Pack personal spray products in containers no larger than 100 ml each, place all containers together inside a single 1‑litre clear resealable plastic bag and present that bag separately at security for carry‑on carriage on flights operated by the Australian flag carrier.
Duty‑free sprays bought after security are permitted in the cabin only when sealed inside the tamper‑evident bag with the original receipt clearly visible; transfers through connecting airports may require retention of the sealed bag until the final boarding. Prescription inhalers and medically required pressurised devices are allowed in excess of 100 ml when supported by a prescription or medical letter; keep medication in cabin baggage and declare at screening if requested.
Flammable or industrial spray products (paints, solvent‑based sprays, oxygen‑enriched aerosols) are forbidden in both cabin and checked stowage. Non‑flammable personal care sprays that exceed the cabin size limit should be moved to checked baggage where permitted, but quantity and packaging limits may apply, so treat checked placement as a conditional option rather than a guarantee.
At security, remove the 1‑litre bag and place it in the tray for X‑ray inspection; damaged or leaking pressurised containers will be refused. For route‑specific limits, regulatory updates or unusual items (hobby sprays, fuel additives, large medical devices) consult the carrier’s official website and the departure airport security guidance before travel.
Allowed pressurised sprays in cabin carriage
Personal care pressurised spray containers are permitted in cabin when each bottle is 100 ml (100 g) or smaller and all such containers fit inside a single transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre; one bag per passenger.
Flammable or toxic spray products (including fuel, paint, most aerosols with flammable propellants and all self-defence sprays) are prohibited from the cabin. Prescription inhalers and medically necessary spray treatments are accepted outside the 100 ml limit if presented for inspection with supporting documentation.
Duty-free and connecting-flight rules
Duty-free pressurised spray purchases packed in a sealed tamper-evident bag with receipt are usually allowed through security even if larger than 100 ml, but acceptance at transfer points depends on the onward security checkpoint rules. For transit through countries with strict liquid rules, the sealed bag plus receipt must remain unopened until arrival at the final destination or the item may be confiscated.
Packing and screening recommendations
Place the transparent bag containing sprays at the top of cabin baggage for separate presentation at security. Label medicinal sprays and carry prescriptions or a clinician’s note. For larger cans intended for the hold, check the carrier’s dangerous-goods limits beforehand–many airlines restrict individual pressurised containers to about 500 g (or 500 ml) and a total net quantity per passenger around 2 kg; confirmation via the carrier’s website or customer-service line is advised. If uncertain about a specific product, declare it at the screening point to avoid delays or confiscation.
Carry-on spray limits: allowed container size and total quantity
Recommendation: place all pressurised spray products in containers no larger than 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) and consolidate them inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre bag carried in cabin baggage.
Numeric limits
- Maximum per container: 100 mL (3.4 fl oz).
- Total allowance in cabin: all liquids, gels and sprays must fit comfortably into one clear resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre (typical dimensions ~20 x 20 cm).
- Number permitted: as many items as fit within the 1-litre bag provided each is ≤100 mL.
- Checked-baggage rule of thumb: non-flammable pressurised cans are often limited to 2 kg net per passenger with individual container limits commonly 500 mL – verify the carrier’s checked-baggage policy before packing.
Exceptions and operational guidance
- Medicinal and baby-care sprays: allowed in quantities above 100 mL when required during the flight; carry a prescription or doctor’s note and present items separately at screening.
- Flammable or hazardous sprays (e.g., spray paints, fuel, butane) are prohibited in the cabin and may be restricted or forbidden in checked baggage.
- Packaging tips: screw on caps, secure actuator nozzles with tape or plastic wrap, place the resealable bag near the top of the carry item for quick inspection.
- Organisation suggestion: choose a cabin bag with an external pocket or dedicated clear pouch to keep the resealable 1-litre bag accessible – best bag for work and gym.
Which spray items are allowed or prohibited in the carrier carry‑on
Carry only personal-care pressurised spray products that meet security liquid rules; leave flammable, toxic and self‑defence sprays out of both cabin and checked baggage unless explicit airline approval is obtained.
Allowed (common examples with caveats)
Deodorant sprays, hairspray, shaving foam and spray sunscreen – permitted in cabin if they comply with airport security liquid limits and packing rules; larger containers should be placed in checked baggage where allowed.
Perfume and cologne bought in duty‑free can exceed cabin size limits when kept in an intact tamper‑evident bag with receipt showing same‑day purchase.
Medicinal inhalers, prescription nasal sprays and metered dose inhalers – allowed in cabin; carry prescription or supporting documentation and declare at security if requested.
Baby care sprays and necessary infant medication – treated as exempt from standard size restrictions when required during the journey; keep documentation and separate for screening.
Prohibited or strictly restricted
Pepper spray, mace, tear gas and other self‑defence sprays – banned from both cabin and checked compartments under security and weapons regulations.
Flammable gas canisters and fuel refills (butane, propane, lighter refills), spray paint, industrial solvents and other combustible spray products – prohibited from carriage in any form.
Nitrous oxide cartridges, oxygen cylinders and other compressed gas cylinders – require prior airline approval and relevant documentation if medical; most recreational gas cartridges are not permitted.
Toxic or corrosive spray substances and pressurised containers intended for industrial use – forbidden from passenger baggage.
Checked‑baggage note: non‑flammable personal‑care pressurised sprays are commonly limited to a net mass of 0.5 kg (500 g) per item and a combined total not exceeding 2 kg per passenger under international dangerous‑goods rules; confirm carrier policy before packing. Declare medical sprays at screening and obtain airline approval for any medical gas cylinders or unusual items.
How to pack, label and present pressurised spray products at airline security checkpoints
Store all pressurised spray containers in a single clear resealable 1‑litre plastic bag; each container must be 100 ml (100 ml = 3.4 fl oz) or smaller and the bag must be removed from cabin baggage for separate screening.
Packing and containment
Use original caps and secure lids with tape or a small zip tie to prevent accidental discharge. Place cans upright inside the resealable bag and double-bag fragile or leaking items. Keep the bag near the top of carry-on baggage so it can be removed quickly; if items exceed 100 ml, transfer them to checked baggage or surrender them at the checkpoint.
Labeling, documentation and medical exceptions
Leave original manufacturer labels visible; supplement with a waterproof sticker showing product name and volume if labels are worn. For prescription inhalers, medicated nasal sprays or clinically required therapeutic sprays, carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note and present these items separately during screening – medical devices are typically processed outside the 100 ml restriction but must be declared to security staff.
At screening, present the clear bag separately and place it in a dedicated tray for X-ray inspection. Expect officers to open resealable bags for additional screening, to swab containers, or to inspect valves; cooperate and keep receipts or purchase records accessible if custody of an item is questioned. Do not attempt to bypass valve safeties or overpack cans beside sharp objects.
Flammable, oxidising, self‑defence and industrial spray formulations (eg, butane, mace, pepper sprays, aerosol paints) are refused in cabin and often in checked baggage; consult the carrier’s hazardous goods guidance before travel. Combine bulky travel items with folding aids when planning cabin carriage – for example, see best umbrella stroller to travel with cabin for compact stroller options that free up internal space for compliant packing.
If pressurised sprays exceed limits: gate-checking, checked baggage and alternatives
Present oversized pressurised spray containers at the gate for possible gate-checking; if gate staff accept the item it will receive a tag and be placed in the aircraft hold, otherwise move the product into checked baggage or swap for a non-pressurised substitute before boarding.
Gate-check process: arrive early, declare the spray before boarding starts, keep original cap and label for inspection, accept a gate tag and any boarding-note issued. Gate-checked sprays will be inaccessible during flight and may be refused at the agent’s discretion if classified as flammable or hazardous.
Checked-baggage limits (IATA-aligned guidance): personal-care pressurised sprays typically permitted in the hold with a per-container net quantity up to 0.5 kg (500 g) and an aggregate allowance per passenger of 2 kg; products containing flammable propellants, spray paints, fuels or self-defence agents are forbidden in both cabin and hold. Confirm carrier-specific policy before departure.
Packing for the hold: immobilise the actuator (tape over nozzle and leave the protective cap in place), double-bag inside a sealed polyethylene pouch, cushion the item centrally inside the suitcase away from sharp objects and batteries, keep manufacturer label and proof-of-purchase accessible in case of inspection, and declare at check-in if requested.
Practical alternatives when carriage is not permitted: switch to pump-spray or roll-on formats, use solid sticks or cream formulations, decant product into compliant ≤100 ml bottles for cabin carriage, or purchase at destination or airport post-security. For small-item storage and memory needs while traveling consult best digital camera compact flash card.
Scenario | Gate-check allowed? | Recommended action |
---|---|---|
Personal-care, non-flammable pressurised spray >100 ml | Usually yes (subject to checked-hold rules) | Declare at gate; gate-check if accepted; otherwise pack into checked baggage per packing rules |
Flammable spray (spray paint, butane, fuels) | No | Do not present at gate; arrange freight or purchase at destination |
Self-defence sprays (OC/pepper) | No | Prohibited for passenger transport; seek legal alternatives or courier services |
FAQ:
Can I take aerosol deodorant or hairspray in my Qantas carry-on?
Yes. Small pressurised cans of personal care aerosols can be carried in hand baggage if each container is 100 ml (or 100 g) or less and all liquid-type items fit inside a single transparent resealable bag (maximum 1 litre). You must present that bag separately at the security checkpoint. Aerosols that are classed as hazardous (for example some flammable or toxic sprays) may be refused for the cabin, so check Qantas’ and airport security guidance before you travel.
Which aerosol items are not allowed in cabin luggage on Qantas?
Prohibited items typically include self-defence sprays, spray paints, certain insecticides and other aerosols classified as dangerous goods because of flammability or toxicity. Any pressurised can that exceeds the 100 ml/100 g carry-on limit must not be in hand baggage. Some toiletry aerosols and medical inhalers are permitted if they meet size limits or are supported by medical documentation; contact Qantas or your departure airport if you are unsure about a specific product.
How should I pack aerosols for an international Qantas flight and what will happen at security and check-in?
For cabin carriage, place each aerosol container no larger than 100 ml into the single 1-litre clear resealable liquids bag and keep that bag accessible for screening. At security you will need to remove the bag and place it in the screening tray. If you must bring larger aerosol cans, consider putting them in checked baggage only if the item is allowed under dangerous-goods rules; airlines set quantity and packaging limits for checked aerosols and some items are banned outright. Secure caps and cushion cans to prevent accidental discharge. For prescription inhalers or other medical aerosols, carry prescriptions or a clinician’s note and declare them if requested. Regulations can vary by country and by connecting carrier, so review Qantas’ baggage and dangerous-goods pages and ask staff at check-in if you need confirmation to avoid delays or confiscation.