Information current as of 09/12/2026.
Under the standard U.S. TSA rule, each container of liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, or paste in your carry-on must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less. Containers must fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, and each passenger is generally limited to one bag. Medically necessary liquids and certain infant foods or drinks may exceed the standard limit but require declaration and additional screening.
TSA 3-1-1 checklist
For a typical U.S. security checkpoint, pack carry-on liquids according to the TSA 3-1-1 rule:
- 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less: Each container of liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, or paste must meet this limit.
- 1 clear, quart-sized bag: Put the containers in one clear, resealable plastic bag.
- 1 bag per passenger: Each passenger is generally limited to one liquids bag.
Keep the bag accessible in your carry-on so it can be removed easily during screening.
What counts as a liquid
The rule applies to more than drinks. Examples include shampoo, lotion, perfume, hand sanitizer, shaving foam, mascara, toothpaste, e-liquids, creams, sauces, gravy, hummus, juice, and other spreadable or similar-consistency foods. Drinks, semi-liquid foods, sprays, pastes, gels, oils, and contact-lens solution can also fall within liquid restrictions.
Exceptions and special screening
Medically necessary liquids may be allowed in larger reasonable quantities, but declare them for inspection. Breast milk, formula, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food may also exceed 3.4 oz (100 mL); these items are subject to additional screening.
International and airport-specific caveat
The TSA 3-1-1 rule is specific to U.S. screening and should not be treated as identical worldwide. Liquid restrictions can depend on the departure airport and may apply to drinks, semi-liquid foods, cosmetics, sprays, pastes, gels, and contact-lens solution. Check the official guidance for every departure, transfer, and return airport, as well as your airline, before traveling.
Packing tips
Use containers that are clearly within the 3.4 oz (100 mL) limit, place them in the single clear quart-sized resealable bag, and keep that bag where it can be removed easily at the checkpoint. Security officers may require additional screening or may refuse an item for safety reasons, so verify current instructions before departure.
Sources
- TSA Travel Tips
- Complete List
- Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports: Liquids
- Travel Checklist
- FAA Advisory Circular 150/5360-12F
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring liquid medication through airport security?
Yes, medically necessary liquids may be carried in larger reasonable quantities than the standard limit. Declare them for inspection and expect additional screening.
Can I bring shampoo in my carry-on?
Yes. Shampoo is treated as a liquid and should be in a container of 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less, packed in the one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag shared with your other carry-on liquids.
Can I bring toothpaste in my carry-on?
Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a paste and should be in a container of 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less, packed in the one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag.