The short answer is “sometimes.” A stick that weighs more than 3.4 oz can ride through security without trouble, while a spray of the same size must go in checked bags. Getting that contrast right keeps your toiletries handy and your screening time short. This guide walks through the federal rules, airline quirks, and handy packing moves that stop surprises at the checkpoint.
TSA Rules At A Glance
The United States uses the 3‑1‑1 liquids rule, which caps each liquid, gel, paste, cream, or aerosol at 3.4 oz / 100 ml inside one quart‑size bag for every traveler. Solid deodorant does not enter that bag at all. Liquid roll‑ons and pump sprays do.
| Form | Carry‑On Limit | Checkpoint Status |
|---|---|---|
| Solid stick | No size cap | Place anywhere in hand bag |
| Gel stick or roll‑on | 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Inside 3‑1‑1 bag |
| Aerosol or pump spray | 3.4 oz / 100 ml | Inside 3‑1‑1 bag |
Liquid, Gel, Or Solid: Where Does Your Stick Fit?
Security officers sort deodorant by texture. A classic wax‑based stick counts as a solid, even when the net weight passes the 3.4‑ounce mark. Cream sticks leave a smear when tapped; that falls under the liquid umbrella and must stay under the limit.
A roll‑on bottle always ranks as a liquid because the ball brings product to the surface. The same principle covers crystal deodorant sprays and pump mists.
Full‑Size vs Travel‑Size: Measuring The Can
Spray And Aerosol Limits
The FAA PackSafe chart adds a second rule: each aerosol toiletry in any bag may not top 17 fl oz / 500 ml, and the combined aerosol weight in checked bags must stay under 70 oz / 2 kg. For the cabin you still need a 3.4‑ounce container, so full‑size sprays belong in the hold.
Many travelers ask if a half‑empty 5‑ounce bottle can pass. Security looks at labeled capacity, not remaining product, so the written number decides.
Packing Strategy For Smooth Screening
- Slide a full‑size solid stick in an exterior pocket. Quick access lets you show it if an officer wants eyes on the label.
- Group every liquid or gel toiletry in one clear zip bag so nothing hides at the bottom of the case. Officers often wave that bag through without opening it.
- Check the press‑button cap on an aerosol. The nozzle needs a cover to travel by air.
- Moving through multiple airports? Local staff may follow the same 100 ml limit because IATA guidelines match TSA volume rules worldwide.
International Checkpoint Differences
Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of the European Union mirror the 100 ml cap. The European Commission reaffirmed that limit for airports with next‑gen scanners beginning September 2024.
Even with newer equipment, officers in London or Dublin still insist that larger sprays stay out of the cabin. A jumbo stick keeps the green light because solids remain exempt abroad just as in the States. When heading overseas, carry a spare quart bag; some airports want toiletries moved into their own pouch.
Airline Policy Snapshot
Your carrier rarely overrides federal security, yet tiny wording differences cause questions. The table below shows how three large brands phrase the same concept on their baggage pages.
| Airline | Web Wording | Where The Rule Sits |
|---|---|---|
| American | “Travel‑size (3.4 ounce containers or smaller) in a clear quart bag.” | Restricted items |
| Delta | “Most countries restrict containers with liquids, gels, aerosols and pastes.” | Carry‑on baggage |
| IATA‑linked carriers | “Follow the 100 ml limit for liquids, aerosols and gels.” | Global guidance |
What Happens At Security?
If an officer sees a spray bigger than 3.4 oz during X‑ray, you get two choices: return to the airline counter to gate‑check the item or let it be surrendered. Solid sticks rarely trigger secondary screening, yet officers hold the final call.
During random pulls, an agent may swab any toiletry for traces of explosive material. Keep caps tight so gels do not smear on gear.
Packing Checked Bags Instead
Full‑size sprays ride in checked baggage inside a zip bag in case the button shifts under pressure. The FAA sets a hard ceiling of 70 oz total aerosol weight per passenger. That allotment includes hairspray, shaving cream, and whipped cream chargers, so add up labels if you love big cans.
Place the bag near the top layer of clothing. Checked inspections are less common with toiletries on view, and clothing cushions the can during rough handling.
Quick Reference Tips
- Stick > 3.4 oz: cabin‑safe.
- Roll‑on > 3.4 oz: check the bag.
- Spray > 3.4 oz: check the bag and cover the nozzle.
- Markings rule the day; half‑empty does not count.
- Rules match in most countries; solids stay free worldwide.
By matching container type and size to the right bag, you breeze through every lane and land smelling fresh wherever the route leads.