If you are one of many passengers who like to take your signature scent along with you when you travel, you’ll want to know if you can bring cologne on a plane under a variety of scenarios.
In short, you can bring cologne (and perfume) on a plane in your carry on bags if it is in a container that is less than or equal to 3.4 oz/100 ml.
If packed in your checked bags, the container must not exceed 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
This rule states that passengers are allowed to travel with a container of liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag, just as long as each container is no larger than 3.4 ounces and is placed in a 1 quart-sized resalable bag.
As cologne is considered a liquid, this means that you are allowed to pack it in your carry-on as long as the container does not exceed 3.4 oz/100ml.
Bringing Cologne in Your Checked Bag
Many passengers think that there are no limits when packing liquids, gels, and aerosols in their checked bags.
However, the TSA states that for toiletries, the “aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).”
Considering that most cologne is sold in bottles much smaller than 17 fluid ounces, this is unlikely to ever be a problem for most passengers.
Cologne Regulations for International Flights
Again, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, from or to the USA, makes no differences.
Airports and airlines around the world adhere to the rule that you can only bring cologne on a plane in your carry on bags if the container does not exceed 3.4 oz/100ml.
Cologne Regulations By Airline
Whether you’re flying with American Airlines, United, Spirit, Southwest, JetBlue, or any other airline, makes no difference.
All airlines follow the TSA guidelines that state that you can only bring cologne on a plane in your carry on bags if the container does not exceed 3.4 oz/100ml.
You Can Bring a Glass Cologne Bottle in Your Carry On
The material of the bottle, whether it be plastic or glass, makes no difference to bringing cologne on your next flight when it comes to it either being allowed or not.
However, how you pack the bottle of cologne will be different.
Rules for Duty-Free Cologne
If you want to buy cologne after you pass through airport security, the good news is that you are not limited to TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
In other words, you can buy any bottle of cologne that is over 3.4 ounces/100ml and have no problem bringing it on a plane.
This is because cologne sold in duty-free shops once you pass airport security qualify as STEB items (secure, tamper-evident bags purchased at the airport).
How to Pack Cologne for Flying
If you are planning on packing your cologne in your carry-on bag, make sure that you follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
In other words, make sure that the bottle of cologne does not exceed 3.4 oz/100ml, and then place it inside a clear quart-size sealable bag.
If you are planning on packing your cologne in your checked bag, you’ll want to take precautions, so the bottle doesn’t break (if it is glass) and doesn’t leak.
We would therefore advise placing the bottle in a sealable bag, away from your other toiletries in case of leaks.
Place the bag within your layers of soft clothing or in bubble wrap to ensure that the bottle won’t break.
What Else You Should Know About Bringing Cologne On a Plane
The above information is all you need to know about bringing cologne on a plane and having it safely arrive at your destination.
However, there are a couple other important considerations.
While not adhering to the following won’t get you into trouble, it’s always a good idea to be courteous to the cabin crew and passengers.
Avoid wearing cologne on the plane – As much as 30% of the population find scented products on others irritating.
Don’t spray cologne on the plane – Spraying cologne on the plane is unlikely to endear you to your follow passengers and the cabin crew.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
