opening hours so you can be confident you will be able to get the products you need.

It Turned Out There Was A Walgreens Only 9 Minutes Walk Away From The Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Toiletries Panic Over!

Did This Page Help You?

People Also Ask