Yes. Asthma inhalers are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. They're treated as medically necessary items, so they don't have to fit in your liquids bag; declare them at screening.
TSA allows inhalers in carry-on with special instructions: declare medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols to the officer for inspection. Labeling is recommended but not required.
Allowed in checked bags. FAA treats inhalers as medicinal articles, limited to 18 oz (500 ml) per container and 70 oz (2 L) total per person.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Inhalers: carry-on (declare at screening) and checked
- FAA medicinal aerosols: 18 oz (0.5 kg / 500 ml) per container, 70 oz (2 kg / 2 L) total per person
- Nebulizer liquids: exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule in reasonable quantities
Packing tips
- Always keep a rescue inhaler in your carry-on or pocket, never only in a checked bag.
- Nebulizers can stay in their case for X-ray, and their liquids are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.
- Labeling your inhaler isn't required by TSA, but it helps screening go smoothly.
Outside the US
- UKInhalers are allowed in both hand and hold luggage. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Does an inhaler need to go in my liquids bag?
No. It's a medically necessary item; declare it to the officer rather than packing it in your quart bag.
Can I bring an inhaler on a plane?
Yes, in your carry-on or checked bag. Keep your rescue inhaler with you in the cabin.