Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces per container

The TSA's 3-1-1 rule limits each container of liquid, gel, or aerosol to 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters). This applies to items like shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, peanut butter, yogurt, and spray deodorant. You can bring multiple containers as long as each one is 3.4 ounces or smaller and they all fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

The limit is per container, not per item type. You could theoretically bring ten 3.4-ounce bottles of shampoo if they all fit in your quart bag, though in practice space runs out first. The bag itself must be removed at the checkpoint and placed in a bin for screening.

Solid foods, powders, and items that do not flow or spray have no ounce limit and do not need to go in the bag. A block of cheese, a jar of peanut butter, or a container of protein powder can be any size. The distinction is whether the substance would spill or spread if the container opened.

Key Takeaways

  • Each liquid, gel, or aerosol container must be 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller to pass through security.
  • All containers fitting the 3.4-ounce limit must fit inside one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
  • Solid foods and powders have no ounce restriction and do not require the plastic bag.
  • The 3.4-ounce limit applies to carry-on bags only; checked baggage has different rules for some items.
  • Common items that count as liquids include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, jam, honey, and peanut butter.

What counts as a liquid or gel under TSA rules

The TSA defines liquids and gels broadly to include anything that would spill, spread, or flow if the container opened. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion are obvious examples. Less obvious ones include toothpaste, deodorant (stick deodorant is solid; gel or spray is not), peanut butter, jam, honey, yogurt, and hummus.

Aerosols—items dispensed by pressing a button or trigger—are treated the same way. Spray deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen spray, and insect repellent spray all count. A solid stick of deodorant does not; a gel stick does.

Medications in liquid or gel form follow the same rule. A liquid antibiotic, liquid pain reliever, or gel antacid must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. Solid pills and capsules have no limit. If you take a prescription liquid medication and need more than 3.4 ounces for your trip, you can bring it in checked baggage or carry it separately with a doctor's note, though the TSA does not require the note—it is for your own documentation if questioned.

Items that do not count toward the ounce limit

Solid foods pass through security with no ounce restriction. A wheel of cheese, a loaf of bread, a container of nuts, or a jar of peanut butter can be any size. The same applies to powders: protein powder, flour, powdered sugar, and talc-based products have no limit in carry-on bags.

Frozen items are allowed if they are completely solid when you reach the checkpoint. A frozen water bottle or a block of frozen food will pass through. Once it begins to thaw and becomes slushy or liquid, it becomes subject to the 3.4-ounce rule. Ice itself is allowed.

Medications in pill or capsule form, vitamins, and supplements have no ounce limit. You do not need to place them in the quart bag. The same applies to inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, which are allowed in carry-on bags without restriction.

Checked baggage rules differ from carry-on

Checked baggage has fewer restrictions on liquids and gels. You can pack full-sized bottles of shampoo, lotion, and other toiletries in your checked bag with no ounce limit. The TSA does limit certain hazardous items—like aerosol insecticides, certain paints, and flammable liquids—but everyday toiletries are not restricted by volume in checked bags.

Alcohol is an exception. Checked baggage can contain alcohol between 24 and 70 percent by volume (48 to 140 proof) in quantities up to 5 liters per passenger, but only one liter can be open or partially used. Alcohol above 70 percent is prohibited in checked bags. Alcohol is not allowed in carry-on bags at all.

If you are checking a bag, you can pack full bottles of everything and leave your carry-on quart bag for items you need during the flight. Many travelers check a bag specifically to avoid the 3.4-ounce limit on toiletries.

How to pack your quart bag correctly

The quart-sized clear plastic bag must hold all your liquid, gel, and aerosol containers. A standard quart bag measures roughly 7 by 8 inches. You can buy pre-made TSA-compliant bags at airports, drugstores, and online, or use any clear plastic bag that is roughly quart-sized—the TSA does not require an official bag, just one that is approximately the right size.

Remove the bag from your carry-on before you reach the security checkpoint and place it in a bin by itself. Do not wait until you are at the scanner. The bag will go through the X-ray machine separately. You can repack it and put it back in your carry-on once you clear security.

If your bag is overstuffed and does not close easily, remove an item. Bags that do not seal or that are visibly oversized may be flagged, and you could be asked to remove items or repack. Staying comfortably under the quart size avoids delays.

Common items that surprise travelers

Peanut butter, jam, honey, and other spreads are liquids or gels under TSA rules and must follow the 3.4-ounce limit. A standard jar of peanut butter is usually larger and would need to go in checked baggage. Small travel-sized jars or packets are available and fit the rule.

Sunscreen is a liquid or lotion and counts toward the limit. A full-sized bottle of sunscreen will not fit. Travel-sized bottles of 3.4 ounces or smaller are sold at drugstores and airports.

Mascara, liquid eyeliner, and foundation are liquids. Powder eyeshadow and powder blush are not. Lipstick is solid and has no limit. Nail polish is a liquid but is often restricted by individual airlines, so check your airline's policy before packing it.

Deodorant sticks are solid and have no limit. Gel deodorant, spray deodorant, and antiperspirant spray are gels or aerosols and must be 3.4 ounces or smaller.

What happens if you exceed the limit

If a container larger than 3.4 ounces is found in your carry-on, the TSA officer will ask you to either place it in checked baggage (if you have one), throw it away, or leave it at the checkpoint. You cannot bring it through security. This happens frequently with full-sized bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and lotion that travelers forget about.

If you have a container that is close to 3.4 ounces but you are unsure, ask the TSA officer. They can measure it if needed. It is better to ask than to have it confiscated at the scanner.

The TSA does not fine you for attempting to bring oversized containers. The item is straightforward not allowed through. If you are traveling with checked baggage, you can ask to check the item instead of discarding it, and it will be added to your checked bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full-sized bottle of shampoo in my carry-on?

No. A standard bottle of shampoo is usually 8 to 16 ounces, which exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit. You can bring a travel-sized bottle of 3.4 ounces or smaller in your carry-on, or pack a full-sized bottle in checked baggage. Many travelers buy travel sizes at drugstores or use small containers they fill themselves.

Do I need to remove my quart bag if I have nothing in it?

No. If you have no liquids, gels, or aerosols, you do not need a quart bag at all. You only remove and place the bag in a bin if you have items that require it. If your bag is empty, leave it in your carry-on.

Can I bring a water bottle through security?

An empty water bottle can go through security in your carry-on. Once you clear the checkpoint, you can fill it at a water fountain or refill station. A full water bottle will be confiscated because water is a liquid and exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit. Some airports have refill stations past security specifically for this reason.

Are prescription liquids subject to the 3.4-ounce rule?

Yes, prescription liquids must be 3.4 ounces or smaller per container to go in your carry-on quart bag. If you need more than 3.4 ounces for your trip, pack it in checked baggage. You do not need a doctor's note, but carrying one is a good idea for your own records if questioned.

Can I bring multiple quart bags if I have a lot of liquids?

No. TSA rules allow one quart-sized bag per passenger. If your liquids do not fit in one bag, you must either check a bag for the overflow or leave items behind. Most travelers find one quart bag sufficient for a week-long trip if they use travel-sized containers.