TSA allows 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquids and gels in your carry-on bag

The 3-1-1 rule is the TSA's standard for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on luggage. Each container must hold no more than 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters). All containers must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. You can bring one bag per person through security.

Anything larger than 3.4 ounces must go in checked baggage, where size limits do not explore the same way. Checked bags have their own restrictions based on what the item is — some things cannot fly in checked bags at all, regardless of size.

The 3.4-ounce limit applies to the container size, not how full it is. A half-empty 5-ounce bottle of shampoo is still too large for carry-on, even if it only holds 2 ounces of product.

Key Takeaways

  • Carry-on liquids and gels are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container, and all containers must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic bag.
  • The limit is based on container size, not how much product is actually inside, so a partially full large bottle still violates the rule.
  • Checked baggage allows larger bottles of most liquids, but some items like aerosols and certain flammables have their own restrictions.
  • Common items that count toward the limit include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, sunscreen, and liquid makeup.
  • Solid items like deodorant sticks, bar soap, and solid perfume do not count as liquids and have no size restriction in carry-on bags.

What counts as a liquid or gel under TSA rules

The TSA defines liquids and gels broadly. Anything that flows, spreads, or can be poured counts — shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, sunscreen, liquid makeup, mascara, liquid eyeliner, foundation, primer, concealer, lip gloss, and nail polish all fall under the limit. Peanut butter, honey, jam, and other thick spreads also count as gels.

Aerosols like hairspray, deodorant spray, and spray sunscreen count as liquids for carry-on purposes, even though they are not technically liquid. The same 3.4-ounce limit applies.

Solid items do not count. Bar soap, solid deodorant sticks, solid perfume, lip balm in stick form, and solid shampoo bars can be any size in carry-on bags. Toothpaste is a paste and counts as a gel, but a solid toothpaste bar would not.

How to pack liquids in your carry-on bag

All liquids and gels must fit inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. The bag itself must be transparent so TSA officers can see inside without opening it. Most airports provide these bags free at security, but you can bring your own.

Place the bag in an straightforward-to-reach spot in your carry-on, separate from other items. At security, remove the bag and place it in the bin with your shoes and electronics. Do not open containers or remove items from the bag unless asked by a TSA officer.

If a container is larger than 3.4 ounces, it will be confiscated at security, even if you packed it in the bag. TSA officers check container sizes, not just what fits in the bag.

Checked baggage rules for liquids and larger bottles

Checked bags allow larger bottles of most liquids — you can pack a full-size shampoo bottle, a large sunscreen container, or a quart of lotion. However, checked baggage has its own restrictions. Aerosols are limited to one 18-ounce container per person in checked bags, and only certain types of aerosols are allowed at all.

Flammable liquids like nail polish, nail polish remover, and certain perfumes have strict limits in checked bags. Some items, like gasoline or certain cleaning products, cannot fly in checked bags under any circumstances. If you are unsure whether something can go in checked baggage, check the TSA website or ask at the airline counter before you pack.

Alcohol over 140 proof (70% alcohol by volume) cannot go in carry-on or checked bags. Alcohol between 24 and 140 proof is allowed in checked bags only, limited to one liter per person.

Items that do not count toward the liquid limit

Solid foods, even if they are wet or sticky, do not count as liquids. You can bring pies, cakes, cookies, sandwiches, and other solid foods through security in carry-on bags. Yogurt, pudding, and other thick dairy products are considered gels and do count toward the limit.

Medications in liquid form are allowed in carry-on bags in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, but you must declare them to TSA officers. Bring the medication in its original labeled container with your name on it. Frozen items are allowed if they are completely solid when you go through security — ice packs and frozen gel packs are permitted.

Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and do not need to fit in the quart-sized bag. You must declare these items at security.

What happens if you pack a liquid that is too large

TSA officers will confiscate any liquid or gel container larger than 3.4 ounces at the security checkpoint. You will not be able to go back and check it or mail it — it will be thrown away. This happens frequently with full-size bottles of shampoo, sunscreen, and lotion that travelers forget to pack in checked bags.

If you are traveling with checked baggage, pack larger bottles there instead. If you are only bringing a carry-on, buy travel-sized bottles before your trip or purchase full-size items after you pass through security.

Some airports have mail services where you can mail confiscated items to yourself, but this is not standard and costs money. The easiest approach is to check your bag contents before you arrive at security.

Travel-sized alternatives and where to find them

Travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other toiletries are sold at most drugstores, supermarkets, and travel retailers. They typically cost more per ounce than full-size bottles but are convenient for short trips. Many hotels provide small bottles of shampoo and lotion in rooms, which you can take with you.

You can also buy empty 3.4-ounce containers and fill them with your own products before traveling. These are sold online and at travel stores. Some people transfer products from full-size bottles into smaller containers to bring on trips.

After you pass through security, you can purchase full-size bottles of liquids at airport shops, though prices are typically higher than retail stores. This is an option if you forgot to pack travel sizes or need to replace something confiscated at security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a full water bottle through security?

No. Empty water bottles are allowed through security, and you can fill them at water fountains or refill stations after you pass the checkpoint. Full water bottles will be confiscated because water is a liquid and counts toward the 3-1-1 limit.

Do I need to remove my liquids bag at security?

Yes. At the security checkpoint, remove your quart-sized bag of liquids and place it in the bin with your shoes, belt, and electronics. TSA officers will scan it separately. Do not open containers unless asked.

What if my deodorant says 3.8 ounces on the label?

If it is a spray aerosol, it cannot go in carry-on because it exceeds 3.4 ounces. If it is a solid stick deodorant, it is allowed in carry-on regardless of weight because solid deodorant does not count as a liquid or gel.

Can I bring multiple small bottles that add up to more than 3.4 ounces total?

Yes. The rule limits each individual container to 3.4 ounces, not the total amount. You can bring ten 3.4-ounce bottles if they all fit in your quart-sized bag. The bag itself is the only size restriction on total volume.

Are there different rules for international flights?

The 3-1-1 rule applies to all flights departing from U.S. airports, including international flights. Some countries have their own rules for items you bring into their airports, so check with your destination country before packing.