When packing for your trip, you may be wondering if you can take hydrogen peroxide on your flight. It could be an ingredient in your cosmetics item or a part of your first aid kit.
According to the DrugBank Online Journal, hydrogen peroxide demonstrated pharmacodynamics that certified the organic chemical as a medication. In most pharmacies, you will find 3% hydrogen peroxide as non-prescription medication.
Because hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent, you should be cautious when traveling with it. Generally, it is safe and allowed on board flights but there are certain limitations such as container size and type.
Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that you check with your airline’s rules and regulations as some airlines may prohibit them.
Keep reading as we explain all that you need to know regarding taking hydrogen peroxide on a plane.
Can You Take Hydrogen Peroxide in a Carry-On?
This is unsettled, which means you should probably avoid taking hydrogen peroxide in your carry-on if you can. But since hydrogen peroxide comes under medications, it is allowed in carry-on bags.
Moreover, medically necessary liquids are exempted from the 3-1-1 liquid rule, which means you can carry bottles over 3.4 ounces each. However, these should be in reasonable quantities. Also, you need to declare these liquids to the TSA officer. Keep them separate from your other liquids and belongings.
The unclear part of carrying hydrogen peroxide is when the liquid causes an alarm during the screening process. If the TSA agents are doubtful even after the additional screening, they are likely to confiscate it.
Can You Take Hydrogen Peroxide in Checked Luggage?
You can take hydrogen peroxide in your checked luggage, following the same rules. As it comes under medication, you can take over 3.4 ounces per bottle.
But to be on the safe side, it is always advised to check with your specific airlines as they may have certain requirements.
This rule applies to your typical hydrogen peroxide available at your local pharmacy. The concentration is usually between 3-10%. If you are taking anything stronger, you will be required to obtain special permission from the airline authorities.
The main idea behind carrying it in luggage springs from the fact that there’ll be no immediate use for the chemical. However, packing it in your luggage needs special attention to detail. Although the peroxide will dilute, any spillage will cause catastrophe.
And if it leaks out of your luggage when stored, it can ruin the surrounding bags too, causing more harm. Therefore, you need to pack it in a full-sealed bottle and keep it in such a way that it doesn’t spill, even during turbulence.
Can You Take Hydrogen Peroxide on a Plane in the United States?
You can take hydrogen peroxide on a plane in the United States both in your carry-on as well as checked baggage. The general rule for carrying liquids is the 3-1-1. This means that you can carry a liquid capacity of a maximum of 3.4 oz or 100 ml. Each passenger is allowed only one quart-size bag for all liquid containers.
You can carry hydrogen peroxide even if it exceeds 3.4 oz as it comes under the pharmaceutical category. If the chemical alarms during screening and tests positive for certain chemicals, it may require re-screening. If the security agents are not satisfied, they may refuse the chemical on board altogether.
Hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations is generally safe as it’s usually 97% water. What makes it potentially dangerous is that hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent.
This means that it can transfer electrons to other substances. It may cause explosions or combustion. The common oxidizing agents are hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and halogens.
Can You Take Hydrogen Peroxide on a Plane in the UK?
There aren’t any restrictions on taking hydrogen peroxide on a plane in the UK as long as you follow the regulations listed above. You should take adequate precautions and handle the chemical with care. Ensure that the hydrogen peroxide is not more than 10% otherwise, you would need special permission from the airline carrier authorities.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in hair dyes and contact lens solutions as it’s an excellent bleaching agent as well as a disinfectant. This makes it safe to carry the chemical in its original or derived form on a plane in the UK.
How Much Hydrogen Peroxide Can You Carry on a Plane?
Typically, any liquids that you carry on the plane should not be in a container exceeding 3.4 oz. The good news is that with hydrogen peroxide, you can carry a little more than this limit. However, be sure to clearly label your bottle to pass it as a medication product.
This amount should still be within reasonable amounts for personal or household use. You cannot take large quantities intended for commercial purposes.
What Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration Can You Carry on a Plane?
The most commonly available hydrogen peroxide concentration is 3% hydrogen peroxide strength. As its a basic multipurpose household disinfectant and bleaching agent, it is considered an essential non-prescription medication. To be on the safe side, this liquid must be declared to the Screening Officer separately.
Hydrogen peroxide of concentration 6-10% can also be carried on a plane as long as it’s kept safe. If you want to take a higher concentration, it would fall under the industrial category as will require special permission from the airline carrier.
How to Take Hydrogen Peroxide on a Plane?
Hydrogen peroxide is unstable which means it can decompose readily when exposed to heat or sunlight, giving off water and oxygen as by-products. Ensure that you pack and place your hydrogen peroxide bottle in a cool, dry area with minimum chances of heat vulnerability.
Keep your hydrogen peroxide stored in an air-tight, dark bottle to keep it safe from light and air particles. This will prevent the decomposition of the chemical. Do not store other chemicals, sprays, or any flammable materials near hydrogen peroxide. A tight seal of the container will prevent any accidental spillage. Try to keep a new sealed bottle if possible
Precautions to Take While Carrying Hydrogen Peroxide on a Plane?
So you can take along your bottle of hydrogen peroxide on your next flight but there are certain safety measures you should take note of. If you are taking more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, you must ensure to declare it to the TSA officer during the screening process.
If your hydrogen peroxide amount is less than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, it’s better to be on the safe side and follow the 3-1-1 rule as discussed above. Whatever your amount of hydrogen peroxide is, you must ensure to label it clearly or better, leave it in the original container.
The TSA agents have reported that they confiscated hydrogen peroxide from passengers when they were unable to identify the chemical.
If you are traveling internationally, check the airline and your destination country’s rules and regulations for any restrictions or requirements they might have.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally questionable and controversial so it’s better if you can leave it at home. Your destination will definitely have hydrogen peroxide at any of their local pharmacy or supermarket.
The Takeaway
Hydrogen peroxide is a useful multipurpose household agent. You might need to travel with it in direct form as a disinfectant or bleaching agent. It can even be an indirect form of chemical in your cosmetics such as hair dye, mouthwash, or contact lens solution.
Before starting your travel, do your thorough research to have a hassle-free journey. Follow the precautions to bring along your hydrogen peroxide bottle smoothly.
So, order your set today!
