TSA Liquid Rules: What You Can (and Can’t) Bring on a Plane

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule at a Glance

Every liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, and paste in your carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 rule: each container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all containers must fit inside one clear quart-sized bag, and each passenger gets one bag. Anything larger goes in checked luggage. Exceptions include medications, baby formula, breast milk, and duty-free purchases in sealed bags.

Getting stopped at airport security because of a shampoo bottle is one of those uniquely frustrating travel experiences. You packed carefully, you were sure that the tube was small enough, and now you’re watching a TSA agent drop your expensive moisturizer into a bin while the line behind you grows.

The good news: the rules are actually straightforward once you know them. This guide breaks down exactly what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on, what’s exempt from the liquid limits, and how to pack your toiletries so you never lose another bottle at security.

What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule?

The 3-1-1 rule is the TSA’s regulation governing liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in carry-on luggage. The name is a memory device for the three requirements:

• 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per container. Every individual container of liquid must be 3.4 oz or smaller. The TSA measures the container size, not how much product is left inside a half-empty 6 oz bottle of shampoo, which will still be confiscated because the container exceeds the limit.

• 1 clear, quart-sized bag. All of your 3.4 oz containers must fit inside a single clear, resealable plastic bag approximately 7 x 8 inches (a standard quart-sized zip-top bag). If it doesn’t zip closed, you have too much.

• 1 bag per passenger. Each traveler gets one liquid bag. You can’t split your toiletries across two bags or borrow space in a travel companion’s bag for screening purposes.

At the security checkpoint, remove your liquids bag from your carry-on and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. Keeping it easily accessible, like in an outer pocket of your duffle, speeds up the process.

What counts as a “liquid” under TSA rules?

The TSA’s definition is broader than you might expect. If a substance doesn’t hold a completely solid form at room temperature, it falls under the 3-1-1 rule. That includes:

• Obvious liquids: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, mouthwash, contact lens solution, water, juice

• Gels: Hair gel, toothpaste, deodorant gel, aloe vera, hand sanitizer

• Creams and lotions: Moisturizer, sunscreen, hand cream, foundation, concealer

• Aerosols: Hairspray, dry shampoo spray, body spray, shaving cream

• Pastes: Toothpaste (yes, it counts), lip balm in a pot, thick ointments

• Surprise liquids: Mascara, liquid lipstick, peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, jam

If you’re unsure whether a specific item counts, the TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool at TSA.gov lets you search for any item by name.

What’s NOT a liquid (no 3-1-1 bag needed)

Solid deodorant sticks, bar soap, powder makeup (blush, bronzer, pressed powder), solid perfume, lip balm in a twist-up tube, solid shampoo bars, makeup wipes, sheet masks (dry-packaged), and solid lipstick. These can go anywhere in your carry-on without size restrictions.

What’s exempt from the 3-1-1 rule?

Several categories of liquids are allowed in your carry-on in quantities larger than 3.4 oz. These must be declared to the TSA officer at the start of screening and separated from your other belongings:

Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit. You can bring them in their original packaging in reasonable quantities for your trip. Declare them at the checkpoint and keep them easily accessible in your bag. The TSA recommends but does not require carrying a doctor’s note for large quantities. TSA X-ray machines are safe for medications.

Baby formula, breast milk, and toddler food

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby food (including puree pouches) are classified as medically necessary liquids and are exempt in reasonable quantities. You do not need to be traveling with your child to bring breast milk. Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs for cooling are also allowed, even if partially frozen. Separate these items from your other liquids for screening.

Duty-free purchases

Liquids purchased after the security checkpoint (such as water, alcohol, or perfume from duty-free shops) are allowed in any size. For international connections, duty-free liquids must remain in sealed, tamper-evident bags with the receipt visible. The TSA recommends packing duty-free items in checked luggage if you have a connecting flight through another security checkpoint.

Carry-on vs. checked luggage: where should liquids go?

The 3-1-1 rule applies only to carry-on bags. Checked luggage has no liquid size restrictions. You can pack full-sized shampoo, conditioner, and sunscreen in your checked suitcase without limits.

A practical approach: pack travel-sized versions of daily-use toiletries (face wash, toothpaste, deodorant) in your carry-on for accessibility, and put full-sized bottles in your checked bag. If your trip is short enough to go carry-on only, invest in refillable travel bottles and solid alternatives like shampoo bars and solid deodorant.

If you’re checking luggage, Away’s Carry-On and Checked suitcases feature interior compression systems and laundry bags that keep toiletries organized and separated from clothing. For carry-on-only trips, the Featherlight Collection of personal item bags has quick-access pockets designed for your liquids bag at security.

How to pack your 3-1-1 bag (step by step)

1. Start with a clear, quart-sized zip-top bag. Standard sandwich bags are too small. Look for a bag approximately 7 x 8 inches. Reusable TSA-approved bags work, but must be fully transparent.

2. Audit your liquids. Lay out everything you plan to bring that’s liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol. Check every container size if it says more than 3.4 oz on the label, it can’t go in your carry-on.

3. Choose travel-sized containers or solid swaps. Transfer products into 3.4 oz containers, or switch to solid versions: shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, solid perfume, bar soap. These bypass the 3-1-1 bag entirely.

4. Pack the bag so it can close. If the zip-top won’t seal, remove items until it does. Overstuffed bags get flagged at screening.

5. Store it for quick access. Place your liquids bag in an easy-to-reach pocket of your personal item so you can pull it out fast at the checkpoint. The front pocket on Away’s Featherlight Backpack and Large Featherlight Tote is sized for exactly this purpose.

For a more durable, reusable alternative to a standard zip-top bag, consider upgrading to a purpose-built option like the Clear Pouch Set from Away. Designed to meet TSA requirements while elevating your packing system, the set keeps your 3-1-1 essentials neatly contained, fully visible, and easy to pull out at security. Unlike disposable bags that tear or cloud over time, these structured pouches hold their shape and make it easier to stay organized trip after trip—so you can breeze through screening without fumbling or repacking at the checkpoint.

Personal item toiletry checklist

A quick-reference list of common toiletries and whether they need to go in your 3-1-1 bag, can be packed freely, or should go in checked luggage. See our Personal Item Size Guide for how to choose the right bag for your flight.

Do TSA liquid rules apply to international flights?

The 3-1-1 rule applies to all flights departing from US airports, including international departures. However, international airports may have different rules for flights that don’t touch the US:

• The EU follows similar rules: 100 ml containers in a 1-liter clear bag, one per passenger.

• Some airports with advanced CT scanners have relaxed liquid limits (notably in the UK and parts of Europe), but policies vary by airport, not by country.

• If you have a connecting flight through another security checkpoint, duty-free liquids purchased internationally may be confiscated if they exceed 3.4 oz and aren’t in sealed, tamper-evident packaging.

• When in doubt, assume 3-1-1 applies. The standard is nearly universal.

What happens if you bring a prohibited liquid?

If a liquid in your carry-on exceeds 3.4 oz or isn’t in a quart-sized bag, the TSA officer will give you three options: surrender the item (it gets discarded), go back and put it in your checked luggage (if you have time and a checked bag), or exit the security line to mail it or store it if your airport offers that service. There are no fines for accidentally bringing oversized liquids; the item is simply confiscated. However, intentionally concealing prohibited items can lead to additional screening and potential penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a water bottle through TSA?

An empty water bottle is allowed through security. Fill it at a water fountain or refill station after you pass through the checkpoint. A bottle with water in it will be flagged and you’ll be asked to empty or discard it.

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA?

Yes. Toothpaste is classified as a paste and falls under the 3-1-1 rule. Your tube must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller. Most standard toothpaste tubes are 4–6 oz, which means they’ll be confiscated even if they’re nearly empty. The TSA measures the container, not the contents.

Can I bring makeup in my carry-on?

Solid makeup (pressed powder, blush, bronzer, solid lipstick, eyeshadow) has no size restrictions and can go anywhere in your carry-on. Liquid or cream makeup (foundation, concealer, liquid lipstick, mascara, setting spray) must go in your 3-1-1 bag in containers of 3.4 oz or less.

Does hand sanitizer still have a special exemption?

No. The temporary 12 oz hand sanitizer exemption that was in place during the pandemic has ended. Hand sanitizer is now subject to standard 3-1-1 rules: 3.4 oz containers only, inside your quart-sized bag.

Can I bring medication on a plane?

Yes. Liquid medications (prescription and over-the-counter) are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit. Declare them at the checkpoint and keep them accessible for inspection. Medications do not need to go in your 3-1-1 bag. The TSA recommends keeping them in original packaging but does not require it.

Can I bring food through the TSA?

Solid foods (sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, chips, cookies) are allowed without restrictions. Spreadable, pourable, or liquid-state foods (hummus, yogurt, soup, peanut butter, jam, salsa) are subject to the 3-1-1 rule and must be in 3.4 oz containers if carried through security.

Do I need a clear bag for my liquids?

Yes. The TSA requires a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. It must be transparent so officers can visually inspect the contents without opening it. Some travelers use reusable TSA-approved bags, which are fine as long as they’re fully transparent and approximately quart-sized (about 7 x 8 inches).

What’s the difference between carry-on and checked liquid rules?

The 3-1-1 rule applies only to carry-on bags. Checked luggage has no liquid size restrictions. You can pack full-sized bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and any other toiletry in your checked suitcase. However, flammable liquids and aerosols with a propellant are subject to separate hazardous materials rules in checked bags.

Pack lighter, travel smarter

The 3-1-1 rule doesn’t have to be stressful; it just takes a few minutes of prep before you pack. Stick to travel-sized containers, swap liquids for solids where you can, and keep your clear bag in an easy-to-reach pocket so you can pull it out fast at security.

Need the right bag for the job? Away’s Featherlight Collection is designed with quick-access pockets that make the security line a breeze. Pair one with a Carry-On suitcase for a full travel setup, backed by LifetimeCare™ Coverage that protects your luggage for the life of your suitcase.

For more packing guidance, see our Personal Item Size Guide and How to Pack a Suitcase or Carry-On.

Sources & Verification

This guide was verified against official TSA policy pages at TSA.gov in March 2026. We review and update this content quarterly. If you notice a policy change, contact us and we’ll update it.

• TSA Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule
• TSA What Can I Bring?: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
• TSA Baby Formula & Breast Milk: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/baby-formula
• TSA Travel Checklist: tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist