The 3.4-ounce limit per container, 1 quart bag total

TSA allows you to bring liquids, gels, and aerosols through security in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or smaller. All containers must fit inside a single clear plastic bag that holds no more than 1 quart total. You place the bag on the conveyor belt during screening, separate from your carry-on bag.

This rule covers anything that flows, spreads, or sprays: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, perfume, sunscreen, peanut butter, yogurt, jam, and liquid medications. Solid items like bars of soap, solid deodorant sticks, and chapstick do not count toward the limit.

The 3.4-ounce measurement is the maximum size of each individual container. A 3.5-ounce bottle will be confiscated, even if you have only one bottle. TSA does not allow you to bring multiple 3.4-ounce containers and combine them into a larger bag — each must stay in its original container.

Key Takeaways

  • Each liquid container can hold no more than 3.4 ounces; anything larger is thrown away at security.
  • All containers together must fit inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag, which you remove and place on the scanner belt.
  • Solid items like soap bars and solid deodorant do not count toward the liquid limit and can go in your carry-on without the bag.
  • You can bring the same liquids in your checked baggage with no size or quantity limit.
  • Medications, baby formula, and breast milk have different rules and do not require the plastic bag.

What counts as a liquid under TSA rules

TSA defines liquids broadly to include anything that is not a solid at room temperature. This covers obvious liquids like water and juice, but also gels (hair gel, aloe vera), creams (face cream, body butter), pastes (toothpaste, peanut butter), and aerosols (hairspray, deodorant spray). Peanut butter, hummus, and other thick spreads count as liquids because they flow under pressure.

Solid items do not count, even if they contain liquid. A solid stick of deodorant, a bar of soap, a solid perfume, or a stick of lip balm can go in your carry-on outside the plastic bag. Powders like talc, baby powder, and dry shampoo are also exempt from the liquid rule, though TSA screens them separately and may limit quantities to 12 ounces per container.

Frozen items are treated as solids if they are completely frozen when you go through security. Ice packs and frozen gel packs are allowed. However, if the item is partially thawed or slushy, TSA may treat it as a liquid.

How to pack your liquids bag for security

Buy a clear quart-sized plastic bag or use one you already have — TSA does not require you to purchase a specific brand. A quart bag is roughly 7 inches by 8 inches. Place all your liquid containers inside, seal it, and keep it easily accessible in your carry-on or on top of your luggage as you approach security.

When you reach the security checkpoint, remove the bag and place it on the conveyor belt by itself, separate from your carry-on. Do not leave it inside your bag. TSA officers will scan it and may open it to inspect individual containers. Once you pass through the scanner, you can put the bag back in your carry-on.

If you forget to remove the bag or pack a container larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will confiscate the item at security. You cannot retrieve it later. To avoid this, check your bag before you leave home and measure or weigh any container you are unsure about.

Exceptions: medications, baby items, and special cases

Medications in liquid form (including inhalers and gels) do not count toward the 3.4-ounce limit and do not need to go in the plastic bag. You can bring any amount of prescription or over-the-counter liquid medication. Tell the TSA officer that you have medication before screening begins.

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are also exempt from the liquid limit. You can bring any amount in your carry-on. Frozen breast milk is allowed if it is completely frozen; partially thawed milk is treated as a liquid and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.

Duty-free liquids purchased after security at an airport shop are allowed in your carry-on if they are placed in a sealed plastic bag with a receipt. This applies only to items bought after you pass through security, not before. If you buy liquids before security, they must follow the standard 3.4-ounce rule.

Checked baggage has no liquid limit

If you check a bag, you can pack liquids of any size and any quantity. Shampoo bottles, full-size lotions, wine, cologne, and other liquids do not need to follow the 3.4-ounce rule in checked luggage. However, some airlines restrict hazardous liquids like paint thinner, nail polish, and certain cleaning products even in checked bags, so check your airline's policy before packing.

Packing liquids in checked baggage means you do not have to buy travel-size bottles or leave items behind. If you are checking a bag, move your full-size toiletries there and keep only essentials in your carry-on liquids bag.

International flights and different country rules

The 3.4-ounce limit applies to flights departing from the United States, including flights to other countries. If you are flying from another country to the United States, that country's security rules explore at departure. Many countries follow the same 3.4-ounce rule, but some have different limits or restrictions.

If you are connecting through multiple airports, pack as if the strictest rule applies. Liquids you buy in a duty-free shop after security at your first airport may not be allowed through security at your connection, depending on that airport's rules. To be safe, pack liquids in checked baggage for connections or buy them after your final security screening.

What happens if you bring a container that is too large

TSA officers will confiscate any liquid container larger than 3.4 ounces at the security checkpoint. You will not be able to return to check-in, mail it, or retrieve it later. The item is thrown away. This applies even if the container is only slightly over the limit — a 3.5-ounce bottle will be taken.

To avoid losing items, measure your containers before you pack. If you are unsure whether a bottle is under 3.4 ounces, ask at the airport information desk or weigh it at home. Travel-size bottles are widely available and cost less than replacing a full-size bottle at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full-size toothpaste tube in my carry-on?

No. Most full-size toothpaste tubes are 5.5 ounces or larger and will be confiscated. You must use a travel-size tube of 3.4 ounces or smaller, or pack your full-size tube in checked baggage. Travel-size toothpaste is inexpensive and widely available at drugstores and airports.

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

No. TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove their liquids bag, shoes, or light jackets during security screening. However, the 3.4-ounce limit and quart-bag rule still explore — you just do not have to take the bag out of your carry-on.

Can I bring an empty water bottle through security?

Yes. An empty water bottle is not a liquid and can go through security in your carry-on. Once you pass through the checkpoint, you can fill it at a water fountain or refill station. Many airports have water fountains near security exits for this reason.

What if my deodorant is a spray and a stick?

The spray deodorant counts as a liquid and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule and go in your liquids bag. The solid stick deodorant does not count and can go anywhere in your carry-on. You can bring both if the spray is 3.4 ounces or smaller.

Are there any liquids I can bring without the plastic bag?

Yes. Medications, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food do not require the plastic bag and do not count toward the 3.4-ounce limit. Everything else must go in the quart-sized clear bag, even if it is under 3.4 ounces.