Can you bring hand sanitizer on a plane? (2025)

These days, many people are asking, can you bring hand sanitizer on a plane? And I get it, the world is a germ-filled place. Hand sanitizer can be super useful, especially when you’re traveling.

But what are the TSA rules about flying with hand sanitizer? Let’s take a look at taking hand sanitizer on a plane in your carry on bag.

Note: This post is written referencing TSA rules for travel from airports in the USA. Some countries may have different rules, so if you’re flying from an airport in another country, please look up the rules for the authority in that country.

Flying with hand sanitizer

According to the CDC, it’s best to use soap and water to wash your hands, but sometimes you’re in a place where this isn’t so convenient. That’s where hand sanitizer can be really helpful.

You might want to bring hand sanitizer on your trip for lots of reasons. Airplanes and airports are dirty places. Any mode of public transportation really. Or maybe you’re traveling to a remote place or somewhere that doesn’t have the cleanest water.

Regardless of your reasons, this is something you want to include in your packing list. And wouldn’t it be great if you could bring hand sanitizer in your carry on bag?

TSA rules for bringing liquids on a plane

In case you need it, here’s a quick reminder about the TSA liquid allowance on a plane for carry on travel:

All liquids you take in your carry on luggage must be in 3.4 ounce (100ml) containers, or smaller. A larger container that’s almost empty is still above the limit.

All containers must fit into a clear 1 quart (1 liter) zip top bag. Each passenger is allowed to have one liquids bag only, which can limit how many toiletries you can bring on a plane.

So knowing these liquids rules, you are only allowed to bring small bottles of hand sanitizer. They have to be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit into your liquids bag.

Current TSA rules for bringing hand sanitizer on a plane

For a few years recently, TSA was allowing larger quantities of hand sanitizer in your carry on bag. This was a pandemic exception they were making to the standard liquids rule.

However, they have recently taken this exception off their website. I have found it referenced in a few older articles, but the official “what can I bring” search page now shows the original rule restricting you to 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottles or smaller, which must fit in your liquids bag.

You can also pack hand sanitizer in your checked luggage since the amount you’re allowed is much more generous.

And keep in mind that just about everywhere will have hand sanitizer, so you can buy more where you’re going if you need to.

So for those of you asking, can you take hand sanitizer on a plane, rest assured, the answer is yes.

Can you take disinfectant wipes on a plane?

Disinfectant wipes are also very useful these days. So many surfaces in your seating area on the plane are covered in germs. Even with the extra cleanings we all hope those airlines are doing now, you still might want to be cautious.

But did you know that disinfectant wipes are NOT considered a liquid? Despite the fact that they are wet, they aren’t a liquid.

This goes for all kinds of wet wipes, like baby wipes, makeup wipes, and anything similar.

So please take some disinfectant wipes on the plane with you, and wipe off that tray table, the TV (if you’re on a plane that has them), the arm rests, the seat belt buckles, and any other hard surface in your space.

>>Read more about taking wipes on a plane and tips for how to disinfect your airplane seat.

I hope this answers all of your questions about bringing hand sanitizer on a plane!

You might also like:

• What NOT to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag
• Can you take aerosols on a plane?
• Can you bring food on a plane?
• Or check out our full section of packing and luggage tips