Sweat-free Flying: How to Travel with Deodorant
So you’ve lined up the accommodation, rehearsed the lingo, and choreographed the most extensive itinerary known to humankind - bravo! There’s now only one thing separating you from duty-free shopping and pre-flight champers… airport security.
Nobody wants to sacrifice their products to the dreaded airport bins, and deodorant is one of the most frustrating items to lose. After all, trips abroad, whether for work or for leisure, are one of the key occasions where you want to be able to step onto your stage and perform! And nothing puts a dampener on proceedings like the stress-sweat of travelling.
At AKT we love to make a scene, just not at airport security, so we’ve put together this blog to help. Give it a quick scan to find out exactly how to fly smoothly with your trusted deodorant, whatever type you use.
Can you take deodorant on a plane?
The short answer is yes, you can, but you ought to be mindful of the type, the size, and the rules at the specific airport you’re flying from.
As of January 2026, many of the UK’s biggest airports now allow liquids up to 2 litres. At the time of writing this includes Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh. These airports also no longer need you to take your liquids out of your luggage when you go through security — which means no pesky plastic bags either. Huzzah!
However, be careful to check the rules at the airport you’re flying back from to avoid leaving your beloved deodorant stranded in foreign climes.
As it stands, many airports still follow the 100ml/3.4 ounces or less rule, so it may be best to play it safe and stick to this until the rules are relaxed everywhere. That means all liquids in your hand luggage and cabin bags must be in containers of 100ml or less, and all of them need to fit into a single see-through bag measuring around 20 x 20 cm or 8 x 8 inches.
Note: these rules don’t apply to hold luggage, so if you tend to travel with a lot of liquids it may be wise to pay for checked baggage — or choose to fly to and from airports which have relaxed the rules.
What types of deodorant can you fly with?
You can fly with any type of deodorant, as long as you bring it in the correct size and pack it in the right place. (And if both your departure and destination airports have switched to the new relaxed 2l rules, your research is done! Go enjoy your trip surrounded by all your favourite liquids. Otherwise, it’s a little more complicated and we advise you read on).
For most trips, the following will still apply until the 2l rule becomes more widespread:
Liquid/roll-on deodorant: must be less than 100ml and be placed in a clear plastic bag when going through security at most airports.
Gel deodorants: considered a liquid (even if they come in a twist-up format) so the same 100ml rules apply as above.
Spray/aerosol deodorant: contrary to popular belief you can take aerosol deodorants on a plane, but they also count as liquids and must be less than 100ml.
Many users of roll-ons, gels and sprays opt to buy travel size deodorants that come in the designated travel size liquid limit of 100ml or less – though this does unfortunately lead to extra plastic. (If you’re interested in our other grudges against aerosols, you can read more here.)
Stick deodorant: these count as a solid so you’re free to pack them in your cabin bag.
Cream deodorant: balm-style deodorants (such as our AKT London The Deodorant Balm) also count as a liquid and must be 100ml or less.
Fortunately, as ours comes in a 50ml tube you can easily include it in your liquids bag wherever you’re flying – no need to buy a special travel size deodorant. Each tube lasts 1-2 months, so you can take yours with you without fear of running out, making The Deodorant Balm a brilliant travel deodorant.
Can deodorant go in checked baggage?
As mentioned above, deodorant can safely go into your hold luggage and isn’t subject to any of the 100ml rules. However, what with the stresses of long flights, hot climates and sweaty taxi transfers, we know many of you prefer to have your trusty deodorant to hand when you land.
Do all airports allow liquids over 100ml now?
After installing fancy new CT scanners, many of the big names have indeed now switched to a more relaxed 2l rule. This currently includes Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol and Edinburgh.
However, this isn’t yet the case everywhere and some airports who do use the scanners are still abiding by the 100ml rule. Without wishing to sound like a broken record, you’ll also need to check what the rules are at the airport you’ll be flying back from.
Like a member of the ensemble with multiple roles, these regulations are very much subject to rapid change, so tedious as it is you really do need to check each time you travel – or just play it safe and stick to the same old 100ml transparent bag routine.
For example, as of 2023 London City Airport allowed liquids up to 2l, but reinstated the 100ml rule in June 2024.
What do UK and Irish airports class as a liquid?
Most cosmetics and toiletries are considered liquids, e.g. roll on deodorants as well as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss. This also stretches to sprays (including aerosol deodorants, hairspray, and shaving foam) and gels, like shower and hair gel.
For the full lowdown on liquids, have a gander at the GOV UK website.