The 3.4-ounce limit applies to most liquids and gels in your carry-on bag

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits each liquid or gel container to 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) in your carry-on luggage. This rule applies to items like shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, and cologne. Each container must be 3.4 ounces or smaller — a 3.5-ounce bottle will be confiscated at the security checkpoint, even if it is mostly empty.

All of these containers must fit inside a single clear plastic bag, typically one quart in size. The TSA calls this the "3-1-1 rule": 3.4 ounces per container, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger. You place this bag in a bin during screening, and security officers examine it separately from the rest of your carry-on.

Checked baggage has no ounce limit for liquids and gels, so if you need full-size bottles, pack them in your checked suitcase instead. The trade-off is that you cannot access them during your flight.

Key Takeaways

  • Each liquid or gel container in your carry-on must be 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller, regardless of how much product is actually inside.
  • All containers must fit into one clear quart-sized plastic bag, which you remove and place in a bin during security screening.
  • Common items subject to the limit include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and perfume.
  • Full-size bottles of liquids and gels can go in checked baggage with no ounce restriction.
  • The TSA confiscates containers that exceed 3.4 ounces at the checkpoint; there is no exception for nearly-empty bottles.

What counts as a liquid or gel under TSA rules

The TSA defines liquids and gels broadly. Beyond obvious items like shampoo and lotion, the category includes peanut butter, yogurt, cream cheese, hummus, and other spreadable foods. Aerosols like hairspray and spray deodorant also count. Mascara, liquid eyeliner, and foundation are gels. Even solid deodorant in a stick counts if it is labeled as a gel.

Some items are exempt. Solid items like bar soap, solid perfume sticks, and lip balm in a solid form do not count. Medications and medical devices (like inhalers or EpiPens) are allowed in reasonable quantities and do not need to go in the plastic bag. If you are unsure whether a specific product counts, check the TSA website or ask at the checkpoint before you unpack your bag.

How to pack your liquids and gels correctly

Buy a clear quart-sized plastic bag — these are inexpensive and widely available at drugstores and supermarkets. Place all containers 3.4 ounces or smaller inside it. The bag itself must be clear so security can see the contents without opening it. Seal the bag completely.

Arrive at the checkpoint with the bag easily accessible in your carry-on, not buried at the bottom. When you reach the security line, remove the bag and place it in a bin by itself. Do not mix it with other items. After screening, you can put the bag back in your carry-on and access it during your flight.

If you forget to pack liquids in the bag or bring a container larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA officers will confiscate it. There is no way to retrieve it after screening, so double-check your bag before you leave home.

International flights and different country rules

The 3.4-ounce rule applies to flights departing from U.S. airports, whether the destination is domestic or international. However, if you are flying from another country to the United States, that country's security rules explore to your outbound flight. Many countries follow the same 3.4-ounce limit, but some have different rules.

If you are connecting through a U.S. airport on your way to another country, you can purchase liquids and gels after you clear U.S. security (in the duty-free area), and those items can travel with you to your final destination. Liquids bought outside the U.S. security area may be confiscated when you clear security for your onward flight, so buy them after screening whenever possible.

Exceptions and special items

Medications in liquid form (like cough syrup or insulin) are allowed in reasonable quantities and do not count toward the 3.4-ounce limit. You do not need to pack them in the plastic bag. Bring a doctor's note or prescription label if the medication is unfamiliar or if you are carrying a large quantity.

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are also exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule. You can bring these in any quantity needed for your flight. Inform the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you have these items so they can screen them separately if needed.

Duty-free alcohol purchased at the airport after security screening is allowed in your carry-on, but it must be in a sealed, tamper-evident bag. If you open it during your flight, it becomes subject to airline rules, which vary by carrier.

What happens if you accidentally bring an oversized container

TSA officers will confiscate any container larger than 3.4 ounces at the checkpoint. You cannot argue that the bottle is mostly empty or that you did not know the rule — the limit is based on container size, not contents. Once confiscated, the item is discarded and cannot be retrieved.

To avoid this, measure your containers before you pack. If a bottle does not have ounces clearly marked, use a kitchen scale or measuring cup. Many travel-size products are sold specifically to meet the 3.4-ounce limit, so buying those versions eliminates guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a 3.4-ounce container that is completely empty?

Yes. An empty container that is labeled 3.4 ounces or smaller is allowed. However, TSA may open and inspect it. If you want to avoid delays, fill the container with a permitted liquid before you travel, or pack it in checked baggage instead.

Do I need to remove the plastic bag from my carry-on at every security checkpoint?

Yes. At U.S. checkpoints, remove the bag and place it in a bin by itself. If you are connecting to another flight, you will go through security again and must remove the bag again. International airports may have different procedures, so follow the officer's instructions.

What if my deodorant or sunscreen does not say "ounces" on the label?

Check for milliliters instead — 100 milliliters equals 3.4 fluid ounces. If the label shows only grams or does not list volume, weigh it on a kitchen scale or ask at a drugstore. When in doubt, buy a travel-size version labeled as TSA-compliant.

Can I pack liquids in my checked bag without any size limit?

Yes, checked baggage has no ounce limit for liquids and gels. However, airlines may have their own rules about hazardous materials like aerosols or flammable items, so check your airline's website before packing. Liquids in checked bags should be sealed tightly to prevent leaks.

Are solid perfumes and solid deodorants allowed in carry-on bags?

Solid perfumes and solid stick deodorants are allowed without restriction. However, gel deodorants count as gels and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule. Check the product label — if it says "gel", pack it in your plastic bag.