Can you bring deodorant on a plane? TSA breakdown

Turbulence. Crying babies. Not enough snacks. Don’t let your stinky armpits be another factor in someone else’s bad flight. Pack deodorant to keep you smelling good from the security line to your hotel room.

Wondering if you can bring deodorant on a plane shouldn’t deter you from packing it in your carry-on or checked luggage. The answer is actually pretty simple. It just depends on what type of deodorant TSA is looking at, and we’ve got the 411 on the guidelines they use. Read on for tips on getting through security without throwing your toiletries into the liquids bin of shame.

Can you bring deodorant on a plane?

Yes, you can pack deodorant for your plane right. But how much you can haul depends on the type of deodorant you’re bringing. Stick deodorant is not a liquid, so the TSA won’t hassle you about it. Spray, gel, and roll-on deodorants are all treated as liquids, meaning they have to be a certain size.

Here’s the quick and simple answer to what size deodorant you can take on planes: 

• If it’s stick deodorant, you can put it in your carry-on or checked luggage. The size doesn’t matter.

• If it’s a liquid or aerosol deodorant, it must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less to go in your carry-on. Otherwise, it goes in your checked luggage.

Keep in mind that different countries and airports might have different standards. This guide is all about American guidelines, and if you’re flying abroad, you might want to check out the limits for each individual country to make sure you’re packing accordingly.

What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule?

The TSA doesn’t just limit how large individual liquid containers can be. They also check how much liquid you’re bringing in total. 

The 3-1-1 rule exists to establish some simple guidelines that are easy to remember. Here’s how it goes:

• Containers must be 3.4 ounces or less.

• They must all fit into 1 quart-sized bag.

• Each passenger may have 1 quart-sized bag.

It’s not exactly catchy, but they tried to make it easy. Just get yourself a quart-sized zip-top bag and check the sizes of every liquid bottle you try to fit into it. As long as those bottles are 3.4 oz or less, and they all fit in one bag, you’re good.

Which types of deodorant can you bring on a plane?

Technically, you can bring any type of deodorant on the plane. It’s just that the liquid ones have limits. Here’s what you need to know about bringing each type of deodorant you might want to pack.

Stick deodorant

Stick deodorants are your best bet for travel because they’re solid. They don’t fall under the same restrictions as liquids, so you can bring a full-sized stick of natural deodorant without getting hassled for it by a TSA agent. If it’s a short trip, and you want something that won’t take up too much space in your bag, a Mini Deo is just right.

Spray deodorant

You can take a spray deodorant on a plane (yes, even if it’s an aerosol can). But it falls under the same restrictions as liquids, which means the can has to be at or under 3.4 oz. In most cases, even a small aerosol can takes up most of a quart-sized bag, so this is one type of deodorant you’ll usually want to tuck in your checked luggage.

Roll-on deodorant

Roll-on deodorant is a liquid. To pack it in your carry-on, it’ll have to be less than 3.4 oz and easily tucked into a quart-sized bag. Again, the containers for these deodorants make up most of the packaging, so it might be better to put them in your checked luggage or pick up your favorite scents in a smaller size. 

Gel and cream deodorant

Gel and cream deodorants are, say it with us, liquids, so they must be less than 3.4 oz to go in your carry-on. That said, a full-size tube of Dr. Squatch Precision Deo is exactly 3.4 oz (not a coincidence) and easily fits inside a quart-sized bag. It’s perfect for sweaty travel days, and its anti-chafing properties keep you comfortable wherever you are.

Can you pack deodorant in checked luggage?

Yes, you can put a full-sized deodorant in your checked luggage. In fact, it’s a great idea to always have a spare in case you run out on a long flight or it melts in the vacation sun. You never know. Even if you’re not expecting any deodorant-related disasters, a good rule of thumb is to pack one in your suitcase and bring a travel-sized stick in your carry-on. 

There are still some restrictions on how much deodorant you can (and should) put in your checked bag. Aerosol deodorants in your checked luggage must be less than 18 ounces (500 ml), and you can’t have more than 70 ounces (2 liters) in total. We’re not sure why you’d ever need two liters of aerosol products, but we’re not judging.

And it’s not a rule, but always put deodorants and other toiletries in a sealed bag in case they break open in flight. The last thing you need when you open your suitcase is to find your clothes covered in a soup of your favorite hygiene products. 

8 tips for traveling with deodorant

Bringing a stick of deodorant with you on the plane can be a real lifeline on long flights and unpredictable travel days. Here are a few tips to help you take to the air with confidence:

1. Check your deodorant type

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Stick deodorant is the only type that’s solid. Everything else is liquid. Some roll-ons look like they’re stick deodorants, but they’re not. Double-check the type you have so you aren’t in for a surprise at the TSA checkpoint.

2. Solid sticks are a solid choice

Since you can pack a full-sized stick in your carry-on or checked bag, you’ll get the most out of a solid deodorant. It’s easy to quickly apply a bit whenever you feel it’s needed, like when your seatmate starts covering their nose and people avoid you in line for the bathroom. That’s much better than releasing a cloud of spray deodorant in the aisle.

3. Verify the container size

Before packing your carry-on, look at the printed size on everything in your toiletry bag to make sure it’s equal to or less than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. And what a coincidence! Many companies sell their products in containers that are just that size. 

4. Consider travel-size deodorants

Especially for short trips, just grab a travel-sized version of your favorite scent . It’s doubtful you’ll go through the whole thing on a short trip, so you don’t need to worry that you’ll run out.

5. Keep liquid and aerosol deodorants accessible

Contain all your liquid toiletries in a quart-sized bag that you can easily remove from your carry-on for screening. You can buy reusable quart-sized bags at most pharmacies and grocery stores, and they usually have fancy ones with zippers and a square shape that help you make the most of the limited space.

6. Pack aerosol deodorants properly

Snap the lid on right and consider taping it down so your spray deodorant doesn’t douse everything in your suitcase. Also, put it in its own bag in case something manages to rupture it.

7. Avoid antiperspirant

Antiperspirants are different from deodorants . They contain aluminum that can cause yellow armpit stains . If that happens, you’re stuck with those stains until you get to your destination. Instead, opt for a natural deodorant that’s good for both your pits and your shirts.

8. Pick a mild scent

Any deodorant becomes an odorant (as in, much stronger smelling) in the tight space of an airplane. Pick mild scents like Fresh Falls or Maverick Musk for some Odor-Squatching control that won’t offend those seated around you.

Stay fresh on every trip with Dr. Squatch deodorant

Traveling is a sweaty business. No matter how early you get to the airport, you always have to jog somewhere at some point, and some airports just can’t be bothered to turn on the A/C. With a Dr. Squatch deodorant on hand, you get manly odor protection to see you through your travels. 

While we can’t help it if you get seated next to someone who smells like the airport bathroom, we can help you make sure you aren’t that guy. Squash odor with nourishing formulas that keep your armpits happy from New York to New Zealand. Order yourself a pack of Dr. Squatch Mini Deos , so you’ll always have one at hand to stave off the stink.