We all want to look our best when we’re traveling, and that includes bringing our favorite makeup and beauty products to help us feel our best! When you’re traveling with a carry-on bag only, you need to jam pack all your goodies into a quart-sized bag to pass through security, and that includes hair spray.

You can take hair spray on a plane; however, there are limitations to how much. As a rule, your bottle should be no more than 3.4 ounces. Here’s all you need to know about traveling with hair spray on an airplane.

Key Takeaways

  • Hairspray is allowed on planes, but it is considered a liquid and needs to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. This means that your bottle should be no bigger than 3.4 ounces and fit in a one-quart-sized bag.
  • If you cannot limit your liquids, it’s best to pack them in your checked luggage where there are no limitations on what you can pack.
  • If your hairspray is confiscated by airport security, there are no exceptions to the rule, and you’ll need to buy a new one. You can purchase a new one at the airport or nearby shops, but it’s better to pack travel-sized liquids or purchase a new one beforehand to avoid the hassle.

Carry-on Liquid Limits On Planes

Hairspray qualifies as a liquid while traveling on a plane, so you need to adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. What that means is that a single liquid item cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Additionally, all of your liquids must fit in a one-quart-sized bag. All passengers are allowed a single bag, so you need to pack light when traveling.

Liquids include aerosols like hairspray, as well as gels, creams, pastes, and more. Most makeup and beauty products (outside of solid eye shadow, powder foundations, and more) will qualify as liquid, so you need to gather everything up in a single bag for your carry-on. If you exceed the limits, airport security will confiscate your item, and if it’s an expensive hairspray, you may be disappointed. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do, so it’s best to follow the rules from the start.

Checked Luggage Liquid Limits On Planes

If you cannot limit your liquids, it’s best to pack them in your checked luggage. That way, you won’t have to worry about it since there are no limits to what you can put in your checked luggage. So, if you want to carry a full-sized bottle of hairspray to help your curls hold, do it!

Just keep in mind that travel can be rough on bags, so it’s best to put it in a bag to prevent accidental spills. Aerosol cans can pop in bags and get on clothes if you’re not careful.

What If My Hairspray is Confiscated?

There’s not much you can do if your items are confiscated by airport security. Except in medical cases, there are no exceptions to the rule. You’ll just need to buy a new can of hairspray when you pass through.

You have some options to procure new hairspray. Check the shops at the airport, though remember these prices are inflated. You can also buy some nearby where you’re staying or in a hotel shop. Many essentials are often kept in the lobby shop for purchase.

At the end of the day, hairspray is not an essential item, so no one is going to make an exception for you because your bottle is too big. Instead, you’ll end up wasting more money buying a new bottle. These rules are in place for a reason.

So, Can I Take Hairspray On A Plane?

Yes, hairspray is allowed on planes; however, you need to adhere to size requirements. Your bottle should be no bigger than 3.4 ounces. Half bottles could qualify, but you’re taking a risk. It’s best to purchase travel-sized liquids if you plan on carrying them in your luggage. You may have to do without your favorite brand for a day or two, but it’s better than losing a new product because it’s too big.

Otherwise, you can pack liquids to your heart’s content if you put them in your checked luggage. The same restrictions do not apply, so you have more flexibility in what you can pack. You have options, so don’t take the risk of losing your personal items!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I bring hairspray on a plane in my carry-on bag?

Yes, you can bring hairspray on a plane in your carry-on bag as long as it adheres to the 3-1-1 rule, meaning it should be no more than 3.4 ounces and fit in a one-quart-sized bag.

  • What happens if my hairspray is larger than the allowed size?

If your hairspray is larger than the allowed size, it will be confiscated by airport security, and you won’t be able to take it with you on the plane.

  • Can I pack a full-sized bottle of hairspray in my checked luggage?

Yes, you can pack a full-sized bottle of hairspray in your checked luggage, as there are no restrictions on liquids in checked bags.

  • Can I bring multiple bottles of hairspray in my carry-on bag as long as they are under 3.4 ounces each?

Yes, you can bring multiple bottles of hairspray in your carry-on bag as long as they are each under 3.4 ounces and fit in a one-quart-sized bag.

  • What if I don’t want to pack my hairspray in checked luggage?

If you don’t want to pack your hairspray in checked luggage, purchase a travel-sized bottle that adheres to the 3-1-1 rule and pack it in your carry-on bag.

  • Can I bring a half-empty bottle of hairspray in my carry-on bag?

You can bring a half-empty bottle of hairspray in your carry-on bag as long as it adheres to the 3-1-1 rule and is no more than 3.4 ounces. However, purchasing a travel-sized bottle is better to avoid any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions