Bug spray is often essential if you don’t want your vacation to be ruined, especially on trips where you might be outdoors or when the weather calls for mosquitos. But with the different requirements of airlines, you probably wonder, is bug spray allowed on planes?
Bug spray is allowed on planes in checked and hand luggage if it is a liquid spray, like mosquito repellent, and must not exceed 3.4 oz or 100 ml in carry-on bags. Bug sprays that are non-toxic and non-flammable are allowed. Aerosol sprays that spray directly at bugs in the air are not permitted.
Related: Can You Bring Lysol Spray On A Plane?
Can You Pack Bug Spray In Checked Luggage?
Passengers are allowed to carry bug spray in checked luggage. The quantity restrictions of hand luggage (discussed later) do not apply to your checked baggage. If you are venturing to a place where you may need several sprays, you can pack as many as you prefer.
You will find many people who fly to a destination where they will undertake a camping trip, or are going to countries where mosquitos and insects are an issue, will carry many bug sprays. They will also take various types of insect repellents.
The TSA allows bug sprays in your checked luggage that are liquid or aerosols and non-toxic and non-inflammable. Insect repellents meant to be sprayed directly at bugs or in the air, it will not be permitted and is banned.
Can You Take Bug Spray In Hand Luggage?
Passengers are allowed to carry bug spray in hand luggage, but the allowance comes with a couple of restrictions:
- It must follow the TSA liquid rule – the spray size cannot exceed 3.4 oz or 100 ml and should be placed in a clear, resealable, quart-sized bag with other liquid items for carry-on bags.
- It should be liquid bug sprays like citronella or mosquito repellent to spray on the body.
- Aerosol sprays will only be allowed if they are for the skin, not for spraying on bugs and household use, like spraying the air.
Is Raid Bug Spray Allowed On Planes?
Raid is an aerosol, and passengers are banned from taking it on flights. That also includes any other brand of toxic or flammable bug spray that you would use to kill bugs directly or spray in the air or around the home to kill insects or prevent them from entering.
Aerosols are pressurized cans that are highly flammable, and the slightest release could set off sparks. It is treated as a risky item for flights and is not permitted. Trying to sneak one in your luggage could get you in major trouble if caught.
Is Citronella Spray Allowed On Planes?
Citronella is used for various things like food and drink flavorings. The oil is often used for fragrance in cosmetics and candles. You can find citronella cleaners and sprays in stores which many people use to repel mosquitos.
You can use them to spray on linen, surfaces, and your skin. It is a natural insect repellent; therefore, it is a hundred percent safe and allowed on planes. You can pack citronella spray in your checked luggage or carry-on bags.
Other citronella products used as a bug repellent are also allowed on planes. Wipes, candles, and skin rollers are permitted. Remember, if you pack the spray in your carry-on bag, it must not exceed 3.4 oz or 100 ml. Larger sprays can go in checked bags.
Can You Use Bug Spray On A Plane?
Passengers should not use any sprays or scented items on a plane because it can irritate other passengers. The plane runs on recycled air when it is in the air, and using that something affects others is also disrespectful.
If you absolutely must, avoid spraying yourself at your seat; instead, do it in the lavatory – even though that is also not recommended. Anyone who enters the airplane toilet after you will be affected by the vapor and smell from the spray.
It would be best to spray yourself at the airport before you board the plane, but be mindful of doing it away from other people. Another option is to use bug-repellent wipes instead of sprays.
Something to remember is that airplanes are highly unlikely to have bugs. You will not get mosquito bites on a plane, either. There is no reason to use bug spray on a plane.
Can You Take Bug Repellent Wipes On A Plane?
Bug-repellent wipes are allowed on planes and are a better option to avoid carrying liquids and aerosols. They take up much less space, and because they have no restrictions, you can pack as many as you want in checked and hand luggage.
Bug repellent wipes are not liquid, so you don’t need to place them in the quart-sized bag, which means you can carry more other liquid items in your carry-on bag. You can also place wipes in your personal bag (backpack or purse).
Can You Take Bug Repellent Ointment On A Plane?
Other than bug repellent sprays, aerosols, rollers, wipes, and oils, you get ointments and tube creams that you can apply to your skin. These are permitted on planes in hand luggage and checked bags. You can carry as many as you prefer.
Ointments are generally not more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, but if you take them in your carry-on, ensure they do not exceed the amount. Creams, oils, and serum consistency items are treated as liquid and should follow the TSA liquid rule.
Can You Take Bug Repellent Essential Oils On A Plane?
Some essential oils work as bug repellents. Citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender oil are the most common. These oils can be used in steamers, humidifiers, and essential oil diffusers to keep insects away. They can also be applied to your clothing or skin to prevent bites.
Essential oils are allowed in checked luggage and hand baggage. The oil bottles are typically small, so you will not have a problem packing them in your carry-on bags, but if you have larger sizes that are more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, pack them in your checked suitcases.
Essential oils are a great non-toxic option to take when traveling. Following a recipe online, you can mix your own bug sprays at your destination. They are effective and guaranteed to not give you any issues with your luggage at the airport.
Can You Travel With Bug Spray Internationally?
Just as you can travel with bug spray domestically within the United States, you can travel with bug spray internationally. The same rules apply:
- The sprays should not exceed 3.4 oz or 100 ml if you pack them in your carry-on bag.
- Aerosol bug sprays are only allowed if they are non-toxic and non-inflammable, and you can spray them on your body, like your hair or skin.
- Aerosol sprays for the air or spraying directly on bugs are banned and will not be permitted.
Some passengers have reported that they have managed to carry aerosol bug sprays like Raid in their checked luggage without any issues. Some have claimed that they were stopped and questioned, and the items were confiscated.
Always check with your airlines and destination whether bug sprays are allowed, where to pack them, and the quantity allowance. Destinations like the UK, Canada, Australia, and EU often have specified regulations. Do your research before traveling.
