Most passengers are aware that they can’t bring liquids on a plane due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, but whether you can bring hairspray on a plane often leads to confusion, partly due to the aerosol container.
In short, you can bring hairspray on a plane in both your checked bags and carry on bags, but there are some key guidelines that you need to follow for both.
Bringing hairspray on a plane in your checked baggage is fine.
However, the TSA and FAA state that if the hairspray is in an aerosol container, the “release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.”
This is because the air pressure changes where your baggage is stored can cause aerosols and pump sprays to release in flight
Bringing Hairspray in Your Carry On Bag
You can bring hairspray on a plane in your carry on bags, just as long as the container is less than or equal to 3.4 oz/100 ml.
Note that it doesn’t matter if the hairspray container is only half full. The container itself must not be any larger than 3.4 ounces/100 ml.
Additionally, the container of hairspray must fit in a sealed 1-quart, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
Whether you’re flying with Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, JetBlue or any other airline makes no difference.
All airlines follow TSA guidelines, which means that you can bring hairspray in your carry on bags if the container doesn’t exceed 3.4 oz/100ml, as well as in your checked baggage.
Domestic vs. International Flights
Again, it doesn’t matter if you’re flying domestically or internationally to Canada, Mexico, the UK, Europe, or anywhere else in the world.
Airport security in all locations worldwide have a limit for liquids in carry-on bags of 3.4 oz/100ml.
If exceeded, airport security will confiscate your hairspray.
If traveling internationally, packing hairspray in your checked luggage will also be fine.
What Size Hairspray Can You Take on a Plane?
The TSA state that all your toiletries in your checked baggage, which includes hairspray, must not exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces).
The capacity of each container must also not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
If packed in your carry on, hairspray must not exceed 3.4 oz/100 ml.
Hairspray Won’t Explode on a Plane
Hairspray, whether packed in your hand luggage or checked baggage, will not explode on a plane because commercial airplanes are pressurized and temperature controlled.
It Doesn’t Matter if the Hairspray is Aerosol or Pump Action
Whether you’re planning to fly with aerosol or pump action hairspray makes no difference.
Both containers contain liquid, which means that there is a 3.4 oz/100ml per container when packed in your carry on bags.
Again, packing a larger container of hairspray in your checked luggage won’t be a problem.
The Best Hairspray for Travel
The best hairspray for travel, especially if you’re planning on bringing the hairspray in your carry on bags, is any that comes in a travel-size container – i.e. less than or equal to 3.4 oz/100ml.
If your favorite brand of hairspray doesn’t sell a travel-sized container, or you simply want to save some money, it’s a good idea to buy refillable containers that you can use every time you travel.
Small containers of hairspray in your carry on bags are unlikely to discharge, so you probably don’t have to take any additional precautions.
However, if hairspray is packed in your checked luggage, it’s possible that air pressure changes can cause aerosols and pump sprays to release in flight.
This is why the TSA state that if the hairspray is in an aerosol container, the “release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.”
It would also be a good idea to pack any hairspray containers in a plastic bag or other liquid-proof container.
If they do leak, at least your clothes and other belongings won’t be ruined.
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).
