Quick Answer
✅ Yes, you can bring perfume in your carry-on, but bottles must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller and fit inside your TSA quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ You can pack larger perfume bottles in checked luggage.
✈️ Duty-free perfume purchased after security is allowed in carry-on, even if over 3.4 oz, as long as it’s in a sealed duty-free bag.
Details
- Carry-on:
- Bottles ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) → must be in your 1 quart-sized, resealable liquids bag.
- All liquids combined must fit in that single bag.
- Checked baggage:
- Any size perfume bottles are allowed. Pack carefully (wrap in clothing or use a padded case).
- Duty-free purchases:
- Perfume over 3.4 oz is allowed through security if bought after screening in duty-free.
- Keep it sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt until you reach your destination.
- International flights: Most airports follow the same 100 ml liquids rule; duty-free exceptions apply worldwide.
TSA Perfume Rules Summary
| Type of Perfume | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml) | ✅ Allowed (in liquids bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| > 3.4 oz (100 ml) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Duty-free perfume | ✅ Allowed if sealed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Bottle size matters, not fill level: A half-full 6 oz bottle is still considered 6 oz → not allowed in carry-on.
- ✈️ Leaks & breakage: Pressure changes can cause perfume bottles to leak. Use plastic bags or travel atomizers.
- ✈️ Connecting flights: Duty-free bags may be rescreened when connecting internationally — keep them sealed.
- ✈️ Strong scents: Airlines may ask you not to spray perfume in the cabin out of courtesy to nearby passengers.