Anyone flying these days probably has a list of questions and concerns relative to Covid. It’s hard to keep up with all of the changes and what airlines are requiring! Hopefully, we can bring you some peace and answer a very important question: can you bring hand sanitizer on a plane?
In an effort to reduce the risk of illness for those flying and everyone involved in the process, the Transportation Security Administration has decided to lift the previous ban on hand sanitizer. The TSA is allowing passengers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 oz in size, in their carry-on luggage. As you go through screening, be sure to declare it to a TSA agent, remove it from your baggage, and send it through screening separately.
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule limiting liquids, gels, or aerosols to 3.4 ounces no longer applies to hand sanitizer as it is now seen as part of their medical exemptions. These exemptions allow medically necessary liquids to be taken with passengers on a plane. It’s important to remember that:
“The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).”
Source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/hand-sanitizers
If you’re not traveling with other medical liquids beyond what is in your 1-quart resealable bag, then you have nothing to worry about! Just stick to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
Can I bring hand sanitizer on international flights?
Traveling abroad? Many countries and the EU have their own regulations and guidelines for airline travel. Here are a few of the highlights:
Canada
CATSA, or the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, has similar rules to the United States. They normally limit carry-on liquids to 100 ml and all containers must fit within a 1L clear, resealable, bag. They have made an exception for one bottle of hand sanitizer up to 355 ml (12 oz) to be taken on carry-on luggage.
The European Union
The EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) also implements a rule that limits containers to 100 ml and requires them to fit in a 1L bag. They are less clear about if they have loosened the rules due to Covid.
“However, due to COVID, some authorities have allowed for additional and temporary exemptions with regard to the carriage of sanitizer gels / liquids. Therefore, if you intend to take sanitizing gels in the amount exceeding the standard restrictions, please contact the airport of your departure or the airline you are flying with to obtain updated detailed information on the applicable regulations.”
Source: https://www.easa.europa.eu/faq/117063
It seems that the EASA is leaving it up to each individual airline to make that determination. For example, Lufthansa is the third most traveled airline in the world but it appears that they have not made an exception to the rule.
“Yes, you may bring hand sanitiser, but please observe the regulations concerning the carriage of liquids.”
Source: https://www.lufthansa.com/gb/en/faq-hygiene#bord
The United Kingdom
The UK states clearly that hand sanitizer still needs to adhere to the 100ml / 1L bag rule. The London City Airport’s website states: “yes, hand sanitiser is allowed through security, as long as it’s under 100ml.”
China
The CAAC, or Civil Aviation Administration of China, states that alcohol-based hand sanitizers with alcohol content more than 70% by volume are not permitted at all and that hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol or less are permitted on checked baggage only and must be less than 500 ml.
Australia
Australia’s CASA allows passengers to bring hand sanitizer on the plane, both onboard and in checked baggage. Australia also enforces a 100 ml container restriction on individual containers for international travel. Visit their guide to traveling with powders, liquids, aerosols and, gels.
Final Thought
We’re all trying to stay safe while traveling during the pandemic. Hand sanitizer is one way we can help keep ourselves safe. Thankfully, the vast majority of flights you take will allow hand sanitizer on the plane. If you have any doubts on how much is acceptable, stick to the 3.4 ounces/100 ml rule to be safe.
