The TSA's 3.4-ounce limit for liquids and gels in carry-on luggage

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) per container of liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag. This is the maximum size for a single container. You can bring multiple containers as long as each one is 3.4 ounces or smaller and they all fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

This rule applies to items like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and makeup. The limit exists because these items are screened differently than solid items, and the TSA restricts the total volume that can be carried in the cabin of an aircraft for safety reasons.

Checked baggage has no ounce limit for liquids and gels — you can pack full-sized bottles in your checked suitcase. The 3.4-ounce rule applies only to what you carry onto the plane with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Each liquid or gel container in your carry-on must be 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller.
  • All your liquid and gel containers must fit together in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, which you remove at security.
  • Solid items like deodorant sticks, bar soap, and solid perfume do not count toward the liquid limit.
  • Checked baggage allows full-sized bottles and containers with no ounce restrictions.
  • The TSA measures fluid ounces, not weight ounces, so a 3.4 oz container of shampoo is different from 3.4 oz by weight.

What counts as a liquid or gel under TSA rules

The TSA defines liquids and gels broadly to include anything that flows or spreads. This covers obvious items like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. It also includes less obvious ones: toothpaste, peanut butter, honey, jam, yogurt, sour cream, pudding, and hummus all count as gels or pastes and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.

Aerosols like hairspray, spray deodorant, and spray sunscreen also fall under the liquid rule and must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. A spray can that says 5 ounces on the label is too large for carry-on, even if it is mostly air.

Solid items do not count. A stick of deodorant, a bar of soap, a solid perfume, or a lipstick in stick form can be any size. Powders like loose eyeshadow or talc are also allowed in any amount, though very large quantities may raise questions at security.

How to pack liquids and gels for airport security

Place all your liquid and gel containers into a single quart-sized clear plastic bag before you reach the security checkpoint. A quart-sized bag is roughly 7 inches by 8 inches — the standard gallon-sized freezer bag is too large. You can buy these bags at any drugstore or grocery store, or the TSA will provide one if you ask at security.

Make sure each container is labeled with its contents and that the label shows the size. If a container is unmarked or you are unsure of the size, measure it or weigh it before packing. At the checkpoint, you will remove the bag from your carry-on and place it in the bin with your shoes and electronics.

Pack the bag so that nothing leaks onto your other belongings. If a container does leak during the flight, the damage is contained to items in your carry-on. For this reason, many travelers pack liquids in their checked bag instead, where leaks are less likely to ruin electronics or documents.

Common items that surprise travelers

Toothpaste is a gel and must be 3.4 ounces or smaller in carry-on. A standard tube is usually 4.6 to 6 ounces, so you will need a travel-sized tube or a solid toothpaste tablet for the plane.

Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters are considered pastes and count toward the liquid limit. If you want to bring a full jar, pack it in checked baggage.

Sunscreen is a liquid or cream and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule in carry-on. Many travelers pack sunscreen in checked baggage and explore it after landing, or buy a small travel size for the plane.

Mascara and liquid eyeliner are liquids. Solid eyeshadow, powder blush, and lipstick in stick form are not. Nail polish is flammable and has special rules — it is allowed in carry-on in the United States, but some airlines restrict it, so check before packing.

What happens if your container is slightly over 3.4 ounces

TSA officers measure the labeled size of the container, not how much product is actually inside. If a bottle says 3.5 ounces on the label, it will be confiscated at security, even if it is half empty. The rule is based on the container's capacity, not its contents.

If you have a container that is slightly over the limit, you have two options: pack it in checked baggage, or leave it behind. The TSA will not allow you to pour it into a smaller container at security or let you through with an oversized container.

Exceptions and special cases

Medications in liquid or gel form are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit if they are declared to security. Bring them in their original labeled containers and tell the officer at the checkpoint that you have medications. You may be asked to open the container for inspection.

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are also exempt from the liquid limit. Bring them in their original containers and inform security. You do not need to pack them in the quart-sized bag.

Duty-free liquids purchased after security (alcohol, perfume, or other liquids bought in the airport shop) can be carried onto the plane in their sealed bag, even if they are larger than 3.4 ounces. Keep the receipt and the sealed bag together. If you open the bag before boarding, the items become subject to the 3.4-ounce rule.

Packing liquids in checked baggage instead

If you want to bring full-sized bottles of shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, or other liquids, pack them in your checked suitcase. There is no ounce limit for liquids in checked baggage. However, some airlines have weight limits for checked bags, so very heavy liquids may count against your baggage allowance.

Wrap each bottle in a plastic bag to contain leaks. Place the wrapped bottles in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes or towels that can absorb any spills. Avoid packing liquids on top of electronics or documents.

Flammable items like nail polish, lighter fluid, and some aerosols have additional restrictions in checked baggage. Check your airline's website for their specific rules on hazardous materials before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full-sized water bottle through security?

No. An empty water bottle can go through security, but you cannot fill it until after you pass the checkpoint. Many airports have water fountains or refill stations past security where you can fill a bottle for free before boarding.

Do I need to remove my quart-sized bag at security?

Yes. Remove the bag from your carry-on and place it in the bin with your shoes, belt, and electronics. The TSA officer will scan it separately. Put it back in your bag after security.

What if I am flying internationally?

The 3.4-ounce rule applies to flights departing from the United States. Other countries may have different rules. Check your destination country's aviation authority website before packing. Some countries allow larger containers; others are stricter.

Can I bring solid deodorant and liquid deodorant together?

Yes. Solid stick deodorant has no size limit and does not need to go in the quart-sized bag. Spray or roll-on deodorant must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and must go in the bag.

What if my medication is a liquid and is larger than 3.4 ounces?

Bring it in its original labeled container and declare it to the TSA officer at security. Liquid medications are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit. You may be asked to open the container or provide a prescription label, so keep documentation with you.