Rubbing alcohol earns a spot in many travel kits thanks to its fast germ‑killing punch, but its high alcohol content also means it can ignite with ease. Airlines treat it like any other flammable liquid and follow volume limits set by the Federal Aviation Administration. Learn those numbers, see why the strength on the label matters, and pick up leak‑proof packing ideas so your bottle reaches the hotel instead of soaking your clothes.
This article focuses on U.S. rules and leading carrier wording, yet the same caps appear in most countries because the International Civil Aviation Organization mirrors the FAA toiletry exemption. Always read your airline email after booking, then save a screen grab of its dangerous goods link for smooth check‑in.
Why Rubbing Alcohol Draws Scrutiny
Isopropyl and ethanol blends sold as rubbing alcohol sit between 60 % and 99 % by volume. That range gives them a low flash point, so regulators file them under Class 3 flammable liquids. The label alone doesn’t block travel, but it does trigger container and quantity caps aimed at keeping cargo fires small if the worst happens.
The Department of Transportation carves out a “medicinal and toiletry articles” exception. Under this clause you may carry limited amounts of flammable household items, including rubbing alcohol, in both cabin and hold as long as each bottle and your combined stash stay under set figures.
| Rule | Carry‑On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Single container | 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml | 17 fl oz / 500 ml |
| Total per traveler | 1 qt bag | 68 fl oz / 2 L |
| Allowed strength | < 70 % ABV | < 70 % ABV |
TSA, FAA, And DOT Rules
TSA Screening Basics
At the checkpoint rubbing alcohol counts toward the liquids allowance. The bottle must fit inside the quart‑size resealable bag, hold no more than 3.4 fl oz, and feature a tight cap. Pack it where agents can grab it quickly to keep the belt moving. Read the TSA 3‑1‑1 liquids rule before you fly.
FAA Toiletry Exemption
Once the bottle moves to checked baggage the FAA lets you scale up. Each container may hold up to 17 fl oz while the sum of all toiletry liquids, gels, and aerosols per traveler must stay under 68 fl oz. The limit covers toothpaste, sunscreen, shaving cream, and similar items, not just rubbing alcohol.
Alcohol Strength Over 70 %
Bottles stronger than 70 % ABV cross into the next hazard bracket and may not fly in either bag. Travelers who use 91 % or 99 % isopropyl for circuit boards need to switch to 70 % blends or buy fresh on arrival. The same cut‑off also grounds spirits such as over‑proof rum.
Packing Steps For The Hold
Pick a shatter‑resistant plastic bottle no larger than 500 ml. Remove extra airspace to limit vapor build‑up, twist the lid tight, wrap the neck with tape, and slide the bottle into a zip pouch. Tuck the pouch in the heart of the suitcase surrounded by clothes, away from wheels or rigid frames. A layer of fabric cushions bumps and keeps heat away. Finish by writing “rubbing alcohol – toiletry” on the pouch so an inspector sees that it meets the FAA exemption.
If you carry more than one bottle, spread them through different corners of the bag rather than stacking them. Splitting the volume reduces spill damage and keeps each pouch well under the 2 L total limit.
Airline Variations
U.S. carriers follow the FAA template yet describe it in their own words. American lists a single‑container cap of 18 oz and a toiletry allowance of 70 oz. Delta quotes 16 oz per item, while United echoes 16 oz and reminds flyers that flammables must sit in leak‑proof packaging. Use the airline link for the latest text.
| Airline Page | Bottle Limit | Total Toiletry Limit |
|---|---|---|
| American | 18 oz | 70 oz |
| Delta | 16 oz | 70 oz |
| United | 16 oz | 70 oz |
International Checks And Connecting Flights
ICAO and IATA duplicate the 500 ml and 2 L toiletry numbers, which means your rubbing alcohol can fly through most foreign hubs without repacking. The IATA passenger table calls out the same caps and notes that alcohol wipes do not count toward the liquid total.
Border inspectors may still sample liquids on arrival. Keeping the bottle in retail packaging or printing the ingredient list from the pharmacy helps smooth that stop. Transit airports in Europe and Asia often rescreen cabin bags, so if you moved a bottle from hold to carry‑on during a layover it may be seized. Leave it inside the checked bag until the final stop.
Should I Ship Instead Of Pack?
If your project needs large bottles or high‑strength isopropyl, mailing a box by ground courier often saves time. Postal and parcel firms move flammable liquids by road inside sturdy cartons with clear hazard labels, so you can buy a gallon jug and have it waiting at the workshop instead of juggling volume limits at the airport. Ground shipping also spares your suitcase from extra weight and frees liquid space for sunscreen or cologne.
Safe Packing Checklist
- Use bottles under 500 ml and under 70 % ABV.
- Seal caps with tape, then double‑bag.
- Mark the pouch “toiletry” in plain ink.
- Keep total toiletry liquid under 2 L.
- Store power banks in cabin bags, away from flammables.
Common Mistakes To Dodge
Some travelers think the 5 L limit for duty‑free liquor also covers rubbing alcohol. It does not; that figure only applies to drinking alcohol in retail packaging and never overrides the toiletry rule.
Another slip involves high‑strength isopropyl. Anything beyond 70 % ABV stays grounded, even in tiny bottles, so read the label before you zip the pouch.
The last misstep is skipping leak protection. Baggage holds hit low pressure and cold air, conditions that push liquid past a loose gasket.
Quick Answers To Popular Questions
Can I pack 70 % isopropyl in my carry‑on?
Yes, but the bottle must stay under 3.4 fl oz and fit inside the quart‑size bag.
Do alcohol wipes count toward liquid limits?
Wipes hold liquid yet screeners treat them like solid goods, so they fly with no volume cap.
Will overseas airports use the same numbers?
Most follow ICAO guidance, which mirrors the FAA toiletry exemption, yet you still need to check the airport website before the trip.
What about homemade disinfectant in a spray bottle?
Sprays ride under the same 17 fl oz per‑bottle cap for checked bags, and the nozzle needs a locking tab to stop leaks.
Where do I declare rubbing alcohol?
No paperwork is needed. Leave it inside the suitcase and answer truthfully if an agent asks.
Stick to the volume caps, use sturdy bottles, and your rubbing alcohol will reach the destination ready for action.