Can You Bring Bug Spray on a Plane: Travel Guide - LocalNomads: Free Digital Nomad Guides, Tips & Guidance

When it comes to traveling via plane, there are several rules and restrictions levied on the baggage. If you want to streamline the screening process and pass through security checks without any hassle, always research the specifications beforehand. As long as you comply with the predetermined safety regulations, you will enjoy a worry-free travel experience.

With the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, it is important to take your personal repellants with you. Keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn whether you can bring bug spray on a plane.

What are the TSA Regulations on Bug Spray

The general rules state that aerosol insecticides are not allowed in hand luggage but the TSA regulations are flexible for checked luggage. You can pack bug repellents that are designed to be applied to your skin. However, it is not permitted to carry insecticides that are meant to be sprayed on insects. A variety of security restrictions have been imposed on carrying bug spray. These measures are put in place to ensure everyone’s safety and to provide peace of mind. Specific airline guidelines may narrow down and specify the details but generally, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) provides a good idea of whether it’s allowed.

Checked luggage

You may want to carry your mosquito repellants for practical reasons. Packing your current one can be a lot more affordable than purchasing at the final destination. The good news is that you can carry your aerosol bug spray in checked luggage as long as it meets the predetermined criteria. Remember that the final decision rests in the TSA officer’s hands.

Take a look at some of the guidelines below:

You are permitted to pack bug spray in your checked bags but each person is allowed a maximum of 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces).
The specific bug spray you are carrying shouldn’t be labeled as HAZMAT (hazardous material).
Size limitations and restrictions may vary between domestic flights and international flights. You should always check the updated rules.
You must secure aerosol-release devices properly. To avoid any accidental discharge, make sure to pack substances properly and put caps tightly.

The TSA has limited the quantity of fluid ounces (liquids, aerosol products, and gel packs) you can carry on a plane so if you are carrying a bug repellant; applied on the skin, make sure to comply with the 3-1-1 rule. The fluid quantity limit rule for carry-on baggage states that an individual can only carry 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid, gels, and aerosols per container. This quantity is under the international regulations of carrying 100 milliliters. It also entails that each passenger is allowed ONE quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag in total.

What are the Airline Policies on Bug Sprays

Since insect repellants have the potential to leak, the Federal Aviation Administration has declared it a dangerous good and prohibited its carriage on an aircraft. The standard regulations are defined by the TSA but different airlines can add on that and include more requirements. Some of the examples are listed below:

Air Canada: they allow insect repellants and bug sprays in checked luggage. You should comply with international law and global standards and pack the substance properly while preventing leakage.
Air France: they require you to follow their hazardous material guidelines and pack bug sprays properly.
American Airlines: you can pack bug sprays in your checked luggage so long as you comply with the TSA regulations.
Delta Airlines: Delta Airlines allows aerosol insect repellants in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage but they place an emphasis on packing it properly.
Southwest Airlines: they have flexible and lenient rules that allow the carriage of bug sprays.

As you can see from the examples provided above, most of the airlines follow the international standards for carrying bug sprays on a plane. If you want to pass through airport security and TSA checkpoints smoothly, make sure to pack your bug sprays properly. You should always aim at preventing accidental release. Other than that, these policies are prone to change. One should always check their specific airline’s website for updated policies and guidelines.

Tips for Carrying Bug Spray on a Plane

Here are some of the best practices to help you experience a hassle-free travel experience. You can follow these tips to pack more efficiently and ensure a smoother journey.

Make sure that the nozzle is protected
non-aerosol liquid pump sprays are generally allowed in hand luggage, as long as they comply with the 3-1-1 rule.
Always look out for updated TSA policies.
Pack your sprays in a plastic bag. This includes other items such as self-defense sprays, hair sprays, and bear sprays as well.
Declare bug spray at the security checkpoint.
You can also bring sprays containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
You can bring natural products like organic sprays
Research the specific guidelines of the destination country and airline

Considerations About International Travel

Since TSA is a United States based agency, international flights may be quite different from US flights. Usually, there are stricter rules on international travel and limitations can be more narrow. Let’s see how it affects the carriage of bug sprays on a plane.

When you are flying internationally, The first step is to check your airline policies and see how they vary for international traveling. Different countries have their own set of rules and contrasting policies. While one may allow insect repellants on the plane, others may impose restrictions on it. The best way to find answers is to check your final destination’s gov website and go through their policies. Typically, authorities do not restrict bug sprays in checked luggage but it’s much better to confirm the details beforehand.

For those of you whose travel itinerary includes multiple airlines, you should check each’s policies for a smooth experience. Remember that you’ll need to go through security every single time in case of layovers and connecting flights. You must comply with the regulations each time. Where multiple layovers and connecting flights are concerned, the extent of complexity increases beyond the normal amount. What you need to do is conduct ample research and remain well-informed beforehand. If you want to go through each leg of the journey without additional trouble, be smart with your packing strategy. Keep the bug spray at an accessible distance and adapt to different countries and customs regulations each step of the way.

Final thoughts

In light of all the facts, it can be seen that all of the TSA rules are in place to ensure a safe travel experience for everyone. Since most aerosol bug sprays and bug repellents contain flammable substances, it’s a security threat. Be it your checked baggage or carry-on bags, always check TSA’s rules and airline’s specific restrictions before packing. If you have any doubts, go through the official website or consider calling an agent for additional information. You need to be prepared at the airport so it’s much better to solve these issues earlier.

We hope this article helped you understand whether you can carry bug spray. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help.