Michael Turner
Recommendation: Place all pressurised spray containers no larger than 100 ml into a single transparent resealable bag (maximum 1 litre) and present that bag separately at security when carrying them in a cabin bag.
Common personal-care spray items such as deodorant, shaving foam, hair spray normally qualify under the cabin liquids rule if each container is 100 ml or less. Containers labelled with flammable propellant or a hazardous-goods symbol are treated as dangerous goods and are often prohibited from both cabin and hold; avoid packing industrial or solvent-based sprays unless explicit airline guidance permits them.
Practical measures: transfer contents into certified travel-size bottles, keep original caps and labels, and keep sprays in an easily accessible compartment for screening. Medicinal sprays or infant-care liquids may exceed 100 ml if needed for the flight, but they must be presented for inspection and, if requested, supported by documentation or prescription.
For items exceeding cabin limits, place them in checked baggage only if the carrier’s dangerous-goods rules allow it; consult the airline’s official dangerous-goods page or contact customer support before departure. Follow airport security instructions to prevent confiscation and avoid delays.
Carry-on rules for pressurized spray products with the Irish carrier
Pack only pressurised spray containers of 100 ml (100 g) or less in carry-on; combine all such items into a single transparent resealable plastic bag (maximum capacity 1 litre) and present it separately at security.
Typical permitted items: deodorant sprays, shaving foam, hair spray, sunscreen spray and insect repellent – each container must show a capacity label ≤100 ml/100 g. Replace larger cans with travel-size pump alternatives when possible.
Medical and infant exemptions: prescription inhalers and medically required sprays may exceed 100 ml if accompanied by a prescription or supporting documentation; declare these items at screening. Breast milk, formula and sterilised water for infants are allowed in reasonable quantities and may be subject to inspection.
Duty-free purchases: liquids and sprays bought after security can exceed 100 ml only if placed in a tamper-evident sealed bag with an itemised receipt visible; keep the seal intact until final destination. When connecting through additional security checkpoints, restrictions from the transfer airport may apply – keep receipts and ask staff.
Checked-baggage guidance: larger pressurised cans are generally placed in checked bags subject to dangerous-goods limits; many products with flammable propellants are restricted or forbidden in either cabin or hold. Protect valves and caps, wrap cans in absorbent material and double-bag to minimise leak damage.
Screening outcomes: containers exceeding cabin size limits are liable to confiscation at the checkpoint without compensation. Verify the carrier’s current carry-on and dangerous-goods pages before travelling to confirm permitted propellant types and per-item or per-passenger quantity caps.
Quick checklist: each spray ≤100 ml; all sprays inside single 1 L clear resealable bag; declare and document medical sprays/inhalers; keep duty-free sealed with receipt; stow larger pressurised items in checked baggage only after confirming airline restrictions.
Cabin spray limits for the Irish carrier: allowed container size and quantity
Allowed: individual pressurised spray containers must not exceed 100 ml each; all containers must fit inside a single transparent, resealable 1‑litre plastic bag; only one such bag per passenger is permitted at security screening.
Quantity is therefore dictated by the 1‑litre bag capacity rather than a fixed item count – expect to fit roughly 5–8 small travel cans depending on shape. Non‑spray toiletries (roll‑ons, sticks, powders) are not subject to the liquid/spray bag limit.
Products carrying flammable, corrosive or other dangerous‑goods markings are prohibited in the cabin; many pressurised sprays with combustible propellants fall into that category. Check the product label and safety data; if labelled hazardous, do not place in carry‑on.
Medical liquids and baby milk/food over 100 ml are exempt from the 1‑litre rule but must be declared and presented separately at security; carry supporting documentation (prescription, parental items) when applicable.
Checked baggage rules differ: typical dangerous‑goods guidance allows non‑flammable personal spray items up to 0.5 kg per container with an aggregate limit around 2 kg per passenger in the hold, but allowances vary – confirm with the carrier before packing.
Packing tips: transfer products into clearly labelled 100‑ml travel bottles, place the sealed 1‑litre bag in an easy‑to‑access pocket for screening, prefer non‑spray formats where possible, and consult the carrier or airport security for any borderline items.
How the 100 ml/100 g liquids rule applies to pressurised spray containers in cabin
Passengers must present only pressurised spray containers with a marked capacity of 100 ml or 100 g or less, all placed inside a single transparent, resealable 1‑litre plastic bag and shown separately at security.
The limit refers to the container’s printed maximum capacity, not the remaining content: a 150 ml spray that is half‑empty remains disallowed for cabin carriage. Check markings for “ml” or “g” on the label; where grams are used, the 100 g threshold applies.
Flammability and dangerous goods treatment
Items labelled flammable, combustible or carrying UN hazardous‑goods numbers are subject to stricter rules. Personal care sprays without flammable propellants typically qualify under the 100‑unit cabin rule; sprays containing butane, propane or similar propellants may be prohibited from carry‑on and might only be accepted in checked baggage within specific quantity limits or not at all. Consult the airline’s dangerous‑goods guidance before packing such products.
Practical screening steps
Fit protective caps, ensure the resealable bag closes fully and place it at the top of carry‑on for separate X‑ray inspection. If unsure about a product’s status, purchase travel‑size versions after security or stow larger items in checked baggage if permitted. Prescription inhalers are exempt but should be declared and accompanied by documentation.
Place each pressurised spray in a single transparent 1‑litre resealable bag with labels facing up and protective caps taped shut.
Use food‑grade zippered clear bags (max 1 L) so security can visually inspect contents without opening. Keep only one layer of spray canisters per bag; avoid folding or overfilling the pouch.
Labeling
Keep original manufacturer labels fully visible. If text is worn, attach a small waterproof sticker showing product name and volume in mL. For flammable or pressurised formulas add the hazard pictogram from the original packaging or a brief note: “flammable” or “pressurised”. For prescription sprays place prescription paperwork alongside the item inside the clear bag.
Placement & handling
Pack the sealed clear bag in the top compartment or an external pocket of the carry‑on for instant access at security checkpoints; present as a single item when requested. Position cans upright to reduce valve stress and surround each can with a single sheet of absorbent paper towel to contain leaks. For extra leakage protection, double‑bag high‑risk cans: inner clear bag for display, outer sealed bag for containment.
| Action | Reason | How |
|---|---|---|
| Use 1‑litre clear resealable bag | Quick visual inspection | Single ziplock pouch, transparent |
| Keep labels visible | Speeds up screening | Face text outward; add sticker if faded |
| Secure cap and tape valve | Prevents accidental discharge | Snap cap on, wrap a strip of clear tape across valve |
| Place on top of contents | Easier removal for officers | Outer pocket or top compartment of carry‑on |
| Double‑bag high‑risk items | Contain spills | Inner display bag + outer sealed bag with absorbent pad |
| Carry prescription proof for medical sprays | Facilitates exception handling | Prescription paper inside the clear bag |
Restricted or prohibited spray products: flammable sprays, self-defence sprays, compressed gas
Recommendation: flammable propellant spray cans, self-defence (OC/pepper) sprays and high‑pressure gas cylinders must not be carried in cabin baggage; these items are typically banned from the cabin and are restricted or forbidden in checked baggage unless explicitly approved by the carrier and transported as dangerous goods under formal approval.
Specific prohibited categories:
– Flammable-propellant sprays: products containing butane, propane, isobutane or other flammable propellants (examples: many spray paints, spray adhesive, solvent-based hair sprays and some deodorants). Classified as flammable aerosol hazards and usually excluded from cabin carriage; some carriers allow them in the hold only under strict dangerous‑goods limits and declaration.
– Self-defence sprays: pepper/OC sprays, mace and equivalent incapacitating agents are prohibited both in the cabin and in checked baggage on nearly all airlines and at most airports; possession can result in confiscation and legal penalties.
– High‑pressure gas cylinders and cartridges: CO2 cartridges, compressed air cylinders for inflators, paintball/airgun canisters and similar pressurised containers are restricted; many carriers forbid them unless empty, valve‑disabled and declared, or unless specific DG approval is granted.
Permitted exceptions and documentation: medical inhalers, EpiPens and other medically prescribed metered‑dose delivery devices are generally allowed but require original prescription or packaging and presentation at screening when requested. For any spray or pressurised product requiring special handling, obtain written airline approval or a Dangerous Goods acceptance from the carrier, and have the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) and UN number available for inspection.
Actions before travel: check the carrier’s dangerous‑goods page and the national aviation authority rules for the departure country; if approval is required, contact the airline’s DG office with product details (description, UN number, net quantity, propellant type) and secure written acceptance. For bulky child equipment or stroller alternatives related to travel gear see best all terrain umbrella stroller and best umbrella bracket for heavy.
Duty‑free spray purchases: sealed bag rules, connecting flights and Irish carrier policy
Only accept duty‑free spray purchases placed inside a Security Tamper‑Evident Bag (STEB) with the point‑of‑sale receipt sealed inside and the purchase date visible; if a connection requires re‑screening at any point, place the item in checked baggage before departure from the initial airport.
Security Tamper‑Evident Bag (STEB) – exact requirements
- STEB must be fully sealed by the retailer; seal breakage typically voids permission to board with the item.
- Receipt must be inside the STEB and clearly show time/date of purchase and item description; some retailers stamp the bag with expiry (commonly 24–48 hours).
- Retailer-issued label or printed warning about transit/rescreening responsibility should be present; retain this as proof.
- STEB duration varies by operator: assume up to 48 hours unless a shorter period is printed on the bag or receipt.
Connections and transit screening – when the sealed bag stays valid
- Seal remains valid if the entire transfer happens inside the airside/sterile zone with no requirement to re‑clear security or pass through immigration to landside.
- Seal will be invalidated if a transfer requires leaving airside, changing terminals that require re‑entry through security, or routing through a country with mandatory re‑screen on transfer.
- US‑bound itineraries: permitted only when the STEB and receipt remain inside the sterile zone until final boarding; preclearance airports (e.g., Dublin US preclearance) may simplify compliance, but confirmation at point of sale is essential.
- If a transfer involves presenting to security staff or passing through an exit to landside, expect confiscation unless the item is moved to hold baggage.
The Irish carrier policy mirrors EU/IATA and airport security rules: retailers must issue a sealed STEB and receipt, while responsibility for whether the item will reach final destination in cabin rests with the passenger. Airline or airport staff may require placement in checked baggage when re‑screening is necessary.
- Ask the duty‑free clerk before purchase whether the transfer route requires re‑screening; request a STEB and keep the receipt inside.
- If the itinerary includes a terminal change, exiting to landside, or transfer through an airport known for mandatory re‑screening, consign the item to checked baggage at the first check‑in point.
- For multi‑carrier itineraries, confirm with the operating carrier for each flight segment whether the STEB will be honoured across the connection.
- If uncertain, defer the purchase of pressurised spray products until arrival at destination or place in hold baggage immediately.
If a spray can is stopped at security: disposal, gate‑check and steps to recover value
Surrender the pressurised can at the checkpoint when requested and request a written confiscation receipt with officer name, time, location and reason for removal.
If disposal is ordered on site most airports will destroy prohibited pressurised containers; insist on a stamped destruction record or signed form and photograph the item and any labels or barcodes before surrendering.
When gate‑check is offered, obtain a gate‑check tag and a copy or photograph of that tag; confirm with the gate agent which handling company will carry the item and collect direct contact details for tracing if the canister does not arrive at destination.
Documentation required to recover monetary value: original purchase receipt, product packaging or barcode photo, confiscation/destruction form, and images showing serial numbers or batch codes. Submit all files to the airport security office and the carrier’s customer relations within the earliest available window.
Claim procedure and timelines: file a written complaint with airport security first, then with the carrier or retailer. Expect response windows of 2–6 weeks; retain proof of postage or email timestamps. If the retailer sold a prohibited product for air travel, present evidence to request refund or to initiate a payment‑provider chargeback.
Duty‑free specifics: sealed purchases with a valid retailer receipt have higher chances of refund or replacement – present the sealed bag and receipt to the duty‑free vendor or the carrier desk immediately after confiscation. If the seal is intact and rules were misapplied, escalate to the airport duty‑free manager with documented proof.
If the removed item is a cleaning spray, maintenance guidance is available here: how to clean toilet bowl scrubber.
Escalation options if frontline channels fail: lodge a complaint with the national aviation authority, open a small claims case with supporting evidence, or request a chargeback through the card issuer. Keep all correspondence, receipts and timestamps until the matter is resolved.
