Does Deodorant Count As A Liquid TSA?

Air travel is great, it allows us to visit far-off places and see parts of the world we wouldn’t otherwise be able to.  However, there are lots of rules and regulations that surround the process of air travel that mostly center around security. 

Although these rules can be annoying and time-consuming, we all understand why they are there and abide by them willingly.  That doesn’t mean, however, that they are not confusing at times. 

One of the most confusing rules that the TSA implements is what counts as a liquid.  In this article, we will look at whether deodorant is considered a liquid according to the TSA regulations. 

Is Deodorant Considered A Liquid By The TSA?

Rather annoyingly, the answer to this question is that it depends.  Some types of deodorant are considered to be liquid while others aren’t and are treated as solids. 

Then there is the in between which may be referred to as a gel which is also treated as a liquid.  

Whichever type of deodorant you have to bring with you, it may or may not be subject to liquid restrictions in carry-on luggage. 

If you are checking a bag and are unsure whether your deodorant is going to be allowed in your carry-on, the safest option is to pack it in your checked bag to avoid any issues.  

Stick Deodorant

Stick deodorant is considered to be a solid rather than a liquid by the TSA.  This means that whether you are checking your bag or bringing the deodorant in your carry-on you can bring as much as you like. 

There are no restrictions on the amount of solid deodorant that you can bring on the plane with you.  If you are purchasing deodorant specifically for your trip, solid deodorant is a great option if possible.  

Aerosol Deodorant

Although you may not think it, aerosol deodorant is technically classed as a liquid.  This is because, inside the container, the deodorant is in a liquid form. 

The TSA allows you to take an aerosol deodorant in your checked or carry-on luggage, although because it is a liquid, it is subject to volume limitations when taken as carry-on luggage. 

This means that even if your container is almost empty if it is larger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, it will be confiscated if you take it through security. 

If you are taking a part-used deodorant with you, you should pack it in your checked bag to ensure that it is not confiscated by the TSA.

Roll-On Deodorant

Roll-on deodorant is one of the more confusing deodorant products when it comes to air travel.  If your roll-on deodorant is one that is filled with liquid, it is obviously going to be treated as a liquid by the TSA. 

This means that if you take it in your carry-on it will be subject to volume limitations.  Thankfully, most roll-on deodorant containers naturally adhere to the 3.4 oz or 100 ml rule.  

If you have a roll-on deodorant that is firmer than a liquid deodorant but is too soft or mushy to be considered a solid stick deodorant, you might be unsure as to how it will be classified. 

These types of deodorants are often referred to as gel on their packaging and the TSA will also classify them as gel.  Gel products are subject to the same restrictions as liquids under TSA regulations and therefore will have to adhere to the volume limitations.

Alternatively, they can be packed in your checked bag to avoid the hassle of TSA security.

Volume Restrictions

When bringing liquid products onto a plane, there are specific volume restrictions that need to be abided by.  The strictest volume restrictions apply to carry-on bags. 

In your carry-on, you will be allowed to carry a single, 1 quart-sized sealable bag for your liquids.  Within this bag, you will be allowed containers that have a capacity of no more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. 

The best way to ensure all your products fit these requirements is to purchase travel-sized products.  In terms of roll-on deodorant, they are often small enough for air travel as standard. 

Aerosol deodorants will often need to be purchased in travel size to be permitted. 

A lesser-known restriction is that which is applied to liquids in checked baggage.  A single container of deodorant should not exceed 18 oz, which is a generous allowance as most aerosol containers only hold up to 12 oz. 

The TSA also allows a total checked limit of 68 Fl oz. which means that you could bring up to 6 full-sized cans of aerosol deodorant with you.  

Tips For Traveling With Deodorant

Now that we know what the TSA restrictions are in terms of bringing deodorant with you, there are a few things you can do to lessen your stress around your deodorant when traveling.  

One of the best tips if you are concerned about having your deodorant confiscated by the TSA is to apply it generously before your flight and simply check it in your main bag rather than bringing it in the cabin with you.

This means that you can travel without worrying about offending other passengers or having your favorite deodorant taken away.  This also avoids the need to purchase a special travel-sized version of your deodorant just to take on the plane with you.  

Alternatively, you could purchase a travel-sized version of your deodorant and keep it for emergency use or as a travel-specific product that remains in your carry-on bag ready to go when you need it.  

Final Thoughts

Certain deodorants do count as a liquid under TSA rules, but there are some that do not and can make it much easier to travel.  However, you can avoid having your deodorant confiscated by the TSA with sensible application and packing practices. 

Alternatively, travel-sized toiletries are a safe option.