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TSA 2026 Updates
LiquidsUnited Airlines Verified • High ConfidenceReviewed 2026

RESTRICTED — Allowed with Conditions on United Airlines

Insect repellent aerosols must be 3.4 oz or less in carry-ons. In checked bags, aerosols are allowed but must have cap locks to prevent accidental release.

Can you bring aerosol insect repellent on United Airlines?

Also known as: bug spray, off spray, mosquito repellent, can you bring bug spray on airplane, flying with aerosol bug spray, insect repellent plane, deet bug spray

What is aerosol insect repellent?

Aerosol Insect Repellent is allowed in carry-on with restrictions. Insect repellent aerosols must be 3.4 oz or less in carry-ons. In checked bags, aerosols are allowed but must have cap locks to prevent accidental release.

CABIN BAGGAGE (CARRY-ON)Restricted

Restricted In Cabin

Insect repellent aerosols must be 3.4 oz or less in carry-ons. In checked bags, aerosols are allowed but must have cap locks to prevent accidental release.

United Airlines Cabin Limit:8 kg (17 lbs)
HOLD BAGGAGE (CHECKED)Allowed

Allowed In Hold

Insect repellent aerosols must be 3.4 oz or less in carry-ons. In checked bags, aerosols are allowed but must have cap locks to prevent accidental release.

United Airlines Checked Limit:23 kg (50 lbs)
Interactive guidance

Airline & country baggage checker

Pick your airline or destination to see the limits that apply to Aerosol Insect Repellent.

Delta Air LinesCarriage protocol 2026
Carry-on statusRestrictedCabin baggage limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
Checked hold statusAllowedChecked hold limit: 23 kg (50 lbs)
Carrier note:Follows standard TSA cabin baggage rules. Lithium batteries must remain in carry-on.

TSA & United Airlines Liquids Rule

49 CFR § 1540.111 — Aviation Security Authority

Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (§ 1540.111) dictates the 3-1-1 liquids rule for passenger cabin baggage. Containers carrying aerosol insect repellent must be 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller by capacity. Larger containers that are only partially full are still prohibited in cabin baggage unless they fall under medical or infant care exemptions. Containers larger than 3.4 oz must be packed in checked luggage.

Security Checkpoint Screening Procedure

When passing through the TSA checkpoint with aerosol insect repellent, place your travel-sized container (3.4 oz / 100 mL or less) inside a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. If standard 2D X-ray machines are operating at your lane, extract the quart bag and lay it flat in a screening bin. At airports equipped with modern 3D CT computed tomography scanners, you may leave your liquids inside your bag unless instructed otherwise by Transportation Security Officers. Medical liquids or baby nourishment exceeding 3.4 oz must be declared immediately prior to screening for manual inspection or explosive trace detection (ETD) testing.

Step-by-Step Packing Guide for United Airlines Passengers

Step 1

Verify your container holds 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Larger bottles of aerosol insect repellent must travel in checked luggage unless purchased airside at a duty-free outlet.

Step 2

Seal the aerosol insect repellent cap tightly to prevent leaks caused by cabin pressure changes, then place it inside a clear, resealable 1-quart plastic bag.

Step 3

Pack the sealed bag in an outer pocket of your carry-on for fast, one-hand retrieval at the TSA liquids checkpoint.

Step 4

At the security lane, remove the clear liquids bag from your carry-on and lay it flat in a screening tray on its own.

Step 5

If travelling internationally, check the destination country's import limits on volumetric liquids or spirits before boarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verified travel information

Author: BringOnPlane Editorial TeamReviewer: Travel Operations ExpertUpdated: 2026-06-30

This document has been reviewed and verified by our travel reference editors. All statuses, notes and guidelines are checked against live security feeds from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection).