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Can you take aerosols in hand luggage?

Short answer

Personal-care aerosols (deodorant, dry shampoo, shaving foam) up to 100ml are fine in the cabin. Hairspray up to 100ml too.

General airport security guidance

Rule basis: Treated as a aerosol at airport security. Based on general aviation security guidance — rules can vary between airports.

What to do: Default to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag. Anything larger goes in checked luggage.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

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No dedicated guide for aerosols yet — find the closest match in the directory.

Triple-check

Security

Will aerosols pass the checkpoint?

Limited

Aerosols is an aerosol — cabin containers must be 100ml or less inside your 1L clear bag.

Source: DfT UK security guidance
Airline

Can aerosols travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Checked only

Full-size aerosols travel in checked baggage subject to airline dangerous-goods limits (usually 500ml per can, 2L total).

Source: IATA passenger guidance
Border

Can you bring aerosols into the destination country?

Usually OK

Personal-use quantities are rarely a customs problem on most routes.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

In cabin baggage

Cap must be on. Container must be 100ml or less. Inside the 1-litre liquids bag.

In checked luggage

Personal-care aerosols up to 500ml per item and 2kg total per passenger. Camping fuel, bear spray and other flammable aerosols are not allowed in either bag.

Examples

Liquid Limits focuses on airport security and liquid-like travel items. Separate customs, import, airline, or destination laws may apply. For non-liquid items like plants, meat, weapons, cash, electronics, or luxury goods, check official customs guidance. What this site covers and doesn't cover.

Liquid Limits helps with airport security rules. Border and customs rules vary by destination, so always check official destination guidance before travelling internationally.

Check your airport liquid rule

Packing checklist for aerosols

A short checklist for this trip — pack what you need to stay within the rules above.

Packing checklist
100ml travel bottles

Decant into 100ml bottles for the cabin.

Packing checklist
Clear toiletry bag

Standard 1-litre clear bag for security.

Packing checklist
Leakproof bottle pouch

Double-bag in case of pressure leaks.

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