The TSA liquid limit is 3.4 fluid ounces per container

You can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols through TSA security checkpoints only if each container holds 3.4 fluid ounces (100 millilitres) or less. This is the standard rule for carry-on bags at every U.S. airport. The limit applies to the container itself, not to how full it is — a 5-ounce bottle that is half-empty still violates the rule.

All containers must fit inside a single clear plastic bag, roughly the size of a quart-sized freezer bag. You remove this bag at security and place it in the bin with your shoes and electronics. TSA officers will inspect it, and you put it back in your carry-on after screening.

Checked baggage has no fluid ounce limit. You can pack full-size bottles, aerosol cans, and other liquids in checked bags without restriction, though some items like flammables have their own rules that vary by airline.

Key Takeaways

  • Each liquid container in your carry-on must be 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller; larger containers are not permitted even if mostly empty.
  • All containers go into one clear plastic bag, which you remove and place in a bin during security screening.
  • Checked baggage allows full-size bottles and containers with no fluid ounce restriction, though some items like certain aerosols may have airline-specific limits.
  • The rule covers liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols — anything that flows, spreads, or sprays counts as a liquid for TSA purposes.
  • The 3.4-ounce limit is the same at every U.S. airport and applies to all passengers regardless of age or ticket type.

What counts as a liquid under TSA rules

TSA defines liquids broadly. The category includes obvious items like water, juice, and shampoo, but also toothpaste, deodorant, peanut butter, yogurt, honey, and jam. Anything that flows, spreads, or sprays counts. Solid items like a bar of soap or a stick of deodorant do not count as liquids.

Aerosol cans — hairspray, sunscreen spray, bug spray — are liquids for TSA purposes and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule in carry-on bags. The same applies to gels like hair gel or aloe vera gel, and to creams like moisturizer or sunscreen lotion.

Powders are generally allowed in carry-on bags in any amount, though TSA may test them at security. If you are traveling with powder makeup, protein powder, or baby formula powder, you can bring it without the 3.4-ounce restriction.

How to pack liquids for your flight

Buy or bring a clear plastic bag that is roughly quart-sized — the kind used for freezer storage works well. Place all your liquid containers inside it. The bag itself must fit in your carry-on, and you must be able to seal it or fold it closed.

Arrange containers so TSA officers can see each one without removing them. Do not pack liquids in opaque bags or pouches, even if they are inside your carry-on. TSA will ask you to remove any bag that is not clear.

If you forget to pack liquids in a bag, TSA will ask you to do so at the checkpoint. If you do not have a bag, officers may confiscate the liquids or ask you to step aside while you find one. Having the bag ready before you reach the checkpoint saves time.

What happens if your container is too large

If a container exceeds 3.4 fluid ounces, TSA will not allow it in your carry-on. You have three options: place it in your checked bag, throw it away, or leave it behind. TSA does not confiscate items to return to you later — once an item is removed, it is gone.

Some travelers buy travel-size versions of products specifically to meet the 3.4-ounce limit. These are widely available at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Alternatively, you can purchase full-size items after you land.

If you are unsure whether a container meets the limit, measure it before you pack. Fluid ounces are marked on most bottles and tubes. If the label does not show fluid ounces, it may show millilitres — 100 millilitres equals 3.4 fluid ounces.

Exceptions and special items

Medications in liquid or gel form are generally exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit if you declare them to TSA. This includes prescription liquids, insulin, and other medically necessary fluids. You do not need to place them in the plastic bag — keep them separate and tell the officer at security that you have medications.

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants are also exempt. You can bring these in any quantity in your carry-on, though TSA may test them. Inform the officer that you have baby liquids so they can screen them appropriately.

Duty-free alcohol purchased after security screening can be brought on the plane in your carry-on, even though it exceeds 3.4 ounces. The bottle must remain sealed and unopened. Once you land, place it in your checked bag for your next flight, or it will be confiscated at the next security checkpoint.

Packing liquids in checked bags

Checked baggage has no 3.4-ounce limit. You can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, lotion, perfume, and other liquids without restriction. Place them in a waterproof bag or wrap them in plastic to prevent leaks that could damage other items or the aircraft.

Some items are prohibited in checked bags regardless of size. Flammable liquids like lighter fluid, paint thinner, and certain adhesives cannot be checked on most flights. Aerosol cans with flammable contents are also restricted. Check your airline's website or call their baggage department to confirm what is allowed.

If you are traveling internationally, checked baggage rules may differ. Some countries restrict the total amount of liquids you can check, or prohibit certain items entirely. Review your destination country's rules and your airline's policy before packing.

International flights and the 3.4-ounce rule

The 3.4-ounce limit applies to flights departing from U.S. airports, regardless of destination. If you are flying from the United States to another country, you follow TSA rules at your U.S. departure airport.

When you arrive at your destination and depart on a flight from a foreign airport, that country's security rules explore instead. Many countries follow the same 3.4-ounce rule, but some have different limits or different categories of restricted items. Research your departure airport's rules before you pack.

If you are connecting through a U.S. airport on an international journey, you go through TSA screening at your first U.S. departure point. If you buy liquids at a duty-free shop during your layover, keep the receipt — it shows the item was purchased after security, and you can bring it on your next flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full water bottle if I fill it after security?

Yes. You can bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain or refill station after you pass the checkpoint. Many airports have refill stations near gates. This is a common way to avoid buying bottled water at airport prices.

What if I have multiple small bottles that add up to more than 3.4 ounces total?

The rule is per container, not per total amount. You can bring ten 3-ounce bottles if you want — each one meets the limit individually. However, they all must fit in your quart-sized plastic bag, so space is the practical limit.

Do solid deodorant and liquid deodorant follow the same rule?

No. Solid stick deodorant is not a liquid and has no size limit. Liquid or gel deodorant, and aerosol deodorant spray, must be 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller. Check the label to see which type you have.

Can I bring toothpaste in my carry-on?

Yes, if the tube is 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller. Most standard toothpaste tubes are around 5 to 6 ounces, so you would need a travel-size tube. Place it in your plastic bag with your other liquids and gels.

What if TSA confiscates my liquid at security?

Once confiscated, the item is not returned. You cannot retrieve it later or have it mailed to you. If the item is expensive or important, consider packing it in checked baggage instead, or purchasing it after you land.