Can you take deodorant on a plane?

You can’t go anywhere without deodorant when traveling. And if you’re facing a ten-hour flight to Thailand or Sri Lanka, you’ll definitely need it in your carry-on. In this article, we’ll tell you if you can take it on a plane, what transportation rules exist, and which type is best to take on your trip. Let’s go, or rather—let’s fly!

How to carry deodorant in hand luggage

If your journey to your destination is only two or three hours, you might not need to take deodorant with you. But if you have a long flight ahead, especially with layovers, then this hygiene product will come in handy during the flight to freshen up (and be considerate to your neighbors).

The answer to whether you can take deodorant in your carry-on depends on the type you’re carrying: spray, roll-on, or stick. Let’s spoil it right away: sprays are not allowed in the cabin, roll-on equivalents are allowed but in small volumes, and sticks pose no problems. More details on this below.

How to carry deodorant in checked luggage

You can carry any type of deodorant in any volume in checked luggage. But in moderation, so that no one suspects you are transporting cosmetics for sale. Sprays and roll-ons are best packed in thick, airtight zip-lock bags to prevent the contents of the bottles from staining your belongings. This applies to all cosmetics you carry with you: toners, gels, shampoos — close the lids tightly and additionally place the bottles in plastic. You’ll thank us later when your nice vacation clothes remain dry!

Rules for transporting aerosols

Since aerosol is a flammable substance, carrying spray deodorant is prohibited by most airline rules. A highly pressurized bottle can explode in the cabin and cause an emergency.

Don’t forget about allergy sufferers: if you spray an aerosol can with a strong perfumed scent on the plane, passengers may experience undesirable reactions: from rashes to coughing and breathing problems.

The question remains, can you take spray deodorant on a plane in checked luggage? In a suitcase — yes, in hand luggage — no.

Rules for transporting roll-on deodorants

A roll-on deodorant is a liquid, so the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage apply to it. According to most companies’ regulations, liquids can only be transported in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml. This is a very popular volume in cosmetic stores, so finding such a deodorant will not be a problem. We recommend purchasing a small travel-sized roll-on deodorant in advance so that it doesn’t take up much space in your bag or backpack.

There’s a chance that staff might allow roll-ons on your specific flight, but it’s better not to risk having your favorite product confiscated during security checks. What if it’s expensive?

Important: a passenger will not be able to take a roll-on deodorant with a volume exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage, even if they have already used half of the product and want to use the remainder during their trip. If the bottle volume is large, your deodorant may be disposed of during security procedures when items pass through the X-ray scanner. Therefore, choose small bottles with precise volume markings so that aviation security personnel do not ask unnecessary questions during scanning.

If you bought a roll-on deodorant at Duty Free, liquid transportation rules do not apply to such purchases. In a sealed, branded bag, you can carry a roll-on with a volume exceeding 100 ml, the main thing is not to unseal it until the end of your trip. If you have a layover and have already taken the roll-on out of the bag, it will be difficult to prove that you purchased it at a duty-free shop. So, we advise you not to throw away the receipt — just in case.

Rules for transporting solid deodorants

A stick is the most convenient and hassle-free type of deodorant for carry-on luggage. This product is considered dry, so you can carry a stick of any volume. Plus, it’s simply convenient to use and definitely won’t leak in your bag, unlike an aerosol or roll-on. In short, only advantages!

So, what have we found out about taking deodorant on a plane:

1. Yes, you can put deodorant in your belongings: both in carry-on and checked luggage. Any types are allowed in checked luggage, but carry-on is more complicated. Rules may prohibit carrying some types.
2. Do not take spray deodorant on board. It is a flammable substance that can explode in the aircraft cabin.
3. Roll-on deodorant in carry-on is OK, but you need to ensure that the volume of the product and the bottle does not exceed 100 ml. Then everything will be fine, and staff will not dispose of the product during inspection.
4. It is best to take a stick deodorant when traveling. Firstly, it definitely won’t spill on your belongings, and secondly, there are no restrictions on carrying stick deodorants.
5. You can buy deodorant at duty-free and carry it in a sealed, branded bag. Do not open the bag until the end of your trip — but you can use the purchase during your travels.