Michael Turner
Keep solid sticks or roll-on antiperspirants in your carry-on; aerosol or pump sprays are permitted only in containers of 100 ml or less and must fit inside a single transparent resealable 1‑litre plastic bag, presented separately at security.
Solids (stick format) are treated as non-liquid items and do not fall under the 100 ml restriction. Liquids, gels and aerosols – including roll-ons, sprays and pump bottles – are each limited to 100 ml (or 100 g) per container; the total set of permitted containers must fit comfortably within a 1‑litre clear bag (one bag per passenger).
Medical and infant care items that exceed 100 ml may be allowed through security if reasonable proof or documentation is available (prescription, child travel evidence). Duty‑free purchases in tamper‑evident bags with receipts are acceptable for onward carriage, but transfer through additional security checks or connecting carriers can require repackaging to meet local rules.
Practical checklist: measure container volumes and replace missing labels, transfer liquids into travel-sized bottles labeled with capacity, place the clear bag in an outer pocket for easy removal at screening, prefer solid stick format when possible, and pack larger aerosol cans in checked baggage to avoid confiscation at the checkpoint.
Cabin allowance for antiperspirants on BA
Prefer solid-stick or roll-on antiperspirants for carry-on; sprays and liquids must be in containers of 100 ml (100 g) or less and all fit inside a single transparent resealable 1‑litre bag (approximately 20 × 20 cm). Only one such bag permitted per passenger.
- Solid sticks and powders: not subject to the liquids limit; stow in cabin without placing in the 1‑litre bag.
- Roll-on and liquid formulas: each container ≤100 ml and placed inside the sealed 1‑litre clear bag.
- Aerosol body sprays/antiperspirants: treat as liquids for cabin screening – containers must be ≤100 ml and in the 1‑litre bag.
- Items exceeding 100 ml: transfer to checked/hold baggage or discard before security; oversized cabin items will be confiscated at the checkpoint.
Checked/hold baggage guidance
- Pressurised aerosols for personal care are generally allowed in checked baggage if each container does not exceed 500 ml (or 500 g) net and the total net quantity of such aerosols per passenger does not exceed 2 kg.
- Flammable or self‑defence sprays (pepper, mace, etc.) are prohibited in both cabin and hold.
- Ensure caps are secure and place items in sealed plastic or a toiletry pouch to limit spill risk.
Practical screening tips
- Place the 1‑litre liquids bag in the top of hand baggage or in a separate tray during security screening for quick inspection.
- Labelled travel-size packaging speeds up checks; remove damaged or leaking containers prior to arrival at the airport.
- If carrying prescription or medically necessary sprays, carry supporting documentation and notify security staff in advance.
Permitted formats in cabin bags – aerosol, roll-on, stick, gel, cream
Short answer: Aerosols, roll-ons, gels and creams must follow the liquids rule: each container ≤ 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and all liquid-type items fit inside a single clear resealable bag of maximum 1 litre. Solid sticks are treated as solids and generally exempt from the 100 ml/1-litre requirement.
Aerosols, roll-ons, gels and creams (liquid/gel category)
Each aerosol, pump spray, roll-on, gel tube or cream tub intended for personal use must be ≤ 100 ml (3.4 fl oz). All such items must be placed together inside one transparent resealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre; only one bag allowed per passenger at security. Containers should be sealed and protected against accidental discharge; aerosols require intact caps and a secure valve. Products that list compressed gas or flammable propellant may face additional carrier or airport restrictions – check the operator’s guidance before travel.
Solid sticks and stick-format products
Solid stick formats (dry solid bars or solid sticks) are treated as solids, not liquids: they may exceed 100 ml and do not need to be in the 1-litre liquids bag. Still, solids are subject to X-ray screening and may be inspected manually; large or unusual packaging can trigger additional checks.
If any item’s label or packaging is unclear (spray vs pump, gel vs solid), place it in checked baggage or purchase an in-airport replacement after security to avoid delays at the checkpoint.
How the 100ml/3.4oz liquid limit applies to spray and gel antiperspirants on BA
Store spray and gel antiperspirants in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) and place all liquid or gel items inside a single transparent resealable bag with a capacity up to 1 litre; present that bag separately at security. Any spray or gel container exceeding 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage or surrendered at the security checkpoint.
Aerosol sprays (pressurised or pump) are treated as liquids/gases for security screening and are also subject to dangerous-goods rules – propellant type can trigger additional restrictions, so select personal-care aerosols labelled for travel and ≤100 ml. Gel antiperspirants (including gel‑cream hybrids and clear gels) count as liquids; solid sticks remain outside the liquid rule and may be carried without the 1‑litre bag.
Practical handling: decant products into certified 100 ml travel containers with capacity markings; keep originals with visible volume markings to speed inspection. Place the 1‑litre bag in an easily accessible outer pocket of the cabin bag to simplify removal for screening. If carrying multiple liquids, ensure combined items fit comfortably in one bag – airline staff will usually enforce the single‑bag-per‑passenger limit.
Medical or prescription sprays/gels exceeding 100 ml may be permitted if declared and supported by documentation; notify security staff at screening. Expect confiscation of large aerosols that security or cabin crew assess as hazardous.
For smoother packing and weight checks, choose cabin equipment with organised external pockets such as best luggage with double spinner wheels, and verify checked-bag weight with a reliable scale like best luggage scale canada.
Pack roll-on and solid sticks for fastest UK security checks
Place roll-on bottles inside a single clear resealable 1‑litre plastic bag near the top or in the outer pocket of the carry-on so they can be removed and shown without rummaging.
Wrap the roll-on cap with a piece of cling film and secure with tape or use a leak‑proof travel cap; decant into a travel bottle with capacity markings if the original container is bulky or unlabeled.
Keep solid sticks in a separate small pouch or the original box and stow them away from the liquids pouch; solid formats are usually inspected faster when presented separately on the tray.
Group all small toiletry items (toothpaste, roll-on, liquid spray) together so a single hand motion places the clear bag on the belt; avoid mixing these with electronics or metal objects that increase handling time.
Carry one spare resealable bag and a few paper towels to contain any spill discovered during screening; a pre-packed spare speeds replacement and avoids delays at the counter.
Label travel bottles with masking tape and pen if branding or size marks are missing; security officers inspect labeled containers more quickly than unmarked decants.
Before queuing, make sure zips are closed, lids tightly attached and the clear bag is easily reachable – ready removal typically cuts screening time by several minutes.
Options when an antiperspirant exceeds cabin liquid limits: buy airside or place in checked baggage
If the personal scent product is larger than permitted for cabin carriage, purchase the replacement in an airside duty‑free shop sealed in a Security Tamper‑Evident Bag (STEB) with the receipt visible, or put the original item into checked baggage for the flight.
Buy airside duty‑free – exact steps to follow
Purchase only after passing security (airside). Request that the item is placed in a STEB and retain the original receipt dated the same day; keep the bag sealed until reaching the final aircraft. Present the STEB and receipt if asked during transfer checks.
Confirm transfer requirements before buying: if a connection involves an extra security screening (common at some hubs or on US‑bound itineraries), sealed duty‑free liquids may be subject to additional checks or restrictions. When in doubt, check the transfer airport’s policy or ask the shop staff whether the STEB is accepted for the planned connection.
For smaller airports or last‑minute needs, compare prices and brands between airside shops; some outlets sell travel‑size antiperspirants that avoid STEB complications and can be carried in the cabin without special packaging.
Checked baggage – packing and policy checklist
Before checking the bag, review the carrier’s regulated items page for aerosols and pressurised containers; many airlines permit personal care aerosols in hold baggage but set per‑item or total limits and may prohibit certain flammable formulations. If the product contains a flammable propellant, declare it at check‑in when requested.
Packing technique: place the container upright in a sealed plastic bag, tape the cap or use a protective cap, surround with soft clothing for cushioning, and place in the centre of the suitcase to minimise impact. Include absorbent material (e.g., a small towel) to contain any leak. Photograph the item and label of any expensive product in case of damage or loss.
Weight and fee considerations: confirm checked bag weight allowances before flight to avoid overweight charges; if excess weight would be caused by moving multiple items into the hold, consider buying a single travel‑size at the airport instead. If carrying valuable or fragile scent items, consider shipping via courier as an alternative to placing them in hold baggage.
Differences in antiperspirant carriage rules on international flights and connecting airports with BA
Recommendation: for international transfers on BA, store aerosols and gels over 100 ml in checked baggage; keep all liquids and sprays at or below 100 ml each inside a single transparent resealable 1-litre bag for cabin carriage; retain any duty-free tamper-evident bag (STEB) and the original receipt if the item exceeds the liquid limit.
Security checkpoints at origin, transit and arrival follow local civil aviation/security authority rules rather than airline policy alone. Key variance occurs when a transfer involves re-screening of cabin items (common at US entry points and some Asian hubs): items that passed screening at the first airport may be subject to the transit airport’s 3.4 oz / 100 ml rule if carry-on is rechecked or re-screened.
Duty-free purchases often travel under special conditions: a sealed STEB plus receipt usually preserves a larger aerosol or gel for onward cabin carriage within many regions, but that protection may be void if the transfer requires a full security screening or entry into the country (customs/immigration). For a primer on national controls affecting movement of goods through borders, consult how can a country regulate imports and exports.
Operational tips for transfers: check whether the transit airport performs an additional security screening or a sterile-area transfer; if re-screening is required, place oversized aerosols/gels in checked baggage or request the retailer to pack the purchase for final-destination collection where offered; keep solids and roll-ons in cabin-accessible pockets for quick secondary screening.
| Transit hub | Typical screening behaviour | Duty-free >100 ml accepted for transfer? | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow (LHR) | Standard EU/UK 100 ml rule; most transfers remain airside without re-screening | Usually yes if in sealed STEB with receipt and not opened | Keep STEB visible and receipts accessible; ask transfer staff if flight requires exit and re-entry through security |
| Schengen hubs (e.g., AMS) | Schengen rules apply; transfers inside Schengen typically no re-screen | Often yes within EU transfers when STEB intact | Confirm whether onward sector leaves Schengen – if so, expect standard screening |
| United States (e.g., JFK) | TSA enforces 3.4 oz / 100 ml strictly; international arrivals are often re-screened after customs | Rarely – risk high even with STEB if final sector is to the US | Place larger aerosols/gels in checked baggage before US entry; buy at final US airport after clearing security |
| Middle East hubs (DXB, DOH) | Typically allow STEB for many transfers, but policies differ by onward destination | Possible for many interline transfers when sealed | If connecting to a jurisdiction with strict limits, check with transfer desk or gate staff |
| Asia-Pacific (SIN, NRT) | Many airports accept STEB for intra-hub transfers; re-screening policies vary | Conditional – accepted if STEB intact and no re-screen | Verify whether final-leg security will inspect cabin bags; when in doubt, check the item or buy after security |
FAQ:
Can I take a spray or aerosol deodorant in my hand luggage on British Airways?
Yes. Spray and aerosol deodorants are treated as liquids/pressurised containers at airport security, so each container must be 100 ml (or 100 g) or smaller and fit inside your single transparent resealable plastic bag (maximum capacity 1 litre). If the can is larger than 100 ml security will usually remove it at the checkpoint, so pack larger cans in checked baggage or buy a travel-size at your destination.
Do solid stick deodorants need to go in the 1-litre liquids bag for carry-on?
No. Solid stick deodorants are not classed as liquids and can be carried in your hand luggage without placing them in the 1-litre liquids bag. Roll-on products, gels or sprays are liquids and must meet the 100 ml rule and be inside the resealable bag. Keep that bag easily reachable for security checks to speed up the process.
What happens if my deodorant is over the allowed size at security, and is it safe to put spare aerosol cans in checked baggage?
If your deodorant exceeds the permitted size when you reach the security checkpoint staff will normally confiscate it; some airports offer a disposal or return-to-car option but that is not guaranteed. For checked baggage many airlines accept larger aerosol containers, but there are restrictions on quantity and on certain flammable or pressurised items. To avoid issues, check British Airways’ baggage and dangerous goods guidance before travel and, if needed, place extra cans in hold luggage only after confirming allowed limits. As a practical alternative, buy small travel-size sprays or stick deodorants for cabin carriage or purchase replacements at your destination.
