Key Highlights
Planning your next trip and wondering about your hair essentials? Here’s a quick look at the rules for flying with dry shampoo.
- You can pack dry shampoo in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
- For your carry-on bag, any aerosol, including dry shampoo, must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller.
- Larger, full-size aerosol dry shampoo cans are permitted in your checked bags.
- The TSA has size limits for individual containers in checked luggage, which is 17 fluid ounces (500 ml).
- There’s also a total aggregate quantity limit of 70 ounces (2 kg) for all toiletries per person in checked luggage.
- Make sure any aerosol in your checked suitcase has its cap on to prevent accidental release.
TSA Guidelines for Dry Shampoo in Air Travel
When you’re preparing for a flight, understanding the rules set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is key to a smooth journey. The good news is that dry shampoo is allowed on planes. The TSA classifies aerosols intended for personal use, like dry shampoo and hair spray, as medicinal and toiletry articles, which have their own set of guidelines.
Your ability to bring dry shampoo depends entirely on where you pack it. The regulations for your carry-on bag are much stricter than those for your checked baggage. Knowing these differences will help you pack correctly and avoid any issues at the security checkpoint. Let’s look at the specific rules for each type of luggage.
Carry-On vs. Checked Bags: Where Can You Pack Dry Shampoo?
Are you trying to decide whether to toss your dry shampoo into your backpack or your large suitcase? The answer depends on the size of the container. For your carry-on, your dry shampoo must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids and aerosols. This means the container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller and fit into a single, quart-sized clear plastic bag along with your other toiletries.
If you want to bring a full-size can, your checked bag is the right place for it. The rules for checked baggage are more generous, but there are still important limitations to keep in mind. The nozzle must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent the contents from spraying inside your luggage.
Here is a simple breakdown of where to pack your dry shampoo:
| Location | Packing Rule |
|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less and placed in a clear, quart-sized bag. |
| Checked Bag | Larger containers up to 17 fl oz (500 ml) are permitted. The nozzle must be securely capped. |
Size Limits and Aerosol Restrictions for Dry Shampoo
Understanding the specific size limits can save you from having to surrender your favorite products at security. While a travel-size dry shampoo is fine for your carry-on, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has clear limitations for toiletries packed in checked luggage to ensure safety.
The capacity of each container is the most important factor. Even in your checked baggage, you can’t just pack an unlimited amount. According to the FAA, these are the key restrictions you need to follow for medicinal and toiletry articles like dry shampoo.
- Carry-On: All liquid and aerosol containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less.
- Checked Luggage (Individual Container): The capacity of each single container must not exceed 17 fluid ounces (500 ml).
- Checked Luggage (Total Quantity): The total aggregate quantity of all your toiletries combined cannot be more than 70 ounces (2 kg) per person.
These rules are in place for safety. It’s crucial that aerosol release devices, like the nozzle on your dry shampoo, are protected by a cap. This prevents the button from being pressed accidentally during transit, which could cause a leak or release flammable contents in the cargo hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dry shampoo count as a liquid or aerosol at security checkpoints?
Yes, aerosol dry shampoo is treated as part of the liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) category by the TSA. For the security checkpoint, your travel-size spray must be placed in your single quart-sized, clear zip-top bag with your other liquid toiletries for screening.
Can I take both powder and spray dry shampoo on a plane?
You can absolutely bring your spray dry shampoo on a plane, as long as you follow the size rules. The aerosol version is subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for a carry-on and the larger quantity limits for checked baggage. The guidelines provided by the TSA focus on liquids and aerosols.
What happens if my dry shampoo exceeds TSA limits?
If your can of dry shampoo is larger than the 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on bags, TSA officers at the security checkpoint will confiscate it. To avoid this, make sure any oversized containers are properly packed in your checked baggage before you get to the airport.