Can you take aerosols on a plane?

Yes, but the rules depend on whether you're packing in hand luggage or a checked bag. This guide covers what you can and can't bring, including spray deodorant, hairspray, dry shampoo, and other toiletries.

What counts as an aerosol on a plane?

Aviation security groups aerosols alongside liquids and gels, commonly referred to as the LAGs rule. Anything that sprays falls into this category: deodorant, hairspray, dry shampoo, shaving foam, insect repellent, and perfume, among others.

Aerosols in hand luggage: the international standard

Most airports worldwide follow the same baseline rule. Each container must be 100ml (3.4oz) or under, and all your liquids, aerosols and gels must fit into a single transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag (roughly 20cm x 20cm). You place that bag in the security tray separately.

The rule applies to the container size, not how much is left inside. A 150ml can that is half-used still will not pass security.

A note on airport exceptions: Some airports have upgraded to CT scanners and now allow containers larger than 100ml in hand luggage (e.g. some terminals at London Heathrow, Munich Airport or Warsaw Chopin Airport). Rules vary by departure airport, so it's worth checking your specific airport's website before you pack, particularly if you're travelling through airports in different countries on the same trip.

Aerosols in checked baggage

You have considerably more room in a checked bag. Each aerosol container can be up to 500ml (or 500g), and your combined aerosol allowance per passenger is typically 2 litres or 2kg across all products. Each nozzle or cap must be protected to prevent accidental release during the flight.

Flammable aerosols — spray paint or certain chemical products, for example — may be restricted or banned regardless of luggage type. If you're unsure about a specific product, check with your airline before you travel.

Can you take deodorant on a plane?

Yes, but the type makes a difference.

Spray deodorant

Spray deodorant is an aerosol. For hand luggage, the container must be 100ml or under. For checked baggage, it can be up to 500ml, within your overall combined allowance.

Roll-on deodorant

Roll-on is classed as a liquid or gel, so the same 100ml restriction applies in hand luggage. It sits in your liquids bag alongside everything else.

Stick deodorant

Solid stick deodorant is not a liquid, aerosol or gel. There are no size restrictions for hand luggage. A full-size stick travels without issue.

Perfume, hairspray and other aerosols

Perfume and cologne are liquids. Hairspray and dry shampoo are aerosols. Both follow the same rules: 100ml or under for hand luggage (at airports applying the standard restriction), or up to 500ml in checked baggage within your overall limit.

Duty-free purchases are an exception. If you buy perfume airside, it will be sealed in a security bag with a receipt. You can carry it through security at a connecting airport as long as the bag stays sealed and you have the receipt with you, though rules vary between countries, so check in advance for longer itineraries.

Practical tips for packing aerosols

• Decant into travel-size containers. Pour shaving foam, dry shampoo, or similar products into 100ml bottles before you pack.
• Put larger aerosols in your hold bag. If you're checking luggage anyway, save your 1-litre hand luggage bag for genuine essentials.
• Try solid alternatives. Solid shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and stick deodorant are not subject to any liquid restrictions and free up significant space.
• Check your airline's policy. Airlines can apply stricter rules beyond standard security requirements, particularly for certain chemical or flammable products.

Frequently asked questions

Is dry shampoo allowed on a plane?

Yes. Dry shampoo is an aerosol, so it must be 100ml or under in hand luggage at airports applying standard restrictions. In checked baggage, the 500ml per container and 2-litre total limits typically apply.

Can you take sunscreen on a plane?

Sunscreen is a liquid or cream. In hand luggage it must be 100ml or under. Full-size bottles are fine in checked baggage.

How many aerosols can I take on a plane?

In hand luggage, as many as fit inside your 1-litre transparent resealable bag. In checked baggage, your combined aerosol products must not exceed 2kg or 2 litres per passenger.

Can I take insect repellent spray in my hand luggage?

Yes, provided the container is 100ml or under and it fits in your liquids bag.

If your flight was delayed

Good packing gets you through security smoothly. But what happens after the gate is a different matter.

If your flight arrived more than 3 hours late or was cancelled last minute (less than 14 days prior to planned departure), and the airline was at fault for the disruption, you may be entitled to up to €250, €400, or €600 in compensation under EU261. The amount depends on the flight distance and the type of disruption. Check your eligibility with AirRefund.com/en, and let them take care of all the paperwork for you - no win, no fee.

This content was written with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by a member of our air passenger rights team before publication.