Yes, you must remove most liquids from your carry-on bag at TSA security

The TSA requires you to remove liquids, gels, and aerosols from your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin during the security screening process. This rule applies to containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). You do not need to remove liquids that are 3.4 ounces or smaller if they fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag, which you can keep in your carry-on.

The rule exists because the TSA screens liquids separately to detect potential threats. Removing them speeds up the process and lets security officers inspect them more easily. Liquids in checked baggage do not have this restriction — you can pack full-size bottles and containers in your checked bag without limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Remove all containers larger than 3.4 ounces from your carry-on and place them in a separate bin at the checkpoint.
  • Containers 3.4 ounces or smaller can stay in your carry-on if they fit in one clear quart-sized plastic bag.
  • Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols all follow the same 3.4-ounce rule.
  • Full-size bottles and containers can go in your checked baggage with no liquid restrictions.
  • The TSA provides free quart-sized bags at security checkpoints if you do not have one.

What counts as a liquid under TSA rules

The TSA defines liquids broadly to include anything that flows, spreads, or sprays. This covers obvious items like water, juice, and shampoo, but also includes less obvious ones: peanut butter, yogurt, honey, jam, hummus, and other thick spreads. Gels like hair gel, lotion, and toothpaste count as liquids. Aerosols like deodorant, hairspray, and sunscreen spray also fall under the rule.

Solid foods like cheese, chocolate bars, and sandwiches do not count as liquids and can stay in your carry-on bag. The distinction is whether the item would spill or spread if the container tipped over. If you are unsure about a specific item, the TSA website has a "What Can I Bring?" tool where you can search by product name.

How to pack the 3.4-ounce rule correctly

You need one clear quart-sized plastic bag to hold all your small liquid containers. A quart-sized bag is roughly 7 inches by 8 inches — the TSA provides them free at checkpoints if you do not have one. Each individual container inside the bag must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. The bag itself must close completely and fit easily in the security bin.

Pack your liquids bag so it is straightforward to remove at the checkpoint. Place it on top of your carry-on or in an outer pocket. When you reach the security line, take it out and place it in the bin with your shoes, belt, and jacket. Do not wait until the officer asks — removing it proactively speeds up screening.

If a container is larger than 3.4 ounces, it cannot go in your carry-on under any circumstances, even if you only partially fill it. A half-full 5-ounce bottle of shampoo is still too large. Either pack it in your checked bag or buy a travel-size version.

Exceptions and special items

A few items are exempt from the liquid rule or have special handling. Medications in liquid or gel form (like insulin or asthma inhalers) can exceed 3.4 ounces and do not need to go in the quart bag, but you must declare them to the officer. Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for a child under two years old are also exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit.

Duty-free liquids purchased after you pass through security at your departure airport can travel in your carry-on, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces. However, if you have a connecting flight, you will need to pack them in your checked bag for the connection, or they will be confiscated at the second security checkpoint.

Frozen items like ice packs or frozen gel packs are allowed in carry-on bags if they are completely solid when you reach the checkpoint. If they have started to thaw and are slushy or liquid, they count as liquids and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.

What happens if you forget to remove liquids

If you reach the security checkpoint with a liquid container larger than 3.4 ounces still in your carry-on, the officer will catch it during X-ray screening. You will have a few options: pack it in your checked bag if you have time, throw it away, or give it to someone outside security. You cannot take it through the checkpoint.

If you are running late, throwing away the item is usually fastest. If you have checked baggage and time to spare, you can ask the officer if you can step aside, repack your bag, and go back through the line. Most airports allow this, but it depends on how busy the checkpoint is and the officer's discretion.

Packing liquids in checked baggage

Checked baggage has no liquid restrictions — you can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, lotion, cologne, and other liquids without limit. However, pack them carefully to prevent leaks. Place each bottle in a separate plastic bag, or wrap them in plastic wrap to contain any spills. Pack them in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothes or towels that can absorb leaks.

Pressurized aerosols like hairspray and deodorant have additional rules for checked bags. Most aerosols are allowed, but they must have a safety cap or trigger guard to prevent accidental discharge. Some aerosols, like certain types of paint or insecticide, are prohibited in checked baggage entirely. Check with your airline before packing aerosols you are unsure about.

Tips for international travel

The 3.4-ounce liquid rule applies to flights departing from the United States, regardless of your destination. If you are flying internationally, the rule is the same at U.S. airports. However, some countries have different rules for flights departing from their airports, so check the rules of your destination country if you are connecting through another airport.

Duty-free liquids purchased at international airports follow the same rules as U.S. airports: you can bring them on your flight if purchased after security screening, but they must be packed in checked baggage for any connecting flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full water bottle through security?

No. Any water bottle larger than 3.4 ounces must be empty when you pass through security. You can fill it at a water fountain or refill station after you clear the checkpoint. Most airports have free water refill stations near gates.

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

No. TSA PreCheck members do not need to remove liquids, shoes, belts, or light jackets from their carry-on bags. You still must follow the 3.4-ounce rule, but you can leave the bag packed inside your carry-on and keep it with you through the expedited screening lane.

What if my deodorant or sunscreen is a solid stick?

Solid stick deodorant and solid sunscreen sticks do not count as liquids and can stay in your carry-on bag without restriction. Only spray and gel versions fall under the liquid rule.

Can I pack toothpaste in my carry-on?

Yes, if your tube is 3.4 ounces or smaller and fits in your quart-sized liquids bag. Travel-size toothpaste tubes are usually 0.85 to 1.5 ounces, so they fit easily. Full-size tubes are typically 4.6 to 6 ounces and must go in checked baggage.

Do I have to buy a quart-sized bag, or can I use any clear bag?

The bag must be quart-sized (roughly 7 by 8 inches) and clear so officers can see inside. You do not have to buy one — the TSA provides them free at security checkpoints. You can also bring your own quart-sized freezer bag from home.