It’s always a good idea to keep deodorant on standby when traveling. This is especially the case when you are traveling through potentially warm environments like airport terminals, airplanes, and everywhere in-between.
The problem is that some types of deodorant are subject to special TSA rules and if you don’t know about those, you might have to throw out your deodorant.
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about bringing deodorant on an airplane and the TSA rules that apply. I’ll also give you some tips for bringing other types of toiletries through TSA as well.
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Yes, you can bring certain types of deodorant on a plane but you want to take into consideration some TSA restrictions that I talk about in detail below before setting out on your travels.
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The biggest consideration is whether or not your deodorant will be classified as a liquid. If it is classified as a liquid, it will be subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The rule limits you to containers of no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 ml for your liquids. Keep in mind that TSA is only concerned with the size of the container and not how much material is inside.
So for example if you have a five ounce container with only one ounce of deodorant that is still not in compliance with the rule. Your container cannot be any larger than 3.4 ounces.
You can bring along as many of these containers as can fit “comfortably” inside a quart size resealable bag. Typically, this will be a clear Ziploc bag and fitting “comfortably” just means that the bag is not bursting at the seams.
When you make your way through airport security, you will have to remove these containers from your carry-on luggage. (That’s why I always suggest for you to keep your liquids bag at the top of your backpack or carry-on bag for easy retrieval.)
However, if you have a membership like TSA Pre-Check, then you can keep your bag in your luggage.
That program also allows you to access an expedited security lane and keep items on like your jacket, belt, and shoes. It definitely helps to expedite the security process and if you want to read more about that program click here.
It’s not just pure liquids that are subject to this rule either. Other types of liquid-like substances such as creams, pastes, and other types of gels are also subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
The following types of deodorants will be subject to the liquids 3-1-1 rule:
So if you’re trying to bring in something like AXE Body Spray you’ll need to keep these limited to the very small containers that can fit inside of the clear plastic bag. Of course, you can always store these in your checked baggage where they won’t be subject to the same size requirements.
Be careful because many spray on deodorants come in a standard 3.8 ounce or similar size which would be in violation of the liquids rule.
If you are bringing stick deodorant then you can bring in any size deodorant. Many popular brands make stick deodorants including: Old Spice, Right Guard, Gillette, Degree, Suave, Speed Stick, and Secret.
Also, if your deodorant consists of powders or crystals you should be able to bring in any size as well.
Since you are asking about deodorant, you might also be wondering about other toiletry items that are commonly brought when traveling.
It’s actually pretty easy to figure out how TSA will view your items. If the objects are not 100% solid then they will likely be considered a liquid.
So again if you have items that consist of gels, creams, pastes, etc., those are going to be considered liquids. This means things like toothpaste, shaving cream, hair gel, mouthwash, sunscreen, etc., are all subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Solid chapstick/lip balm is not subject to the liquids rule. If you have the little containers that are full of gels like Carmex then in those cases those could be subject to the liquids rule.
However, I have brought Carmex through airports many times and never been required to put it in a liquids bag — perhaps because the containers are so small.
Also, anything that comes in an aerosol can is also subject to this rule. So if you are also traveling with things like hairspray that would be subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
If you’re wondering about things like nail clippers, disposable razors, tweezers, and scissors, those should be fine as long as they are under 4 inches. ( Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.)
And when it comes to make-up, many of your liquid items will be subject to the 3-1-1 rule as well.
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If you have questions about different types of food those can get a little bit more complicated sometimes.
Luckily, I have put together an article that walks you through the different types of foods that you can bring through TSA and onto a plane. (Some of the foods will surprise you.) Click here to read more about those.
Also, if you are wondering about the special rules for bringing alcohol on a plane you can click here to find out more about those.
Overall, it’s not that difficult to figure out what is accepted through TSA. Basically, if what you were trying to bring is not in a purely solid form chances are it will be considered a liquid. And in that case it will be subject to the 3-1-1 rule. So be prepared to comply with that rule and you will have nothing to worry about.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
