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The relationship between aerosol cans and flying isn’t particularly good. The answer to the question of how to pack aerosol cans for travel is less well known. Many unfortunate travelers have arrived at their destination only to discover an empty aerosol can of sticky hairspray exploded all over their luggage. If you have a trip planned soon and are wondering how to pack aerosol cans for flying to prevent a mess, then we have some advice for you.
Aerosol Can Packing For Flying
The answer to how to pack aerosol cans for travel is: It depends. We have to ask you one to answer that question: What size aerosol can do you intend to use for flight?
The guidelines for packing aerosol cans for travel won’t likely come as a huge surprise if you’ve ever flown. Most aerosols fall under the category of liquids, so if you want to pack them in your carry-on luggage (if you’re traveling to the US), they must adhere to the TSA’s guidelines regarding the liquid size. The policies elsewhere must be checked.
We’ll need to do some science to address the dangers of larger aerosol cans and flying. You must understand packaging aerosol cans for flying in the cargo hold because the pressure there may cause your aerosols to behave unexpectedly. Let’s begin right away.
‘3-1-1’ Rule
The “3-1-1 rule” is the rule that applies here most effectively. Old pros are aware of these requirements, but we’ll explain them to those who aren’t. The three represent 3 ounces (really, 3.4, to be precise). The smallest container that can contain liquids, gels, pastes, and aerosols is the one that can fit in your carry-on. It’s not permitted, even if larger cans only have a tiny bit of product left in them. The total weight of the container must be 3.4 ounces or less.
Your small liquids and aerosol cans need to be in a bag that is 1 quart in size, as indicated by the first “1.” A transparent, resealable plastic bag must be used to contain them. So even if you have an aerosol can that weighs 3.4 ounces, if you can’t fit it in the bag with the rest of your products and have many toiletries, you might not be able to bring them all.
This brings us to the liquids rule’s final “1” in the sentence. It’s there because each person is only permitted one of these quart-sized bags of liquids, gels, and other items. As a result, if you want to combine aerosol cans and flying by bringing one in your carry-on, you must have a can that weighs 3.4 ounces or less and can fit in your single quart-sized bag.
Transporting aerosol cans on an airplane in a carry-on bag can be difficult. If you have a larger aerosol can, you’ll need to check a bag because we just covered how to pack aerosol cans for flying in that situation.
Bottom Line
The question is whether to pack or not to pack aerosol cans for flying. Answering it requires that you consider all of your circumstances. You should know a few practical ways to pack aerosol cans for travel. The only items you may need are a towel and a plastic bag.
