Peter Greenberg: Deoderant on the Plane

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2008-04-11

A co-worker told me that I couldn't take deodorant on the plane with me in my carry on. Is this true? It's a stick deodorant, not a spray.
-Carolann, Lowell, Mass.

According to the official TSA rules, you’re only allowed to carry up to three ounces of “deodorants made of gel or aerosol” in your carry-on, which implies that a standard “stick” deodorant should be OK in any size. That said, a number of travelers have reported inconsistent application of the rules.

The problem is the definition of “gel.” Most deodorants that are solid sticks of gel seem to be OK (although officially would seem not be allowed). However, some travelers have reported greater problems with the type of gel deodorant that is pushed through holes, something about TSA agents not being able to touch the actual gel seems to put it over the edge.

I wish I could be more definitive on this one, but it's a definite gray area. The best advice we can give is to stash your stick of deodorant in your checked baggage and invest in a small, 3-ounce-size deodorant for your carry-on. And if you do chance it, and it does get taken away, remember that a growing number of hotels are prepared for this scenario and offer back-ups for free or for sale, just in case.