Deodorant comes in many forms and it’s important to know the rules as they apply to each type.
If you use roll-on, aerosol, gel deodorants, or toothpaste the 3-1-1 liquids rule applies, and they should be in containers of less than 3.4 ounces (100ml). Fortunately, most toiletries are widely available in travel sizes, which includes containers under 3.4 ounces.
In order to take your deodorant in your carry-on bag, the container must be placed inside a quart-sized resealable clear plastic bag. This bag has to be removed from your carry-on luggage as you pass through security.
If your containers are larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) they must travel in your checked luggage.
The only deodorant that isn’t subject to any restrictions is the stick type which is fine to pack whatever the size.
It’s also worth pointing out that most flight destinations will have some form of a local store where you can purchase deodorant if necessary, so there’s no need to worry too much if you run out of room in your luggage.
Making sense of the 3-1-1 rule
In 2006 it was discovered that terrorists were deploying liquid explosives, and the 3-1-1 came into force, changing the way passengers decide what to take on a flight and how to pack.
Liquids are obviously subject to the rule, and can only be taken in your carry-on bag if the container is less than 100 ml in size and placed inside a clear, resealable plastic quart-sized bag. If it’s larger, it must go in checked luggage.
However, what about gels, aerosols, and creams? Consider their consistency – can you smear, spread, or spray them? If so, they fall under the liquid rule. This rule not only applies to toiletries, but food, and other items, too. Products such as liquid vitamins, yogurt, or cartridges for e-cigarettes all count as liquids. Even good old peanut butter and jelly are defined as liquids. Toothpaste is especially common in toiletry bags, so find out how different types of toothpaste are classified.
To avoid confusion, there is a simple way to remember these 3-1-1 restrictions:
- 3.4 ounces is the maximum size of any container to go in your carry-on bag
- 1-quart bag must hold all your containers
- 1-quart bag per passenger