Is Deodorant Considered a Liquid?

TSA rules can be confusing, especially when it comes to deodorant. Don't leave your underarm scent behind; learn the regulations, and you'll take off smelling like a rose. Here's what you need to know about bringing your deodorant with you on the plane and when to pack it in your bag.

TSA's 3-1-1 rule regulates non-solid substances that you might want to carry on a plane. Almost anything you can squeeze out, spray out or pour out falls under the rule, deodorant included.

• 3: Any non-solid that you bring in your carry-on has to be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container. When it comes to deodorant, you'll find it in sizes from less than 1 ounce to 8 ounces or larger. If it's larger, it needs to go in your checked baggage.
  
• 1: Any non-solid you bring with you in your hand luggage not only has to be in the appropriate-sized container, but all those containers must ride together in a 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag.
• 1: You only get to bring one quart-sized bag filled with products.

Some roll-on deodorants are 3.5 ounces, missing the TSA requirement by a measly one-tenth of an ounce. Others are well within the size limit. If you're partial to roll-on deodorant, check the label to make sure it contains 3.4 ounces or less.

You might be wondering: Can I bring my 3.5 ounce roll-on if there's now only 3.4 ounces left in there? The answer is no. TSA only allows containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller in your carry-on luggage, no matter how full or empty they are. Pack that bigger container in your checked baggage, or leave it behind.

If you like to spray or mist your deodorant, look for trial- or travel-sized products at the store. While larger sizes can squeak in under 3.4 ounces, you'll have a hard time fitting that can and your other sundries in your quart-sized bag with the zipper closed. Pack it in your checked baggage if you want to bring a full-size can. Just make sure your aerosol has a cap to prevent accidental discharge.

From the outside, gel and solid deodorant look a lot alike. Both have a twist-up feature and have packaging similar in shape and size. There's a big difference at the TSA checkpoint, however. The gel version needs to fit in your 3-1-1 bag. You can just toss the solid into your carry-on, making it your best bet if you're trying to save room in your quart-sized 3-1-1 bag.

Find an amazing sale on your favorite deodorant while you were on vacation? Don't fill up your suitcase just yet. Certain restrictions apply. You'll only be able to bring a total of 68 fluid ounces of any toiletry articles in your checked bag. That's about 17 cans of spray deodorant or 34 roll-ons.