Michael Turner
Action: Keep any pressurized spray products that contain combustible propellants out of hold baggage unless explicit airline policy and dangerous-goods procedures permit carriage under UN 1950. Most carriers require declaration and special packaging for such items; failure to comply leads to refusal at check-in, fines or confiscation.
Which products qualify: Personal-care sprays (deodorant, hair spray), insecticide sprays, spray paints, engine cleaners and solvent sprays that are pressurized and labeled as containing an ignitable propellant. Look for UN 1950 markings, gas hazard pictograms, or wording that indicates a combustible/flammable propellant.
Common quantitative limits and handling rules: Typical airline practice restricts individual containers to about 500 mL (or 500 g) net content and an aggregate allowance around 2 L (or 2 kg) per passenger for consumer-type pressurized sprays; valves must be protected by caps, there must be no leakage or damage, and larger volumes must move as declared dangerous goods via cargo only. These limits vary by carrier and national regulator, so specific numeric ceilings may differ.
Practical checklist before departure: 1) Inspect labels for UN 1950 or hazard pictograms; 2) Consult the chosen carrier’s hazardous-goods page and the departure/arrival aviation authority guidance; 3) Remove suspect items from hold plans and either place compliant small containers in cabin baggage according to liquid rules or arrange freight shipment under dangerous-goods procedures; 4) Declare any permitted items at the ticket counter so staff can verify compliance.
Transporting pressurized spray containers in aircraft hold
Do not place pressurized spray containers containing combustible propellants in the aircraft hold; treat these items as dangerous goods and arrange carriage via approved cargo services or obtain explicit carrier approval before bringing them aboard in the cabin.
- How to identify hazardous items: look for UN numbers (commonly UN1950), GHS flame pictogram (GHS02), signal words such as “extremely flammable” or ingredient listings like propane, butane or other hydrocarbon propellants; presence of any of these indicates transport restrictions.
- Immediate steps before travel: consult the chosen carrier’s dangerous-goods policy page and the IATA/ICAO regulations; contact the carrier’s Dangerous Goods Office at least 48–72 hours prior to departure for written confirmation if transport is requested.
- Medical inhalers and rescue sprays: most operators permit prescription inhalers in the cabin when accompanied by medical documentation and kept in hand baggage; always verify operator-specific limits and declare at security checkpoints.
- Packing and presentation if allowed in cabin: keep products in original packaging with intact valve protection, place inside a sealed plastic bag, separate from batteries and heat sources, and comply with any per-person quantity limits stated by the operator.
- If transport is prohibited: use a certified hazardous-goods freight forwarder or surface courier; prepare a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and any required DG declarations; do not attempt to drain, puncture, crush or otherwise modify pressurized containers.
- Safer alternatives: purchase equivalent spray products at destination, switch to non-pressurized pump dispensers, or transfer contents into approved non-pressurized containers supplied and certified by hazardous-goods specialists.
- Common examples requiring caution: spray paint, solvent-based lubricants, lighter-refill cartridges, certain aerosol hairsprays and foams that list hydrocarbon propellants–treat these as restricted until carrier confirmation.
When in doubt, treat any pressurized product with flammable markings as forbidden in the hold and arrange approved cargo transport or cabin carriage only after operator authorization and compliance with regulatory paperwork.
Which flammable spray products are banned from aircraft hold under ICAO and IATA rules?
Do not place spray cans labelled as flammable or displaying the flame pictogram in the aircraft hold; ICAO Technical Instructions and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations prohibit such items unless an operator issues explicit written approval.
Identification markers that trigger prohibition: UN number UN1950 where the entry is assigned Division 2.1 (flammable), any GHS flame pictogram, wording such as “Aerosol, flammable”, “Extremely flammable” or propellant names indicating hydrocarbons (butane, propane, LPG).
Common examples that are banned for carriage in the hold include spray paints and primers, solvent‑based aerosol adhesives, aerosol paint strippers and degreasers, flammable aerosol lubricants and penetrating oils, lighter refills and butane canisters in aerosol form, aerosol insecticides formulated with flammable solvents, and aerosol brake cleaners or fuel additives that state flammable on the label.
Products intended for personal care or medicinal use that are non‑flammable and meet limited‑quantity labeling may be treated differently; verify acceptance by consulting the airline or referring to the IATA DGR limited quantity provisions. When doubt exists, inspect the label for UN number/Division, retain manufacturer documentation, or forward the item for approved cargo transport under dangerous goods procedures rather than placing it in the hold.
Consequences for non‑compliance: prohibited items discovered during screening are subject to removal, disposal, fines or further regulatory action; documented shipping under the DGR is required for any flammable pressurised product transported as cargo.
Reading labels and UN numbers to identify flammable spray products
Check the product label for a four‑digit UN number (format: UN####), a transport division (e.g. 2.1) and the GHS flame pictogram; note net quantity (g or mL) and any H‑statements such as H222/H223 and H229.
UN number placement: usually printed near the supplier name or on the transport panel. If present, the entry begins with “UN” followed by four digits and the shipping name (example: UN1950 AEROSOLS). That UN entry determines how the item is classified for carriage.
Division and class decoding: the numeric division following the shipping name shows the transport hazard category – 2.1 = flammable gas, 2.2 = non‑flammable/non‑toxic gas, 2.3 = toxic gas. For aerosols the shipping name often stays “AEROSOLS” (UN1950) while the division reflects the propellant or formulation.
Signal words, pictograms and H/P statements: look for “Danger” or “Warning” and GHS pictograms. Common entries for pressurized flammable sprays include GHS02 (flame), H222 (Extremely flammable aerosol), H223 (Flammable aerosol), H229 (Pressurised container: may burst if heated). Precautionary statements (P‑codes) list heat sources to avoid and handling notes – these confirm a flammability classification.
Net quantity and package markings: the can’s declared net mass (e.g., 150 g, 300 g) appears on the label. Transport or handling markings may include “LTD QTY” or a limited quantity mark. When net mass is listed per can, multiply by number of cans to assess aggregate quantity; if uncertain, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or manufacturer technical data.
Practical decoding example: label text “UN1950 AEROSOLS, 2.1, NET 250 g, H222, H229, Danger, GHS02” decodes as follows – UN1950 = aerosol packaging; 2.1 = flammable gas division; NET 250 g = declared fill; H222/H229 = extremely flammable and pressurised container; GHS02 and “Danger” = clear flammability hazard.
For product-specific confirmation refer to the SDS or supplier declaration; for related equipment that may use pressurized sprays see best pressure washer for cleaning patio slabs.
| UN number | Shipping name | Typical division | Key label elements | Common H‑statements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UN1950 | AEROSOLS | 2.1 / 2.2 / 2.3 (depends on formulation) | UN1950 text, division number, GHS pictogram(s), net weight in g or mL, “Danger”/”Warning” | H222, H223, H229 (pressurised container) |
Quantity and concentration limits for flammable spray cans in aircraft hold
Recommendation: do not pack flammable pressurised spray cans in the aircraft hold unless each container and the total per passenger comply with IATA/ICAO Dangerous Goods limits – maximum net quantity per item 0.5 kg (500 mL) and maximum aggregate net quantity per passenger 2 kg (net hazardous content, propellant included).
How limits are measured: net quantity equals the mass or volume of hazardous substance inside the container, excluding outer packaging; for liquids use the declared fill volume on the can (mL). When multiple cans are present, add net quantities to determine the aggregate per-passenger total.
Concentration rules: regulatory classification (Division 2.1 versus 2.2) is based on standardized flammability tests and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), not a single universal percentage. Products labeled UN1950 that carry a flame pictogram or Division 2.1 designation must be treated as flammable and are subject to the PI 203/packing instruction limits noted above; if SDS indicates highly volatile solvents or flammable propellants, airlines frequently prohibit carriage in the hold.
Airline and national variations: some carriers ban all flammable spray cans from hold stowage regardless of size; certain states apply stricter national rules. Confirm the operator’s dangerous-goods policy before travel; excess or noncompliant items can be refused at check-in or confiscated at the gate.
Packing and mitigating steps: place permitted cans upright inside sealed, impact-resistant containers and cushion them against crushing and heat. Use sturdy travel gear designed for secure transport of hazard-prone items – see best luggage for international travel to germany for models that resist compression and puncture.
Damage control and minor repairs: avoid attempting to reseal punctured spray cans; instead remove noncompliant or damaged items before air transport. For torn protective shells or fabric compartments on backpacks and cases use high-bond adhesives and patch kits as a temporary measure – see best glue for patches on backpack.
Final check: verify UN number and division on the product label or SDS, calculate total net hazardous quantity per passenger, and obtain carrier confirmation when in doubt.
Packing, protecting and declaring permitted flammable aerosols in hold baggage
Follow IATA Packing Instruction 203: UN1950 classification, non‑refillable containers only; maximum 0.5 kg net content per can and 2 kg net aggregate per passenger; valves must be protected against accidental discharge and product must not be leaking.
Packing and protection
1. Retain original retail packaging and all manufacturer labels; missing actuator caps must be replaced or the valve taped over and a protective cap fitted.
2. Place each can inside a clear, sealable polyethylene bag (minimum 1 L). If liquid content is present, add an absorbent pad inside the bag to trap any leakage.
3. Cushion each sealed bag using clothing, foam or bubble wrap. Position aerosol items at the bag centre, away from hard sides and rigid items to reduce impact and piercing risk.
4. Use a hard‑sided outer case when possible and avoid packing near batteries or other heat‑generating items. Store at ambient temperatures; do not expose to temperatures above 50 °C or direct sunlight.
5. Limit the number of cans per compartment to prevent valve damage during handling; avoid loose placement where movement could cause friction or actuator compression.
Declaration and documentation
Items within the PI 203 limits do not normally require a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods, but carriers may request confirmation. If any single can exceeds 0.5 kg net or the total exceeds 2 kg net, the consignment must be handled as dangerous goods: complete a Shipper’s Declaration, use approved DG packaging and labels, and move the shipment via airline cargo under applicable DG procedures.
Carry a copy of the product label and the MSDS/technical data sheet for each aerosol; present these at check‑in on request. Expect security inspection and possible removal if packaging is damaged, labels missing or leakage detected.
How to check airline and country variations and actions when a pressurized spray container is discovered at security
Immediate instruction: consult the carrier’s dangerous-goods page and the departure and arrival national aviation authority sites, carry the product label plus Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and obtain written airline approval before attempting transport of pressurised spray containers in hold baggage.
Checklist for carrier and national-rule verification: 1) record product brand, net quantity per container (mL or g) and total quantity; 2) copy the UN number or note “no UN number” if absent; 3) identify propellant type (e.g., butane, propane, CO2) and percentage of flammable constituents; 4) capture photos of label pictograms and batch code; 5) submit those details to the carrier’s Dangerous Goods (DG) officer by email and request a written reply that explicitly authorises carriage under the stated conditions.
Where to look: carrier web pages titled “dangerous goods”, “baggage restrictions” or “special items”; national aviation authority guidance (examples: FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, CAA UK); airport security or checkpoint FAQs; customs/transport ministry advisories for arrival country. For multi-leg journeys, obtain written confirmation from every operating carrier and verify transit-country acceptance rules.
How to format a carrier query: use subject “DG query – pressurised spray container”, include product name, UN number, SDS link or attachment, net quantity per unit, number of units, intended routing (departure–transit–arrival), and a request for written confirmation stating whether carriage in hold baggage under the provided data is permitted or prohibited.
If a pressurised spray container is discovered at a security checkpoint: do not open, puncture or otherwise tamper. Present the printed SDS and product label immediately. Request that a security supervisor or the carrier’s DG officer attend for inspection. If the item must be surrendered, request a written receipt listing item description, time, officer name and badge number and the reason for surrender.
Acceptable outcomes at checkpoint typically include one of three options: return the item to a vehicle outside secured area, authorised transfer to hold baggage only if the carrier and airport procedures allow and paperwork is completed, or disposal by security. If transfer to hold baggage is offered, insist on written confirmation from the airline that the item has been accepted for transport and obtain a reference number.
Recordkeeping and escalation: keep copies of all emails, the SDS, the written receipt or refusal notice and contact details of the DG officer. If the carrier refuses acceptance despite prior written approval, escalate to the airline’s customer-relations office and the national aviation authority, attaching the original airline approval and checkpoint documentation.
Practical precaution: avoid attempting transport unless written airline approval exists; that reduces the likelihood of confiscation, fines or travel delay.
