Can you take Cologne on a plane? Must-know guidelines you should follow

Can you take Cologne on a plane? Must-know guidelines you should follow

Air travel has the most complex restrictions and guidelines, especially on what people carry onboard. It is, therefore, essential to familiarise yourself with such restrictions to avoid delays and enhance a stress-free journey. So, can you take cologne on a plane?

Cologne
You do not need to declare your cologne if you have followed the 3-1-1 guidelines. Photo: @fredcardoso (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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Air travel can be complex, especially when figuring out what items to pack in your carry-on and checked luggage. This article explores whether colognes are allowed on planes and some of the guidelines put up to manage travelling with cologne.

Can you take cologne on a plane?

According to the Transport Security Administration, cologne can be brought in checked or hand luggage. However, you must adhere to specific TSA regulations.

Carry-on luggage

This is the type of luggage that travellers are allowed to carry along in the cabin. When carrying your cologne in carry-on luggage, the following guidelines apply:

  • Size: According to the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule, passengers can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 100 ml or less per item in their hand luggage.
  • Packaging: All your liquid containers should be packed into a quart-sized plastic bag before being placed in your carry-on bag. Each traveller is allowed to have only one such bag.
  • Security screening: At the checkpoint, travellers are required to present their bags. They can do so by emptying the contents of their quart-sized plastic bag in the bin for X-ray screening.

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A lady smelling cologne
You may carry duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags when on air travel. Photo by Nensuria
Source: Getty Images

Checked luggage

Checked luggage is inaccessible to the traveller during flight, as opposed to carry-on baggage. For checked luggage, there exists lenient packing requirements. They include;

  • Quantity restriction: Since cologne is categorised as an unsafe item, the quantity of each perfume bottle should not exceed 500 ml (17 ounces). Additionally, you can only carry 68 ounces (2 litres) of total liquid products in your checked luggage.
  • Alcohol-based perfumes: Alcohol-based perfumes can be brought in checked bags in a maximum of 5 litres. However, they should be packed in 100 ml or less containers.

Packing tips for colognes while travelling on a plane.

Proper packing of your colognes can save you a lot of trouble at the airport and protect your perfume from getting damaged. Here are some packing tips while travelling with cologne:

  • Ensure your cologne's spray nozzle is covered with a lid or tight bottle to prevent leakages.
  • To avoid breakage of the perfume bottle, avoid packing it near the corners or beside any hard objects.
  • If your perfume is in checked luggage, wrap the bottle with soft clothing, bubble wrap or socks' padding to prevent it from breaking.
  • If your perfume has an overwhelming fragrance, you can pack it in airtight ziplock bags. This helps prevent it from spilling and destroying your other items.

Read also

Carry-on vs personal item: Key differences for your next flight

What are the alternatives for bringing colognes on flights?

A passenger with a checked luggage at an airport
A passenger with checked luggage at an airport. Photo by Chalabala
Source: Getty Images

Do you want to bring your favourite cologne on flights but are tired of the strict TSA's liquid restrictions? Well then, below are several alternatives you can consider;

  • Instead of liquid-based colognes, carry spray, rollerball, or solid perfumes. They are compact and convenient for carry-on luggage.
  • Bring small-sized perfumes or perfume samples to your flights. This allows you to adhere to the TSA guidelines.
  • Consider purchasing perfumes at your destination. This will help you avoid the hassle of transporting liquids while allowing you to explore local perfumes.

What happens if a security officer confiscates your cologne?

If your cologne is seized at the checkpoint, it is advisable to politely talk to the security officer, as engaging them in a debate will complicate the situation further. You can also seek some clarification on why your cologne was taken. This will help you avoid making such a mistake in the future.

Read also

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Frequently asked questions

You can travel with cologne on a plane, but there are specific rules you should adhere to. Below are some of the frequently asked questions about travelling with cologne;

Can you travel by plane with cologne in a checked bag?

You can pack perfume in your checked luggage on a plane. However, it should not be more than 500ml per bottle. It is also vital to check airline regulations for any specific restrictions on quantity or packaging.

A traveller on a plane
Air travel has the most complex restrictions and guidelines, especially on what people carry onboard. Photo by BraunS
Source: Getty Images

Can you take two perfumes in a carry-on bag on a plane?

You can take two or more perfumes on a plane if each bottle meets the carry-on cologne size guideline of 100ml or less per container. Additionally, all containers must fit into a single clear quart-sized plastic bag.

What size of cologne can you bring on a plane?

3.4 ounces or 100 ml of perfume are allowed on carry-on bags while travelling by plane. Additionally, 17-ounce (500 ml) perfume bottles are allowed in checked-in bags.

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What is the 3-1-1 rule for liquids?

The 3-1-1 rule stipulates that travellers should carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in 100 ml bottles in their carry-on luggage. They are also required to put the bottles in one quart-sized plastic bag.

Are all types of perfumes allowed in aeroplanes?

All types of perfumes are allowed on aeroplanes. However, one must comply with the TSA's cologne size guidelines.

A woman spraying cologne
Proper packing of your colognes can save you a lot of trouble at the airport. Photo by Chiociolla
Source: Getty Images

Can you bring duty-free perfumes on planes?

You can bring duty-free perfumes in your carry-on luggage. However, you must show proof of purchase at the check-in point.

Do you need to declare cologne at airport security?

You do not need to declare your cologne if you have followed the 3-1-1 guidelines. However, it is essential to familiarise yourself with your airline's specific policies.

Will TSA throw away my perfume?

The airport security officers can confiscate your perfume if you violate the rules. However, if you meet the TSA's guidelines for liquids, they will not throw it away.

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How big is 3.4 oz of cologne?

3.4 oz is around 100 milliliters (ml). If you spray thrice a day, it can last between six to twelve months.

Is cologne allowed on domestic flights?

Cologne is allowed on domestic flights, but you must follow TSA regulations. If you are travelling internationally, you should check with your airline.

Can you take cologne on a plane? This is a common question asked by individuals planning on travelling soon. While travelling with a cologne is allowed, certain restrictions apply. Therefore, it is best to check your airline's guidelines and rules before you travel.

READ ALSO: Can you bring lighters on a plane? Essential information for travellers

Briefly.co.za published an article on whether lighters can be brought on an aeroplane. According to the TSA, specific lighters are allowed on planes, but restrictions depend on the lighter type and how you intend to carry it.

While the TSA allows travellers to carry lighters, the officer scanning your hand luggage decides whether you can have one. Check out this article for essential information for travellers.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over five years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He started working for Briefly in 2019. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.