Are you allowed aerosols in your hand luggage ryanair

Short answer: Pressurised spray containers may travel in cabin carry-on provided each item has a maximum marked volume of 100 ml (100 g) and all liquid-like products are consolidated into one transparent resealable plastic bag with a total capacity not exceeding 1 litre; this bag must be removed from the cabin bag and presented separately at security screening.

Common permitted items (when ≤100 ml): travel-size deodorant sprays, hairspray, shaving foam and spray sunscreens – ensure clear volume markings on each container. Prohibited in cabin: flammable-propellant sprays (spray paint, spray adhesives, fuel refills), self-defence sprays (pepper/OC), and industrial aerosol products.

Medical exception: Metered-dose inhalers and prescription nasal sprays typically permitted in quantities exceeding 100 ml when accompanied by a prescription or medical letter; declare these items at the security checkpoint for additional screening and carry supporting documentation.

Checked-baggage note: larger pressurised cans can sometimes be placed in the hold but remain subject to the carrier’s dangerous-goods rules; sprays containing flammable or oxidising propellants are frequently banned from both cabin and hold. Verify product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for propellant type and check the airline’s hazardous-items page before packing.

Practical checklist: confirm container volume markings, keep caps secured, place the 1-litre liquids bag at the top of the cabin bag for quick removal, keep prescriptions with medicinal sprays, and review the carrier’s cabin-size and weight limits (for example, a free small personal item often 40×20×25 cm; optional cabin bag 55×40×20 cm up to 10 kg with priority) prior to travel.

Are pressurised sprays permitted in cabin and checked baggage?

Recommendation: store pressurised spray cans in checked baggage when possible; if carried in cabin, each container must be 100 ml or less and all such containers must fit inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre plastic bag, presented separately at security.

Medicated or infant sprays exceeding 100 ml may be accepted in cabin after declaration and visual inspection; bring prescriptions or medical notes and expect additional screening at the checkpoint.

Flammable propellant products, gas cartridges not intended for toiletry use, and defensive sprays (pepper/OC) remain prohibited in both cabin and hold, with potential confiscation and legal penalties; consult the carrier’s dangerous-goods guidance before travel.

Packing tips: fit nozzle caps, place cans inside sealed plastic pouches to contain leaks, cushion against impact inside checked bags, label medical items, transfer contents into travel-size compliant containers when feasible, and keep the clear liquids bag easily accessible for security staff.

For bulky items such as umbrellas, consider stowing in checked baggage or selecting a compact collapsible model; for one purchasing option see best deal for a deck umbrella and stand.

Which spray types and container sizes meet carrier and security 100 ml rules?

Pack only non-flammable pressurised sprays in containers of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) or smaller; all such items must fit inside a single transparent resealable 1‑litre bag and be presented separately at security screening.

Acceptable product categories

Personal care sprays (deodorant, hairspray, shaving foam), medicinal sprays (inhalers, nasal sprays), insect repellents and cooking sprays with non‑flammable propellants qualify when the marked capacity is ≤100 ml. Part‑used containers are acceptable provided the original printed capacity does not exceed 100 ml and the closure/nozzle is intact.

Prohibited or restricted items

Flammable pressurised products (spray paint, butane refills, fuel sprays), pepper/CS self‑defence sprays and any pressurised canisters with a marked capacity above 100 ml cannot travel in cabin baggage; many of these items are also forbidden in checked baggage under dangerous‑goods regulations. Damaged valves, missing caps or leaking containers will be refused at security.

Practical tips: Use labeled travel‑size bottles, store all qualifying sprays together in the single 1‑litre bag, verify the carrier’s dangerous‑goods policy before placing larger canisters in checked baggage, and declare medical inhalers at screening if required.

Packing pressurised spray cans in carry-on: clear bag and sealing tips

Place spray cans inside a single transparent resealable 1 litre plastic bag, with valve ends taped and protective caps firmly in place; remove the bag from cabin bag for security screening.

Sealing and protection

Keep original caps whenever possible; if a cap is missing, cover the nozzle with a small piece of stiff cardboard and wrap with strong adhesive tape (duct or gaffer tape). Wrap each can in a layer of bubble wrap or a padded sleeve for impact protection, then place inside the clear bag with an absorbent paper towel to catch any minor leaks.

Use high-quality zip-top bags with a visible seal line; double-bag fragile or older cans (one clear bag inside another) to reduce leak risk. For travel-ready containment, transfer non-pressurised products into rigid pump or screw-top travel bottles, leaving pressurised items in their original containers only.

Placement and screening tips

Pack the sealed clear bag at the top of the cabin bag or in a dedicated external pocket for rapid removal. Keep cans upright where possible and separate from electronics and batteries. If asked by security staff, present the clear bag first and point out taped/nozzled items; retain receipts or manufacturer labels for unfamiliar contents to speed inspection.

Carrying medical or prescription sprays: required documentation and screening procedure

Immediate recommendation

Carry the original prescription and the medication in its original, pharmacy-labelled packaging; include a signed clinician’s letter on official letterhead stating diagnosis, dosage, frequency and necessity for in-cabin carriage; translate the letter into English if issued in another language.

For pressurised inhalers or sprays, keep the safety cap in place and limit quantities to clinically required amounts. For controlled drugs, bring the original prescription, prescriber contact details and any national controlled-substance permits or export/import licences required by destination or transit countries.

Security screening procedure and tips

Declare medical sprays at the security checkpoint and place medication and documentation in a separate tray for inspection. Security personnel may perform explosive trace swabs, X-ray screening and visual inspection; staff may request to open containers to verify contents. Expect short delays; arrive at the airport earlier to allow time for additional checks.

Notify the carrier in advance if medication contains compressed gas, requires onboard oxygen, or appears to exceed standard size limits; some carriers require written approval prior to travel. Keep photocopies of prescriptions and a digital scanned copy accessible on a mobile device in case originals become unavailable.

Document	Purpose	When to present	Typical outcome
Original prescription (paper)	Proof of lawful medical supply and patient identity	At security and, if requested, by airline staff	Medication accepted for screening; may be permitted through checkpoint
Clinician’s letter (letterhead)	Clarifies medical necessity, dosage and in-cabin requirement	At security and during any follow-up checks	Reduces likelihood of confiscation; supports exemptions for larger volumes
Pharmacy-labelled original packaging	Matches prescription to container; shows expiry and lot where applicable	Placed in separate tray during inspection	Facilitates visual and X-ray verification
Controlled-substance permits / export paperwork	Compliance with national and international narcotics regulations	Before travel with airline and at border controls if required	Required for legal carriage; failure to present may result in detention or seizure

Banned pressurised canisters (pepper spray, spray paint, butane) and legal alternatives

Never place pepper spray, spray paint cans or butane/refill gas cartridges inside carry-on baggage; security classifies incapacitating sprays and flammable pressurised gas containers as prohibited dangerous goods with potential legal penalties and confiscation.

Pepper spray (OC, CN and similar incapacitating agents): carriage inside either cabin or checked compartments is typically forbidden and possession can breach local criminal statutes. Practical substitutes: high-decibel personal alarm keyrings (≥120 dB), compact safety whistles, wearable GPS panic buttons, or enrolling in non-weapon self-defence training. Acquisition at destination avoids cross-border legal complications.

Spray paint (pressurised aerosol paints): flammability and propellant hazards generally prohibit transport in carry-on and often in checked baggage. Alternatives for artists: paint markers, solvent-free acrylics in non-pressurised tubes, watercolor pans and brush pens, permanent ink refill bottles stored in rigid, leak-proof containers shipped by courier when larger volumes needed.

Butane and refill gas cartridges: compressor or canister fuel is banned from cabin and usually from checked zones because of explosion risk. Alternatives: purchase fuel at destination, use a single disposable cigarette lighter carried on person where permitted, or a USB-rechargeable electric lighter placed in carry-on (many carriers permit battery-powered lighters in cabin only). For camping stoves, transport drained and valve-sealed equipment and obtain fuel locally.

Operational recommendations: inspect toolkit and toiletry items before screening; segregate and remove any pressurised or gas-containing devices; when in doubt declare the item to security staff or ship via a permitted courier service. Consult the carrier’s hazardous-goods guidance and national aviation authority prior to travel to confirm local rules and criminal statutes.

If a pressurised spray exceeds 100 ml at the security checkpoint: immediate actions and practical options

If a pressurised spray is flagged over the 100 ml container threshold at screening, follow these immediate steps and pick one of the listed outcomes based on time, cost and priority.

Immediate inspection outcome
- Security staff will typically remove the canister from the carry zone and either confiscate it for disposal or place it in a collection bin. Expect disposal without compensation for standard non-medical items.
- If the item looks damaged, leaking or pressurised beyond safe limits, staff will treat it as hazardous and remove it immediately.
Option: transfer to hold baggage (check)
- If time permits, return to the check-in desk or airline bag drop to add a hold‑checked bag. Online pre-purchased checked bag fees typically range from €10–€60 depending on route and timing; gate or airport purchases often cost more.
- After checking a bag, re‑clear security. Missing the flight is a real risk if the process takes long; weigh flight boarding time versus item value.
- When a checked-bag drop is not possible from the sterile area, exit the departures zone, check the item, then re-enter via security–factor in queue times and re-entry rules at the specific airport.
Option: surrender for disposal (dispose)
- Most screening points offer a designated bin for liquids and pressurised cans. Disposal is immediate and free; reclaimed items are not returned.
- For valuable items (collectors’ cans, limited editions), ask if surrender for later collection is possible–rare, but some larger airports hold items for a short period; request written confirmation.
Option: post or courier from the airport
- Many airports provide mailing counters or courier desks airside/landside. Typical postage costs for small parcels start around €8–€20 plus customs paperwork if international.
- Packaging rules: pressurised cans must be declared and packed per carrier rules; courier staff will advise on acceptance. Non-declared hazardous goods may be refused.
Option: purchase approved replacement airside (buy)
- Buy travel-sized pressurised items that comply with the ≤100 ml single-container rule in airport shops located after security. Price premium common: expect 20–200% markup versus street retail.
- Shop inventory varies; consider buying a refill or single-use substitute instead of retaining a larger can.
- For planning tips on finding travel gear and accessories, see this guide: how to get wii scrubber.
What not to do
- Do not attempt to pour product into smaller plastic containers at the airport–decanting pressurised contents can breach safety rules and create a hazardous material violation.
- Do not hide an oversized canister inside electronics or other items; screening X‑rays detect concealed pressurised containers and discovery may lead to fines or removal from the flight.

Quick checklist for decision-making at screening

Time before boarding: if <30 minutes, surrender or buy airside; if >30–60 minutes, consider checking the item.
Item value vs fee: cheap disposable – surrender; costly or irreplaceable – attempt checked bag or courier.
Medical necessity: follow medical documentation procedures (covered elsewhere) rather than surrendering without consultation with staff.