Can You Bring Cologne & Perfume On a Plane?

As you prepare for your upcoming vacation or business trip, you might be contemplating whether you can bring your favorite cologne with you on the plane. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with cologne or perfume:

How Much Cologne Can You Bring On a Plane?

If you want to bring a full-size bottle of cologne (around 6.8 oz), it must go in your checked luggage.
For carry-on bags, you must adhere to the TSA’s liquid rules.

TSA Liquid Rules for Perfume or Cologne:

TSA follows the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids. This rule states that all liquids, including perfumes and colognes, must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
Even if the bottle contains less than 3.4 ounces of liquid, it must still be in a container of this size.
All your 3.4-ounce containers should be placed in a clear, resealable quart-size plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed one such bag in their carry-on luggage.

How to Fly With Cologne or Perfume: If you’re traveling with only a carry-on bag, ensure your fragrances are in 3.4-ounce (or smaller) containers. You can use smaller containers like perfume atomizers, fragrance samples, travel minis, fragrance testers, or rollerball applicators. Here’s a breakdown:

Perfume Atomizer: These are small, durable, leak-proof, and TSA-friendly containers ideal for traveling with your favorite fragrance.
Fragrance Samples: Perfume or cologne samples offer an inexpensive way to travel with your preferred scent.
Travel Minis: These are small, airline-friendly cologne or perfume bottles designed for travel.
Fragrance Testers: Perfume and cologne testers come in 3.4-ounce containers, making them perfect for carry-on luggage.
Rollerball: Rollerball applicators allow you to apply your cologne or perfume directly to your pulse points.

Packing Fragrances for Air Travel: Whether you’re using travel-friendly containers or smaller bottles, packing fragrances correctly is essential.

How to Pack Cologne & Perfume in a Carry-On Bag:

Place your liquid toiletries, including cologne, in a clear quart-size sealable bag.
Each passenger is allowed one quart-size bag in their carry-on luggage.
Nestle this bag within soft clothing to protect delicate glass containers.

How to Pack Cologne & Perfume in a Checked Bag:

You can bring any size of liquid toiletries, including full-size cologne bottles, in checked luggage. However, smaller sizes are recommended to prevent leaks.
If you choose to bring a full-size cologne, pack it in a clear sealable bag, separate from other toiletries.
To further protect against leaks, nestle the bag within soft clothing or wrap the bottle in bubble wrap.

Duty-Free Perfume & Cologne:

If you wish to carry a bottle of cologne larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on or personal bag, you can purchase it in a duty-free shop within the airport.
Duty-free shops are typically located after airport security, ensuring that the items sold have already undergone security checks.
If you buy cologne in a duty-free shop, it should be packaged by the retailer in a tamper-evident bag, and you should have a receipt as proof of purchase within 48 hours to take it on the plane with you.