Perfume and Deodorant Rules
Limited
Cabin limit 100ml per bottle inside a 1L clear bag. Larger bottles go in checked baggage.
Quick answer
The 100ml rule measures container size, not how much liquid remains. That half-used 150ml bottle still gets confiscated because screeners cannot verify volume mid-queue.
Aerosols add another layer: propellants are flammable. Caps must stay on, and total toiletry aerosols per passenger can’t exceed 2L/2kg. Industrial sprays (paint, insecticide) are banned outright.
Checked baggage is kinder to big perfume bottles, but pressure changes still force leaks. Wrap bottles in plastic, cushion them inside clothes, and keep receipts handy for customs.
Cabin packing
- ✔Decant into 50–100ml travel atomisers with volume markers.
- ✔Place all liquids, gels, creams in one resealable 1L pouch for easy inspection.
- ✔Carry solid perfume balms separately—they bypass the liquid rule.
Checked baggage precautions
- ✔Wrap bottles in cling film, then in bubble wrap or socks.
- ✔Store inside a rigid box to prevent crushing.
- ✔Note customs allowances if returning with multiple duty-free bottles.
Perfume scenarios
| Item | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| 100ml spray | ✅ In 1L bag | ✅ |
| 150ml aerosol | ❌ | ✅ If toiletry type |
| Solid balm | ✅ | ✅ |
Do this
- ✅ Label decanted bottles with scent name + ml so officers know it’s cosmetic.
- ✅ Carry a doctor note if you need medicinal inhalers alongside perfumes.
- ✅ Let duty-free staff seal purchases in STEBs if you have onward flights.
Avoid this
- ⚠️ Don’t spray perfume during boarding—cabins recycle air and fragrances may trigger allergies.
- ⚠️ Don’t pack glass bottles against hard toiletry caps; turbulence cracks them.
- ⚠️ Avoid taking aerosol caps off for space—they’re required to prevent accidental discharge.
FAQ
Q. Can I carry perfume samples?
Yes, as long as each vial is under 100ml and they collectively fit the 1L bag.
Q. Do solid deodorant sticks count as liquids?
No, they are treated like solids unless noticeably gel-like. Keep weight under 100g to be safe.
Q. What if I buy perfume after security and connect to another flight?
Keep it sealed in the STEB with the receipt showing purchase within 36 hours. Transit security otherwise confiscates it.
Tips before you fly
- ✈️ Use leak-proof travel atomisers with locking valves.
- ✈️ Carry unscented wipes to clean accidental spills immediately.
- ✈️ If you love signature scents, store empty labelled bottles at home to refill before each trip.
Related YourTravelGuide guides
Official references
India DGCA guidelines — simplified
Verified on: 6 Dec 2025
Disclaimer: Aviation and security rules change frequently. Always confirm with your airline, airport help desk, or CISF officers before you travel.