About Aerosols
Aerosol Travel Tips
Time was when hand luggage was, well, handy. Now what you can and can’t take aboard a flight is fraught with confusion. Aerosols in particular are often cause for confusion as airlines have stringent rules because by their very nature aerosol products contain flammable liquids. They are perfectly safe but you must stick to some basic safety rules.
So here are your tips for aerosols in the air... and some of the other essentials we need to think about when packing.
- Aerosols - like other products in liquid form - are restricted to 100ml (3oz) or smaller containers, so any larger aerosols will need to go in your luggage in the hold.
- This means the size of the container when full, so you cannot take a larger used aerosol and claim only 100ml is left.
- Before the increased security measures were introduced, travellers were allowed to take personal care and medical aerosols of up to 500ml each in hand luggage, up to a total of 2 litres. Aerosols of this size are still fine in hold luggage but always remember to make sure the cap is secure and can’t come off during the flight.
All aerosols and other liquids that are to be taken in hand luggage must be placed in a single, re-sealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm (e.g. a freezer bag). Each traveller can use only one of these so you can only take as much as will fit into one bag.
- If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, you must place them in your checked-in luggage.
- Each traveller must remove their bag containing liquids from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow security officers to examine the declared items more easily.
- There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Any aerosol or other liquid products you buy at the airport once you have been through the airport security checks are also allowed- but remember you might not be able to bring them back in again if they are larger than 100ml.
- If you want to stay on the right side of the carry-on regulations, take the following guidelines into account: Check the luggage rules imposed by your airline and, if you've booked a package holiday, your tour operator. These should be on their websites.
- One way round the issue of weight allowances is to spread the weight around everyone in your party (check the carry-on allowance for children and infants).
- Visit the Department for Transport website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/ for further information.
- The only types of aerosols permitted on a plane are toiletries and medical items. If for example you are travelling to paint the family villa in Spain or glue the shelving in the Tuscan farmhouse, it’s best to buy your aerosol DIY goods there: taking them with you on the plane isn’t permitted.
- Flying can really dehydrate your skin. You can however pack a handy sized cooling water spray to keep cool in your seat and moisturise your skin. There are several good pocket sized products on the market.
- Ensure your make-up and toiletries are securely fastened to avoid those annoying spillages. You could secure lids with sticky tape or pack lotions before placing them in your luggage.
- Remember less is more. Don’t pack your suitcase to the limit as you won’t have a forklift truck to carry your cases. Many aerosol toiletries now come in handy sized travel packs to ease your load and make sure you stay feeling clean and fresh.
Disclaimer. These details are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of issue. Please check with your airline before travel.