Colognes And Air Travel: What's The Rule?

Whether you're off on holiday or a business trip, you might want to bring your favourite cologne with you. But can you bring it on a plane? The short answer is yes, but there are some restrictions you need to know about.

TSA's 3-1-1 rule

Yes, you can bring two colognes on a plane, but they must comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This rule dictates that any liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, or pastes in carry-on luggage must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size (approximately one litre), clear, plastic, zip-top bag for their liquids, and all liquids must fit within this bag. This means that if you wish to bring two colognes on board, you will need to ensure that each bottle is 3.4 ounces or less and that they both fit within the same one-quart-size bag.

The 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on luggage. If you are travelling with checked luggage, you can bring larger bottles of cologne, but they must be packed carefully to avoid leaks and spills. There is a limit to the total amount of liquids allowed in checked luggage, which is 2kg (70 ounces) or 2L (68 fluid ounces). Each liquid container must not exceed 0.5kg (18 ounces) or 500ml (17 fluid ounces).

It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. It is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines.

Packing tips for carry-on luggage

Firstly, it's important to know the rules for what you can and can't bring on a plane. Liquids, including colognes, fall under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which means that all carry-on liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). This applies to gels, creams, and aerosols, and these containers should be packed in a clear plastic bag. If you're bringing a full-size bottle, it will need to go in your checked luggage.

Now, onto the packing tips:

• Keep your carry-on packed and ready to go through security. Make sure it's security-proof by keeping electronics, snacks, and liquids out of your carry-on.
• Wear your bulkiest items and layers on the plane. This includes your heaviest shoes, sweaters, and jackets. This will save space in your luggage and keep you prepared for changing temperatures.
• Stick to solid-colored clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits with fewer items. This will help you pack light and save space.
• Bring a refillable water bottle, but remember to empty it before reaching the security checkpoint.
• Pack a few fun, small accessories like scarves, jewelry, and sunglasses to spice up your travel wardrobe.
• Wear clothes with pockets so you can easily stash items like your passport, wallet, and phone.
• If you're bringing liquids, make sure they're all in one clear quart-size sealable bag. This will make it easier to access them when going through security.
• Use a luggage scale to ensure your carry-on is within the airline's weight limit. Don't forget that the weight of your bag itself is included in the total weight, so choose a lightweight bag if possible.
• Do a carry-on packing dry run to ensure everything fits and is under the weight limit. This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.
• Limit yourself to just one dressy outfit. Basic black items can easily be dressed up with accessories.
• If you're bringing electronics like a laptop or Kindle, pack them in your personal item bag, such as a backpack, for easy access during the flight.

Packing tips for checked luggage

Packing for a trip can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some essential tips for packing checked luggage like a pro:

Start with a Packing List

Creating a packing list is a surefire way to ensure you don't forget anything important. Start by making a list of what to pack a few days or even weeks before your trip. This will give you time to craft a comprehensive list and purchase any additional items you may need. Review the list the night before or morning of your departure to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, especially the small but essential items.

Know Your Airline's Baggage Fee Policy

Different airlines have different baggage policies, and understanding these policies is key to a budget-minded packing strategy. While most airlines allow at least one checked bag on international flights, many U.S. carriers charge hefty fees for checked bags on domestic flights. Some airlines, like Southwest and JetBlue, permit at least one free checked bag on domestic flights. Knowing your airline's policy in advance can help you avoid surprises at the airport.

Choose the Right Bag

Selecting the right luggage for your travel style and destination is crucial. If you're doing a lot of city breaks and staying in mid-range hotels, a compact carry-on hard-shell suitcase might be a good choice. It's easy to carry and can fit nicely in overhead bins and trains. If you're travelling with a family or backpacking, you'll need bigger bags or backpacks. Ensure your bag is something you love, have tested before, and can easily carry.

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes instead of folding them can save space and reduce wrinkles. It also makes it easier to see what you've packed at a glance. For an even more space-saving option, try the Ranger Roll, a technique used in the military to roll garments into compact bundles.

Plan Your Outfits

Streamline your packing by planning your outfits in advance and avoiding packing items you might not need. This will help you bring only the essentials and ensure you look your best during your trip.

Use Packing Aids

Packing aids like packing cubes, compression bags, and packing envelopes can help you stay organized and maximize space in your suitcase. Packing cubes are especially useful for separating and organizing different types of clothing.

Invest in Protective Covers or Wraps

If you're travelling with fragile items like perfume bottles, consider investing in protective covers or wraps. These padded Velcro wraps can help safeguard your valuables and easily turn any bag into a camera bag or fragrance carrier.

Keep Liquids in a Separate Bag

Always keep your liquids in a separate bag to avoid any leaks onto your other belongings. Reusable, clear toiletry bags are a great option for carrying liquids and easily accessing them during security checks.

Pack Heavy Items at the Bottom

Place heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase, near the wheels, to maintain stability and prevent your suitcase from toppling over.

Leave a Little Extra Space

You'll likely want to bring back souvenirs or purchase items during your trip, so leave a little extra space in your suitcase. Consider bringing an extra duffle bag that folds up small to accommodate any new items on your return journey.

Protect Your Fragrances

If you're packing cologne or perfume, ensure the bottle has a lid over the nozzle to prevent leaks. Place the bottle in a Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible, and then pack it tightly surrounded by soft clothing to avoid breakage.

Etiquette of wearing cologne on a plane

Wearing cologne on a plane is generally considered to be bad etiquette. This is because about 30% of people find scented products irritating, and some people have extreme sensitivities to fragrances, which can cause serious health complications. In an enclosed space like a plane, there is no escape for these people. For example, you could trigger a 24-hour migraine or a severe asthma attack for someone sitting near you.

Therefore, if you are worried about smelling bad, it is recommended that you take a shower before your flight. Remember, you are allowed to bring deodorant on planes. If you are flying in business or first class, where you have more space to yourself, you can probably get away with wearing cologne or perfume without causing issues for other passengers.

If you do choose to wear cologne or perfume on a plane, you should definitely avoid spraying it in the cabin, especially if you are flying economy. The intensity of the fragrance will be amplified in the enclosed space, and there is a much stronger chance that other passengers will be affected by it.

When packing cologne or perfume to bring on a plane, you should ensure that the bottle is no larger than 3.4 fluid ounces or 100ml. Each passenger is allowed to pack a single 1-quart size bag in their carry-on luggage. All liquid toiletries, including cologne, should be added to this clear, quart-size, sealable bag. This bag should then be nestled within soft clothing, deep inside your carry-on or checked bag, to avoid breakage of the delicate glass. If you are packing something durable, like a perfume atomizer, this step is not necessary.

Alternatives to cologne

According to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, you can bring as many bottles of cologne on a plane as you like, as long as each bottle is 3.4oz/100ml or less. If you want to bring a larger bottle, it will have to go in your checked luggage.

If you are looking for alternatives to cologne, there are a few options. Firstly, you could try an all-natural, fragrance-free product. These products are free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients, which can cause allergies and other adverse reactions in some people. Another option is to use a solid perfume, which is a great alternative to liquid colognes as they are compact, spill-proof, and not subject to the same liquid restrictions. You could also try essential oils, which are more concentrated than colognes and can be applied directly to the skin. If you are looking for a more subtle scent, you could try using a scented body wash, deodorant, or laundry detergent. For special occasions, you could also try using a perfume atomizer, which is a small, durable, leak-proof, and TSA-friendly way to transport your favourite fragrance.

Frequently asked questions