There’s no faster way to ruin a vacation than being constantly bitten by bugs, so you no doubt want to know if you can bring bug spray on your next flight – preferably the powerful kind, i.e. the stuff that actually works.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring bug spray that is less than 3.4oz/100ml in your carry on, and spray that exceeds this limit in your checked bags.
However, aerosol insecticide bug spray is not allowed on a plane in your carry on bags under any circumstances, though is allowed in your checked bags as long as it is not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
Table of Contents
- 1 Bringing Bug Spray in Your Carry on Bag
- 2 Bringing Bug Spray in Your Checked Bag
- 3 Domestic vs. International Flights
- 4 Airline Policies
- 5 How to Pack Bug Spray For Flying
- 6 Get This Bug Spray For Flying
- 7 Be Careful When Packing Permethrin Based Sprays
- 8 DEET is Okay to Bring
- 9 Can You Bring Bug Repellent Pump Sprays/Liquids/Lotions/Wipes on a Plane?
Bringing Bug Spray in Your Carry on Bag
- Bug Repellent: Bug repellent that is designed to be sprayed/applied directly on your skin and clothing is allowed in your carry on bag as long as it doesn’t exceed 3.4 oz/100ml.
- Aerosol Insecticides: Aerosol insecticides that are designed to be sprayed in the air are not allowed to be packed in your carry on bag, regardless of size.
Bringing Bug Spray in Your Checked Bag
- Bug Repellent: Bug repellent that is designed to be sprayed/applied directly on your skin and clothing is allowed in your checked bag in containers no larger than 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).
- Aerosol Insecticides: Aerosol insecticides that are designed to be sprayed in the air are allowed to be packed in your checked bag, as long as they are not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
Domestic vs. International Flights
Regardless if you are flying domestically within the U.S. or internationally, the same rules apply.
So, bug spray that is designed to be sprayed on your skin and clothes is allowed in your carry on if the container doesn’t exceed 3.4oz/100ml, and allowed to be packed in your checked bags.
Aerosol insecticide bug spray is not allowed to be packed in your carry on bags, though is allowed in your checked bags as long as it is not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).
Airline Policies
As airlines follow TSA regulations, as long as you follow what is stated above, you will be fine.
This applies to Southwest, United, Delta, American Airlines, and all other major and regional air carriers.
How to Pack Bug Spray For Flying
- If the bug spray is allowed to be packed in your carry-on, place it inside a single quart-sized, resealable bag.
- Place the bag inside a screening bin as you go through airport security.
- If you want to bring an aerosol insecticide on a plane, which is only allowed in your checked bag, make sure that the button/nozzle is protected with a cap or other means to protect against accidental release.
Get This Bug Spray For Flying
The best travel size bug spray is Repel 100 Insect Repellent.
It provides 10 hours of protection, is very effective, and is available in several sizes.
Be Careful When Packing Permethrin Based Sprays
As bug sprays that contain permethrin are designed to be sprayed on your clothing, it can be packed in both your carry on and checked bags, though the container must be no larger than 3.4oz/100ml if packed in your carry on.
DEET is Okay to Bring
As DEET is designed to be sprayed on your skin and clothing (though it’s known to damage clothing), it can be packed in both your carry on and checked bags, though the container must be no larger than 3.4oz/100ml if packed in your carry on.
Can You Bring Bug Repellent Pump Sprays/Liquids/Lotions/Wipes on a Plane?
As most insect repellents in non-aerosol liquid pump sprays and other forms (liquids, lotions, wipes, etc.) are not restricted as hazardous materials, you can pack them in both your carry on and checked bags.
Keep in mind that liquids, lotions and pump sprays must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml if packed in your carry on.
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).