The 3-1-1 Rule: What Liquids Are Allowed

You can bring liquids through TSA security, but only in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, packed in a single clear plastic bag no larger than a quart. This is called the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces per container, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger. The bag must be removed from your carry-on and placed in a bin during screening.

The rule applies to anything that flows, spreads, or is pourable — not just water. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and jam all count as liquids. Solid deodorant and lipstick are allowed in unlimited quantities because they do not flow. Gel deodorant counts as a liquid.

You can pack full-size bottles of liquids in your checked baggage with no size limit. TSA does not restrict liquids in checked bags the way it does in carry-on bags, though individual airlines may have their own rules about hazardous materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Liquids in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and packed together in one clear quart-sized bag.
  • Anything that flows, spreads, or pours counts as a liquid — including shampoo, lotion, peanut butter, and gel deodorant.
  • You can pack full-size liquid bottles in checked baggage without size restrictions.
  • The clear bag must be removed from your carry-on and placed in a screening bin; TSA officers will inspect it separately.
  • Solid items like bar soap, solid deodorant, and lipstick do not count as liquids and have no size limit in carry-on bags.

What Counts as a Liquid Under TSA Rules

TSA defines liquids broadly to include gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols — anything that is not a solid. Common items that must follow the 3-1-1 rule include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, sunscreen, toothpaste, mouthwash, and hair gel. Medications in liquid or gel form also count, though you can pack them separately from your toiletries bag if you prefer.

Aerosol cans like deodorant spray, hairspray, and spray sunscreen are liquids under TSA rules. A 3.4-ounce aerosol counts the same as a 3.4-ounce bottle. Perfume and cologne are liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule.

Food items that are liquid or spreadable — peanut butter, jam, honey, yogurt, pudding, and sauces — must also be 3.4 ounces or smaller in carry-on bags. Solid foods like cheese, bread, and fruit have no restrictions.

Items That Do Not Count as Liquids

Solid deodorant, bar soap, solid shampoo bars, lipstick, and chapstick are not liquids and can be packed in any quantity in your carry-on bag. Powders — including talc, baby powder, and protein powder — are also allowed in carry-on bags, though TSA may open and inspect them.

Frozen items are allowed in carry-on bags if they are completely solid when you go through security. Ice is allowed. A frozen gel pack is allowed. Once an item begins to thaw and becomes slushy or liquid, it becomes subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

How to Pack Your Liquids Bag for Security

Buy or use a clear plastic quart-sized bag — the kind that zips closed. Pack all your liquid containers inside it, making sure each container is 3.4 ounces or smaller. Seal the bag. When you reach the security checkpoint, remove the bag from your carry-on and place it in a screening bin before you go through the metal detector or body scanner.

TSA officers will inspect the bag separately. They may open containers to verify contents. After screening, you can put the bag back in your carry-on. Do not pack the bag at the bottom of your carry-on where it is hard to reach — keep it accessible near the top.

If you forget to remove the bag and it goes through the scanner, TSA may pull you aside for additional screening or confiscate the bag. Removing it yourself speeds up the process for everyone.

What Happens If You Pack Liquids Incorrectly

If a liquid container is larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will confiscate it at the checkpoint. You do not get it back. If your liquids are not in a clear bag, TSA may confiscate the entire bag or individual items. If you pack liquids in your carry-on without a clear bag, security may delay you while they inspect your bag more thoroughly.

Packing liquids correctly takes 30 seconds and prevents delays. The rule exists because TSA screens for threats, and the 3.4-ounce limit is based on aviation security standards set by the Transportation Security Administration and international aviation authorities.

Liquids in Checked Baggage

You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, and other liquids in checked baggage with no size restrictions. There is no limit to how many liquid containers you can pack in checked bags. However, some liquids are considered hazardous materials and cannot be packed in checked baggage at all — these include paint thinner, gasoline, and certain cleaning products.

Your airline's website lists hazardous materials that are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage. Most common toiletries and personal care items are not hazardous and can go in checked bags. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, contact your airline before you pack.

Special Cases: Medications, Baby Formula, and Duty-Free Purchases

Liquid medications do not have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. You can pack prescription medications and over-the-counter liquid medicines in any size in your carry-on bag. You do not need to put them in the quart-sized bag. Bring the original labeled container so TSA can verify the contents.

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You can pack these items in any quantity in your carry-on bag. You do not need to put them in the clear bag. Tell TSA officers at the checkpoint that you have these items so they can screen them separately if needed.

Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport after you pass through security can be carried on the plane. These items are sealed in a special bag by the retailer. Keep the bag sealed and do not open it until after you land. If you open it before boarding, the contents become subject to the 3-1-1 rule and TSA may confiscate them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full water bottle through security?

No. An empty water bottle can go through security, and you can fill it at a water fountain or refill station after you pass the checkpoint. A full water bottle will be confiscated. Many airports have water refill stations near gates specifically for this reason.

Do I need to remove my liquids bag if I have TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove liquids bags, shoes, or light jackets at security. You still must follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids — the exemption is only about removing the bag from your carry-on during screening.

What if my deodorant is a gel?

Gel deodorant counts as a liquid and must be 3.4 ounces or smaller in your carry-on bag. Solid stick deodorant does not count as a liquid and has no size limit. If you are unsure whether your deodorant is solid or gel, check the label or switch to solid deodorant for travel.

Can I bring sunscreen in my carry-on?

Yes, if it is 3.4 ounces or smaller and packed in your clear quart-sized bag. Sunscreen is a liquid. If you need more than 3.4 ounces, pack the rest in your checked baggage.

Are there any liquids that are completely banned from planes?

Yes. Flammable liquids like gasoline, paint thinner, and certain cleaning products cannot be packed in carry-on or checked baggage. Most personal care and toiletry items are not flammable and are allowed. Your airline's hazardous materials list specifies what is banned.