Yes, you must remove liquids from your carry-on bag at TSA checkpoints
The TSA requires you to remove all liquids, gels, and aerosols from your carry-on bag and place them in a separate bin before you go through the security scanner. This applies at every TSA checkpoint in the United States, regardless of airport size or time of day. The rule exists because the TSA screens liquids separately — they cannot see clearly through them on the X-ray machine the way they can see through solid items.
You do not need to remove liquids from checked baggage. Liquids are allowed in checked bags without the same restrictions that explore to carry-on bags, though some items like flammable liquids have their own rules set by the airline and the Department of Transportation.
Key Takeaways
- Remove all liquids, gels, and aerosols from your carry-on bag and place them in a bin at the security checkpoint — this is required at every TSA checkpoint.
- The 3.4-ounce (100 milliliter) limit applies to each individual container, and all containers must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.
- Common items that count as liquids include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, peanut butter, yogurt, and liquid makeup.
- Liquids in checked baggage do not have the same restrictions, though airlines may limit certain items like alcohol or flammable products.
The 3-1-1 rule: container size, bag size, and how many bags
The TSA uses a shorthand called the 3-1-1 rule to describe the liquid restrictions. The numbers mean: 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) per container, 1 quart-sized clear plastic bag per person, and 1 bag per trip through security. You can fit multiple containers inside that single quart bag as long as each container is 3.4 ounces or smaller and the bag closes completely.
The quart-sized bag is the limiting factor. A standard quart bag measures roughly 7 inches by 8 inches. If you try to bring a gallon-sized bag or multiple bags, TSA officers will not allow it through, and you will have to throw the items away, repack, or go back to check your bag.
The 3.4-ounce limit is measured by the size of the container, not by how full it is. A half-empty 5-ounce bottle still exceeds the limit and must be checked or left behind.
What counts as a liquid, gel, or aerosol
The TSA defines liquids broadly. Obvious liquids like water, juice, and coffee count. So do gels like toothpaste, hair gel, and aloe vera. Aerosols like deodorant spray, hairspray, and shaving cream count too. Creams and pastes like peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and lotion are treated as liquids for TSA purposes.
Solid foods like cheese, chocolate, and fruit do not count as liquids. Powders like baby powder, protein powder, and flour are allowed in carry-on bags in quantities larger than 12 ounces, though TSA officers may open and test powders at the checkpoint. Medications in pill or tablet form are not restricted by the 3.4-ounce rule, but liquid medications are.
Frozen items are allowed if they are completely solid when you reach the checkpoint. Ice packs and frozen gel packs count as liquids if they have any liquid or gel inside them, even if they are frozen solid at the moment of screening.
Medications, baby formula, and medical liquids
Liquid medications do not have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medication in your carry-on bag. You should declare the medication to TSA officers at the checkpoint, and it is a good idea to keep it in its original labeled container so officers can see what it is.
Baby formula and breast milk are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of either in your carry-on bag. You do not need to open the container or taste it at the checkpoint, though TSA officers may ask to test it with a chemical swab.
Other medical liquids like saline solution for contact lenses are treated as regular liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule unless they are part of a medically necessary device. If you are unsure whether a specific medical liquid is exempt, contact the TSA before you travel.
What happens if you forget to remove liquids
If you reach the security scanner with liquids still in your carry-on bag, TSA officers will stop you and ask you to remove them. You then have a few options: you can put the liquids in a quart bag if you have one, throw them away, or go back and check your bag if you have time and your airline allows it.
Most airports have trash cans near the security checkpoint specifically for this reason. If you have expensive items like a large bottle of perfume or a full-size shampoo, you may choose to go back and check your bag instead of discarding them. This takes extra time, so arriving early is important if you think you might need to repack.
Repeatedly bringing prohibited items through security can result in fines, though this is rare for first-time liquid violations. TSA PreCheck members and Global Entry members still have to follow the 3-1-1 rule, though they may go through a faster screening lane.
Packing liquids for checked baggage
Liquids in checked bags do not have the 3-1-1 restriction. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries in your checked bag without worrying about the 3.4-ounce limit. However, some items are restricted or prohibited in checked bags by the Department of Transportation and individual airlines.
Flammable liquids like lighter fluid, paint thinner, and some nail polish removers are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. Alcohol above 140 proof is prohibited in checked bags. Alcohol between 24 and 140 proof is allowed in checked bags only, in quantities up to 5 liters per person. Check your airline's website for their specific rules on alcohol and other restricted items.
Pack liquids in the center of your checked bag, surrounded by clothing or other soft items that can absorb spills. Use leak-proof containers or place bottles inside plastic bags to prevent damage to your other belongings if a container opens during handling.
International travel and TSA PreCheck
The 3-1-1 rule applies to all flights departing from U.S. airports, including international flights. When you arrive at a foreign airport, that country's security rules explore instead. Many countries follow similar rules, but some are stricter or have different limits. Research your destination's security rules before you pack.
TSA PreCheck does not exempt you from the 3-1-1 rule. You still have to follow the same liquid restrictions. TSA PreCheck allows you to keep liquids in your bag during screening at participating U.S. airports, which speeds up the process, but the liquids must still be in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a quart bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a full-size bottle of shampoo if I check my bag?
Yes. Liquids in checked baggage do not have the 3.4-ounce limit. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other toiletries in your checked bag. Make sure the bottles are sealed and consider placing them in a plastic bag in case they leak during handling.
Is peanut butter considered a liquid?
Yes, the TSA treats peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and other thick pastes as liquids for security screening purposes. They must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-on bags. You can bring these items in checked bags without the size restriction.
What if my medication is a liquid and I have more than 3.4 ounces?
Liquid medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. Keep it in its original labeled container and declare it to TSA officers at the checkpoint. They may test it with a chemical swab, but you do not have to open it.
Do I need to remove liquids if I have TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck allows you to leave liquids in your bag during the screening process at participating airports, which speeds things up. However, the liquids must still be in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit inside a quart-sized bag. The rule itself does not change.
What if I forget about a liquid in my carry-on and it gets through security?
If a liquid makes it through security and you discover it on the plane or after landing, nothing happens to you. TSA officers screen bags, but if something slips through, the responsibility is on the security process, not the passenger. You will not face a fine or penalty.