Fact Check: Are aerosols allowed in checked luggage?

Are Aerosols Allowed in Checked Luggage?

The claim in question is whether aerosols are permitted in checked luggage when traveling by air. This topic is particularly relevant for travelers who may wish to bring personal care items or other aerosol products on their journeys. Understanding the regulations surrounding aerosols in checked baggage is crucial for ensuring compliance with airline and security policies.

What We Know

1. TSA Guidelines: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), aerosols are allowed in checked luggage, provided they are not classified as flammable or hazardous materials. The TSA advises that aerosols such as cologne, deodorant, and hairspray can be included in checked bags, but they must adhere to specific regulations regarding size and content 16.

2. Flammable Aerosols: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations concerning flammable aerosols. Items like spray paint and certain household products are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. This distinction is important as it highlights that not all aerosols are treated equally under aviation regulations 2.

3. Volume Limitations: Some sources indicate that while aerosols can be packed in checked luggage, there may be volume limitations. For instance, the TSA states that the total volume of aerosol containers should not exceed 68 fluid ounces (approximately 2 liters) 10. This aligns with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 8.

4. Additional Regulations: The TSA has a comprehensive resource titled "What Can I Bring?" which outlines various items allowed in checked luggage, including aerosols. This resource is regularly updated and provides detailed information on the types of aerosols that are permissible 34.

5. Safety Concerns: There are discussions regarding the safety of transporting aerosol cans in checked luggage, particularly concerning the risk of explosion due to pressure changes during flight. However, sources indicate that the risk is relatively low if the aerosols are packed correctly and comply with regulations 9.

Analysis

The sources used to gather information about the claim regarding aerosols in checked luggage vary in credibility and focus.

• TSA and FAA Sources: The TSA 134 and FAA 2 are authoritative sources on air travel regulations in the United States. Their guidelines are based on safety protocols and are regularly updated to reflect current practices. However, as government agencies, they may have inherent biases towards promoting safety and compliance, which could influence the presentation of information.

• Travel and Aviation Websites: Articles from travel-focused websites such as Hands Off My Suitcase 6 and Executive Flyers 7 provide practical insights into the rules surrounding aerosols. While these sources often summarize TSA regulations, they may lack the rigorous oversight of official government publications. Additionally, they may be influenced by the need to attract readers, which could lead to oversimplification or sensationalism of the rules.

• Conflicting Information: Some sources, like Travel Closely 9, discuss the potential risks of transporting aerosols, which adds a layer of complexity to the claim. While they provide useful safety information, the emphasis on risk may not be uniformly supported by all sources, leading to potential confusion among travelers.

• Lack of Comprehensive Data: While the available sources cover a range of regulations and safety considerations, there is limited information on the specific types of aerosols that travelers frequently wish to bring. Additional data on consumer experiences or case studies could provide a more nuanced understanding of how these regulations are applied in practice.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that aerosols are allowed in checked luggage is true, provided they comply with specific regulations set by the TSA and FAA. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes TSA guidelines that explicitly permit non-flammable aerosols in checked bags, as well as the stipulation that the total volume of aerosol containers should not exceed 68 fluid ounces. However, it is important to note that flammable aerosols are prohibited, and travelers should be aware of the potential risks associated with pressure changes during flight.

While the regulations are clear, there are limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding the types of aerosols travelers commonly wish to bring and the practical implications of these regulations. Additionally, the sources consulted vary in credibility, which may affect the interpretation of the rules.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult official resources, such as the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" page, to ensure compliance with current regulations when traveling with aerosols.

Sources

1. Transportation Security Administration - Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule. TSA
2. Federal Aviation Administration - PackSafe - Aerosols. FAA
3. Transportation Security Administration - What Can I Bring? TSA
4. Transportation Security Administration - Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule FAQ. TSA
5. Aviation.govt.nz - Aerosols. Aviation NZ
6. Hands Off My Suitcase - Can Aerosol Cans Go on a Plane in Checked Luggage? Hands Off My Suitcase
7. Executive Flyers - Can You Bring Aerosols on a Plane? Executive Flyers
8. International Air Transport Association - Passenger Baggage Rules. IATA
9. Travel Closely - Will Aerosol Cans Explode In Checked Luggage? Travel Closely
10. Air Travel Questions - Can You Bring Aerosol Cans On A Plane? Air Travel Questions