travel fl oz limit

How Many Ounces Can You Carry On A Plane? (TSA Liquid Fl Oz Rules)

Last Updated on February 20, 2022

As you are aware there are restrictions on how many ounces of liquid you can carry on a plane.

When you travel you need to know the TSA liquids rules before you go through the TSA’s security screening.

If your bottles are over the liquids limit you won’t be able to take them and they’ll end up in the trash.

The guidelines on this post refer to the liquids permitted in carry-on luggage. Travelers taking liquids in checked bags should refer to this post.

When Flying, How Many Fluid Ounces Can 1 Bottle Contain?

The first part of the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule states that each bottle or container of liquid that you bring in your carry on luggage can be no larger than 3.4 ounces .

If that seems like a strange number to you it’s because 3.4 ounces is equivalent to 100 milliliters. This brings the US airplane liquids limit in line with the rest of the metric world.

Many products such as shampoo, shower gel, etc are available in travel size bottles that are under this 3.4 oz limit.

You can also buy refillable travel bottles and decant some liquid from your larger bottles of shampoo into the smaller bottles.

This can be a real money saver in the long run and there is another advantage of refilling bottles too.

Often 3.4 oz is too much liquid for the duration of your trip. For example, a 50 ml bottle of face moisturizer might last 4 months.

So 3.4 oz of face moisturizer would be enough to last 8 months, so that’s overkill when you are only going away for a weekend vacation.

Refillable bottles and containers come in all shapes and sizes and this means you can take enough product to cover you for the duration of your trip.

And all this matters because you are not allowed to bring unlimited 3.4 oz bottles on a plane.

There is a maximum limit to the total number of fl oz you can pack in your carry on and that’s defined by your plastic toiletries bag.

How Many Ounces Of Liquid Can You Take On A Plane In Total?

The second part of the 3-1-1 rule states that all your liquids bottles or container most be packed inside 1 quart-sized plastic bag .

There are 32 ounces in a quart but you won’t be able to fill your plastic quart bag with 32 ounces of liquid. We estimate that you can for 7 or 8 travel-sized bottles in a quart bag. So it’s a reasonable guess to say that you can bring roughly 25 total liquid ounces with you on a plane .

The last part of the 3-1-1 rule states that you are only permitted 1 quart-bag per passenger. So you can’t pack 1 quart-bag full of toiletries in your purse and another quart bag in your carry-on bag.

Liquids You Didn’t Realize Are Considered Liquids

There are some liquids, gels, creams, and pastes that people often forget to pack in their toiletries bag.

If you can squeeze it, smear it, pump it, spread it, spray it, or spill it then it’s considered a liquid. So make sure you pack it in your quart bag.

The following is a brief list of some of the frequent offenders:

• Peanut Butter
• Hair mousse
• Lush face mask
• Liquid Eyeliner

What Types Of Liquids Are Banned Entirely?

A few liquids are banned entirely even if they are under 3.4 oz.

• Alcoholic Beverages over 70% ABV
• Aerosols that are not toiletries
• Most flammable liquids
• Most toxic liquids
• Fertilizer 
• Insecticide 

The reason these are banned is for safety. The TSA is trying to stop dangerous substances from getting on planes.

Exceptions Where You Are Permitted To Bring More Ounces

Liquids are not restricted just to annoy you. 

The TSA has no interest in stopping you from taking necessary liquids when you fly. It’s all about safety at the end of the day.

So there are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule where you are able to bring quantities of liquids greater than 3.4 oz.

Here are some examples:

• Baby formula
• Breast milk
• Juice for kids

If you are taking any of these exceptions with you then you should remove them from your carry-on bags at the checkpoint for additional screening.

Duty-free liquids that you’ve purchased after the security checkpoint can be greater than 3.4.

You can also carry that bottle of water or soda that you bought from the store after the security checkpoint.

The Verdict

These were the rules for packing carry-on luggage. Passengers traveling with checked baggage will be able to take more liquids.

However still some rules on flying with liquids in checked luggage especially flammable liquids. 

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Here's the 411 on the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule

We've all been there. Waiting in the Transportation Security Administration line only to hear agents call for a "bag check," often because a traveler had a liquid product in their carry-on that's over the allowed limit (or some sort of other prohibited item).

It's a process that can sure slow things down, particularly on the busiest travel days. As you pack for your trip and consider what to put in your carry-on or checked luggage, it's important to consider what the TSA's limits are for liquids and similar products.

Since September 2006, the TSA has gone by the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to those types of products, including items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion -- sunscreen included.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

In short, the 3-1-1 rule is: Each liquid you bring through the TSA checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container ("3"), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-size plastic bag ("1") and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag ("1").

If you meet those requirements, you should get through security without issue. However, if your liquid items are larger than 3.4 ounces each, you'll have to leave them in your checked bag.

There are a few exceptions, though.

The TSA has kept in place a temporary pandemic exception to the rule, allowing up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer in carry-on baggage.

Part of this exception: The hand sanitizer will have to be screened separately since it's technically over the limit. You'll need to remove it from your bag before it goes through the scanner.

There are also exceptions for larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols. You can bring those products in larger, "reasonable" quantities, the TSA's website says. However, you must declare those items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

This could, obviously, take a little more time than if you're traveling without those items.

This exception doesn't include sunscreen, despite calls to relax sunscreen restrictions at TSA checkpoints. Like other liquid products, sunscreen bottles over 3.4 ounces must go in your checked luggage.

There are also many liquids you cannot bring with you .

You can bring creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt as long as they are in a container of less than 3.4 ounces according to the TSA .

Related: Should you get TSA PreCheck or Clear — or both?

And yes, you can bring your water bottle with you, even if it weighs more than 3.4 ounces — as long as it's empty. This can also be a great way to save money at the airport, since -- as the TSA points out -- many airports have filling stations for reusable water bottles.

When in doubt, consult the TSA's list of what you can carry through the airport and check with your airline.

Additional reporting by Clint Henderson and Sean Cudahy.

Everything You Need to Know About the TSA’s Liquid Limit

The tsa allows liquids under 3.4 ounces in your carry-on—but what’s considered a “liquid” isn’t always obvious..

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Don’t forget to remove your liquids when going through TSA screening.

Photo by Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock

Whether you’re a carry-on-only kind of person or not , knowing the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid limits is essential for anyone who travels by plane in the United States. Yet understanding which of your toiletries, foods, and other items even count as “liquid”—let alone how best to pack them—can get confusing. Use this guide to understand the TSA’s rules and restrictions about liquids, common exceptions, and tips to help ensure your next airport security screening goes smoothly.

What is the TSA liquid limit?

The TSA’s liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person , or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag. Anything more will have to go in a checked bag or risk being tossed out.

If your liquids are stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if there’s only 3.4 ounces left inside the bottle, you can’t bring them through security.

Completely empty bottles, such as your reusable water bottle , are allowed through the TSA checkpoint since (spoiler alert!) they don’t contain any liquids at that moment.

Which toiletries TSA allows in your carry-on

The TSA allows all of the following common toiletries in your carry-on only in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Lotions and sunscreen
• Gel hair products

In other words: yes, you can bring toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen through TSA checkpoints but only if they are in travel-sized containers.

Powders and powder-like substances, including baby powder and some makeup items, aren’t restricted in your carry-on bag. But if you’re carrying more than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of a powder, you’ll need to place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening, and it may be subject to additional screening—so it’s a good idea to budget an extra few minutes at the security checkpoint if you think this might happen.

Tips for packing your toiletries in your carry-on

To comply with TSA regulations, invest in small, reusable toiletry bottles, like these capsules by Cadence.

Courtesy of Cadence

Especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck , it’s helpful to pack all of your toiletries in a quart-sized (or smaller) clear plastic toiletry bag for screening. Although improved airport technology means that far fewer air passengers (both in PreCheck and non-PreCheck lines) will have to take their liquids out out of their carry-on, it’s still helpful to have all of your liquids in one bag just in case you get pulled aside for additional screening. For an upgrade from that large Ziplock, we recommend the standard-sized Clarity Jetset Case from Truffle ($88), which has a clear window panel and is comparable in size to a quart-sized bag.

Since toothpaste is considered a liquid, paste, or gel by the TSA, most of us toss those tiny one-ounce tubes in our carry-on bags. However, if you want to ditch the hard-to-recycle packaging, consider toothpaste tablets, an ecofriendly alternative that’s not subject to the 3-1-1 rule. We like Humankind’s fluoride toothpaste tablets ($12), which resemble small mints and turn to paste when you crush them between your teeth. Matador has also recently released a reusable toothpaste tube ($10), which you can fill (and refill) with your regular toothpaste.

For travel toiletries that are easy to rebottle (like shampoo or body wash), consider investing in reusable bottles or containers so you can always keep your preferred brand on hand. Some of our favorite TSA-approved toiletry bottles include:

Buy Now: GoToob three-pack of 3.4-ounce bottles, $30, rei.com

These easy-to-fill, leakproof silicone tubes are ideal for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes. GoToob’s line comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.7 to 6 ounces, and are easy to clean between refills.

Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $13 for one or $35 for three, matadorup.com

Each three-ounce, TSA-approved bottle is made from a durable, waterproof, nylon-based fabric. Like GoToob, they’re leakproof and easy to fill, but thanks to their flexible, fabric-like design, they will shrink to their contents, taking up less space in your pack. >> Read the full review of the Matador FlatPack

Buy Now: $14 for one or $74 for six, keepyourcadence.com

The refillable travel containers by Cadence are small, leakproof “capsules” that click together with magnets. At 0.56 ounces, they’re best for makeup and toiletries you don’t need much of—like a weekend’s worth of shampoo or a week of that under eye cream you only need a dab of.

Foods are subject to liquid limits

The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to food too, meaning you’ll need to make sure any foods that count as liquids, gels, or pastes (like yogurt, peanut butter, pâté, jams, or that tasty pimento cheese spread you tried to bring home from Charleston) are less than 3.4 ounces or packed in your checked bag. There are some exceptions, like frozen foods and juice for babies, and the TSA’s website is the best resource to check for specific items.

Exceptions to TSA’s liquids rule: Full-sized liquids that you can bring through security

The TSA has several important exemptions to its liquids rule. You’re allowed to bring full-sized bottles of the following:

Hand sanitizer: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the TSA currently allows travelers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in their carry-on bags. These will be screened separately.

Medication: You’re allowed to bring medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels through security. This also includes the ice or gel packs you may need to keep your medications cool. You are not required to store these items in a plastic, resealable bag, but you should remove them from your luggage and let the TSA officer know what you’ve packed.

Baby formula and breast milk: Like medication, you can bring freezer packs to keep these items cool, and you should remove them from your luggage and notify an agent when you go through security. More baby-related exceptions? Gel or liquid-filled teethers and canned or jarred baby food.

Of course, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

If you’re ever unsure about a specific item, the TSA’s website has a handy, searchable list of prohibited and allowed items worth checking before you travel. You can also now text the TSA with your questions.

This article was originally published in 2022. It has been most recently updated on March 21, 2023, with additional information.

3-1-1 Rule for Liquids in Carry-on Bags

Find out what's allowed before you pack

When you're going through airport security on your next vacation or business flight, you might notice a posted rule by the Transportation Security Administration called the 3-1-1 Rule, which dictates how much liquid travelers are allowed in their carry-on bags. Still, you might not understand exactly what this regulation means for your traveling needs.

The 3-1-1 Rule refers to three core components that govern how many liquids you can bring in your carry-on bags: Each liquid must be in a 3.4-ounce or less container ("3"), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag ("1"), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag ("1").

In sum, the 3-1-1 Rule states that you can carry as much liquid as can fit inside 3.4-ounce containers that fit inside one plastic quart-sized bag; however, you can bring as much liquid as you feel comfortable carrying in your checked bags as long as these liquids do not violate other TSA regulations that dictate what you can and cannot fly with in general.

How to Pack Your Liquids in Carry-ons

Whether you're hoping to bring your favorite shampoo or conditioner on your weekend trip or need to take contact solution on your flight, you'll need to properly pack liquids to get them through the TSA security checkpoint without hassle.

You'll want to start by either buying travel-size bottles of your favorite products or by purchasing travel toiletry bottles , which you can buy online, at most supermarkets, or home goods stores, and filling them with enough of your favorite products to get you through your trip. Then pack each of these inside a quart-sized ziplock (or other sealable) plastic bag—you should be able to fit four or five.

It's recommended that you pack this bag of bottles in your carry-on last, on top of your clothing and other times, because you'll need to pull the bag out and put it in one of the security checkpoint bins to pass through the X-ray machine. You can also stow it conveniently in an outside zip pocket for easy access.

Liquids That Are and Aren't Allowed

You might be surprised to learn that you can bring travel-size bottles of alcohol in your carry-on or that you can't carry creamy dips or spread as a snack in your suitcase if it exceeds 3.4 ounces, but knowing these rules will help you avoid additional screening at the TSA checkpoint.

You can bring blenders (with blades removed), alcoholic beverages less than 3.4 ounces that do not exceed 70 percent in alcohol content, baby food, some canned foods, and even live lobsters, but you cannot bring gel heating pads, any wet foods that exceed 3.4 ounces, ice cream of any quantity, or firearms of any type. 

For a complete list of all items that are forbidden and permitted through TSA security checkpoints at airports, make sure to check out the TSA website before your flight—you can even snap a picture of an item you're questioning and ask them on the TSA Facebook page whether or not it is allowed.

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TSA Liquids Rule: The 411 on the 3-1-1 Limit

Despite the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule having been in existence for over ten years, many people are still a bit confused by, or just want to double check that they are in compliance of, the rules regarding bringing liquids on a plane. Many people may think that some things with liquid in it (like makeup) or a container that’s bigger than 3.4 ounces yet has less than that amount in it still qualify (spoiler alert: they don’t). So let’s run through every scenario we can think of and determine whether it’s allowed.

what does the 3-1-1 Liquids rule mean?

People know this phrase, but many are unsure of what it specifically means. Well, according to TSA rules, the “3” stands for 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquid, the first “1” stands for one clear zip-lock bag holding your 3.4 ounce containers, and the second “1” means per traveler. So there you go, you are limited to one bag with as many 3.4 ounce containers as can fit into your carry-on .

3 = 3.4 ounce containers (you may not Carry-on larger containers with less than 3.4 ounces of liquid)

1 = 1 clear zip-lock bag (with as many 3.4 ounce containers as you can reasonably fit in), 1 = 1 per person (no exceptions).

If you would prefer not to do any math, we recommend this TSA approved set of containers and plastic bag to avoid any confusion.

Obviously, if you are checking your bag then you can place full-size liquids in there, but those should still be in a plastic zip-lock bag as well, if for no other reason than the cap might come off and everything gets all over your clothes.

Why was this rule implemented? A terrorist plot in the U.K. attempted to carry liquid explosives onto a plane, disguising them as soft drinks. This led to lasting legislation in the United States, requiring everyone to significantly alter their travel methods, especially when it came to soaps and shampoos. But far more things with liquid in it are subject to the same rule than people realize.

are there 3-1-1 rule exceptions?

Yes. There are really only two of them, but they are crucial to some passengers – and no, TSA Precheck status is not one of them. One of them is medications . To avoid any problems, make sure these medications are clearly marked, separate them from other toiletries so that they aren’t mistaken as such, and inform the TSA screening officer of them. They don’t have to be in a zip-lock bag, and you’re allowed to bring necessary accessories (bags, pumps, syringes, etc.) on board with you as well. The TSA obviously still has to do their job and X-ray your items, and they may ask you to transfer the medication from its bottle to a clear separate container. If you don’t want them to be scanned, then the alternative is to go through a pat-down procedure.

The second exception are things necessary for your children , such as formula, breast milk and/or juices. The requirements here are generally the same as they are for medications; mark them, separate them, inform the TSA. The screening officers do still have to inspect them just to make sure there aren’t any concealed prohibited items, and you can request alternate methods of search other than an X-ray. Some specialty considerations that you are allowed to bring include: gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned or jarred processed baby food, as well as ice packs or gel packs.

It should be noted that duty free items purchased internationally are also allowed as long as they are in a cleat tamper-evident bag and you have the receipt showing that it was bought less than 48 hours prior to your flight. So now that you know what’s excepted when it comes to accepted liquids, where does the TSA draw the line?

what are the tsa carry-on liquid rules?

If you’ve traveled you’re well aware of this, but if you haven’t, it’s important to know that the liquids in your zip-lock bag must be taken out of your luggage and placed in a separate bin to be X-rayed. Now that you know the second most crucial thing about airline travel (the first being wear clean socks) here is a brief list of all the allowable liquids so long as they are in a 3.4 ounce container and inside that clear bag:

• Conditioner
• Some aerosols, such as: antiperspirants, shaving cream, hair spray, and other toiletry items. We’ll discuss the prohibited aerosols in a minute.
• Liquid makeup, such as eyeliner, nail polish and foundation must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. Powder cosmetics are accepted with no limits.
• Alcohol, but DO NOT drink it on the plane.

Here now is a much longer list of the liquids and gels that are NOT allowed on an airplane , even if it is in a 3.4 ounce or less container:

• Aerosols that aren’t personal care items, such as: air fresheners, self-defense sprays and other flammable aerosols. Basically, if it’s not meant to be sprayed on your body, it’s not allowed.
• Vaping devices (many of these are liquid-based)
• Any paint, gel or liquid that is flammable, such as lighter fluid or gasoline
• Gel-type candles
• Spillable batteries
• Paint thinner

A couple of these things, such as the candles, are allowed in your checked baggage, but for the most part all of these things aren’t allowed in any of your bags. There are extra things to consider as well. Say you’re traveling abroad and you buy a snow globe for your child as a present. Well that thing better have less than 3.4 ounces of liquid in it, otherwise you’ll have to risk putting it in your checked baggage.

At the end of the day, the TSA security officer has total discretion about whether or not to allow something of yours through security. But if it’s in a 3.4 ounce or less container, in a clear zip-lock bag, and is not flammable, you’re probably good to go.

44 Comments

Is there a specific size limit for the Ziploc bag? Also, can I carry on “alcohol Inks” it’s a liquid crafting ink. Less than 1oz each.

Does powder makeup have to be in the quart bag or no?

May I bring gummy vitamins and medications on the plane? I can’t take the pill form…

Yes, you can bring them onboard (as long as they are not liquid vitamins that are over the limit)

Can one bring a jar of salsa in a carry-on?

Unless it’s the world’s tiniest jar of salsa, probably not. Salsa is a liquid and if it’s more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, you can’t bring it on board the plane. Personally I’d go for the ounces over 100ml because technically that’s only 3.3814 ounces ?. You can always pack it away safely on your checked luggage, just be sure to wrap it as safely as possible. Bubble wrap is always a good idea for glassware. If it’s just a plastic container, I suggest putting that in a plastic bag just in case.

Can I bring my purse and a carry on bag on the plane? Also, can I bring my 2 small bottles of pills Metoprolol (for heart) and Omeprazole (acid reflux) in my purse or carry-on bag?

Most airlines alow both a carry on and a personal item (the purse would be considered a personal item). Medication in pill form should be fine, if it’s a prescription I would make sure to bring documentation.

How about coffee mini creamers ?

If you get the creamers inside the terminal (i.e. from vendors) they should be fine. Otherwise, they would have to go in the quart sized bag.

Can I bring essential oils of 5 Mil in my carry on?

Can i bring a quart bottle water frozen – ice/not slushy thru the checkpoint? Great article!

My TSA approved containers to carry shampoo and such are actually labeled 4.0 oz. is this going to b ok? Purposely purchased these because it said TSA approved!!

if my shoe inserts, prescription orthodics, have gel in them can I wear them on the plane? They are expensive, I wouldn’t want them to be confiscated.

Orthotics will be fine.

Reference the duty free info. I purchased duty free alcohol and upon entry into the US and re-entry thru TSA at IAD, they insisted they had to open the sealed duty free bag to double check all items. Apparently, double check meant running them through a spectrometer or something. Since one of the items was similar to Baileys in a non-clear bottle and a thick non-clear liquid, it didn’t pass the test. My choices were confiscation or try and mail it back outside TSA. Luckily, United helped me package it as another checked bag. The point I’m making is unless I was being scammed, don’t assume everything purchased in duty free will clear TSA. BTW, the TSA website made no mention of this policy as I’d checked.

sorry may i bring all these items on the plane i missed typed the prior email. may i bring on the a bag of cookies unopened, bag of chips unopened and a 1 liter of soda unopened or a liter of bottle or can water brought at my local grocery store? or do i need to purchase everything behind TSA security check in

You cannot bring liquids on the plane. 1 liter of soda far exceeds the 3 ounce rule. The food should be fine.

I have the perspiration drug of Testosterone that was prescribed by my doctor. I will need a syringe to inject this medication. Will I be able to bring this in my carry-on?

Yes, but it is a good idea to get a note from your doctor.

I have prescription medication “Androl Gel and I am sure it is greater than 3.5 oz. and an alcohol based gel. Can this be kept with my other medications in my carry on?

Medications are allowed in greater quantity than other liquids and gels. I would bring a note or prescription from your doctor just to be sure.

I wish to carry 5 packets of garden seeds bought at a local nursery to India in my checked baggage. Is it allowed? Thank you.

You may need to declare that at customs.

I am taking Canadian Maple syrup as gifts (300ml bottles) in my checked luggage. Can I wrap them well in bubble wrap or do they have to be visible in a clear bag?

They do not need to be in a clear bag in checked luggage, although putting them in a watertight bag isn’t a bad idea in the event they break.

can i bring an un opened package with glade plug ins

If there is liquid in them, they may need to go in checked luggage.

Almost all references to the 1-quart bag dimensions are just width and height. What about the depth? Or is the overall volume of 1 quart the ultimate bottom line? If so, what is that volume?

The volume is 1 quart. They are standard sized bag.

does mascara fall under the 3-1-1 rule?

Chris, common sizes of mascara and similar products are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. Now if you have a monster sized mascara, then I would put it in a ziptop bag.

Can I bring more than one liquor bottle which are less than 100ml or 3.4 oz?

Travelers may carry as many 3.4 ounce bottles of liquid (mini bottles of liquor are 1.7 ounces) that fit comfortably in one, quart sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Comfortable means that the bag will seal without busting at the seams. One bag is permitted per passenger. Travelers may take up to five liters of alcohol with alcohol content between 24% and 70% per person as checked luggage if it’s packaged in a sealable bottle or flask. Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, cannot be packed in checked luggag

Can I hand carry chicken eggs?

You may be able to, but the final word rests with the security agent that day. If you do, pack them in plain egg cartons to they are easy to take out and inspect. If they are not fertile, offer to let them scan them. Be courteous and understand you may have to toss them.

Can I carry on 10 hand made cookies, tightly wrapped in saran wrap in a bag so easy to view to inspect. About 10–they are hand made holiday cookies.

Yes. But save me some.

small tube of toothpaste, crystal light individual packets, instant coffee individual packets Are these items allowed?

Toothpaste falls under the 3-1-1 rule, the rest of the items are allowed.

Can I bring my hair straightener ( flat iron ) with me on the plane?

Yes you can Diana.

May I carry on a 1# (one pound) bag of Dunkin Donuts ground coffee?

Yes. No issues with coffee, no matter the brand.

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Everything You Need to Know About TSA Liquid Rules

Here's what to know before you fly with shampoo, medication, or any other liquids you may need during your travels.

Dealing with airport security can be one of the more daunting aspects of air travel , from the detailed rules about what you can and can't bring on board to the long lines that often form at checkpoints.

One rule that frequently trips up travelers is the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) 3-1-1 regarding liquids in carry-on bags . We're here to walk you through the finer details of the rule and provide helpful tips for packing liquids when you're flying.

What is the TSA's 3-1-1 rule?

In 2006, British security officials thwarted a plot to bomb an aircraft with liquid explosives carried on board. Since then, security agencies around the world have limited the amount of liquid passengers can bring through airport security.

For the TSA, which regulates travel in the United States, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag — passengers can only pack one of these bags in their carry-on.

The 3-1-1 designation is a simple way to remember these numbers: individual liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, they must fit into one clear, quart-size bag, and there is only one bag allowed per passenger.

Liquids that do not comply with the 3-1-1 rule must be packed in checked bags, or thrown out at airport security. Some liquids, such as gasoline or other flammable liquids, are prohibited entirely, both in checked and carry-on bags. You can find a full list of permitted and prohibited items on the TSA's website .

If you're unsure if a specific item adheres to the 3-1-1 rule, you can always contact the TSA before your trip. "Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger , weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET," TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle tells Travel + Leisure . "You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673."

Are there any exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule?

The TSA does exempt some items from the 3-1-1 rule: medically necessary liquids, formula, and breast milk. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of these liquids on board, but you may have to undergo additional security screening.

"Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you're carrying them," says Mayle. "These liquids are typically screened by X-ray, but TSA officers may also test them separately for explosives or concealed prohibited items. Officers may ask you to open the container and/or have you transfer a small quantity of the liquid to a separate empty container, or dispose of a small quantity, if feasible."

If you don't want your exempt liquids to be screened by X-ray, inform your TSA officer, and they will use alternative security measures to clear the items.

And that's not all. "There's an exception for hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit," says Mayle. But as COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols continue to lift, the temporary special case for hand sanitizer could change, too.

Another exception is liquids purchased after security in an airport. In domestic U.S. airports , you can bring nonalcoholic drinks and other liquid items purchased airside onto your flight. (This is not always the case in international airports.) Duty-free liquids, however, will be sealed in a tamper-safe bag before boarding — sometimes they're permitted in the cabin, and other times they may be stowed elsewhere on the plane.

Packing Tips for Liquids in Carry-on Bags

• While many products are sold in 3.4-ounce containers suitable for travel, not all of them are. Consider rebottling your liquids into travel-size, leak-proof cases.
• "Another way to save space in your quart-sized bag is to pack solid versions of products, which you can put in your luggage or carry-on bag without needing to place it in the quart-size bag," travel advisor Ateet Ahuja of Complete Getaways tells T+ L. "For example, you can bring a stick or solid version of some perfumes and shampoo bars instead of liquid shampoo."
• Buy your liquids, like shampoo or mouthwash, at your final destination. "While you'll spend a little extra, the cost far outweighs the potential of it spilling or leaking in your bag," says Ahuja.
• On that note, prepare for spills — Ahuja advises wrapping a small hand towel around your quart-size bag.
• Pack your nonliquid toiletries separately to save space in your quart-sized bag.
• Pack your liquids bag in an easy-to-access space, like an external compartment or the top of your carry-on bag. According to Ahuja, "This will save you time in the TSA line."

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The TSA Liquids Rule for Carry-on Bags (3.4 ounces)

Understand these rules so you don’t get held up on the TSA security line!

TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Exceptions to the tsa liquids rule, tsa liquids rule for precheck, does tsa consider makeup a liquid, converting 3.4 oz to ml – how many ml is 3.4 ounces, what does 3.4 oz (100 ml) look like, converting 100 ml to oz – how many oz are in 100 ml, 100 ml to cups, 100ml bottle size – how big is a 100ml bottle, wrapping up: tsa liquids policy, more carry-on content:.

Before you finish packing to head to the airport, always double-check your carry-on bags and make sure you don’t have any bottles or other items that don’t comply with the TSA liquids rule, (known as the 3-1-1 rule).   

By the time the TSA finds that expensive bottle of perfume or lotion in your bag, it’s too late and you’ll have to say goodbye and hand it over to get through security and board your plane on time.  It’s happened to my family many times and could easily have been avoided with a quick check before leaving.

To help make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve created this article that will tell you everything you need to know about the TSA liquids rule, including how much liquid is 100 ml, what are travel-sized bottles, what is considered a liquid, etc. Basically, all the stuff that could get confiscated when making your way through airport security.

What’s the TSA Liquids Rule?

The TSA liquids rule states that you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, creams, gels, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the airport security checkpoint. However, you are limited to containers that are travel sized and contain less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item.

Items that are in packages or bottles larger than 100 milliliters (or 3.4 ounces) will have to go in your checked luggage .  In addition to larger liquids, any liquid that is more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml and is not contained in a secure, tamper-proof bag must be packed in your checked luggage.

Each liquid must be in a 3.4-ounce or less container (“3”), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag (“1”), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (“1”).

There are 2 exceptions to the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

• Medications, and
• Infant/Child nourishment

Medications larger than 100ml

TSA allows larger-sized packages of medical liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on. This also includes medical accessories such as freezer bags, pumps, syringes, etc. These items do not have to be in a plastic zip lock bag, but you will have to declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint prior to inspection.

Here’s a video that provides all the details you need about traveling with medication.

Formula, Breast Milk, and Juice

Formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers are allowed through the security checkpoint. These can be in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Similar to medications, just inform the TSA officer of what you have and remove the items from your carry-on bag so they can be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

Ice packs, freezer bags, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula and breast milk are allowed in your carry-on bag.

The TSA PreCheck Program allows registered travelers the ability to go through expedited screening lines at over 200 participating U.S. airports with over 80 participating airlines. Once you are approved in the program you don’t need to remove your 3-1-1 liquids from your bag.

Actually, you can avoid removing any of the following items during the screening process:

• 3-1-1 compliant bag
• Light jacket/Sport coat/outerwear
• Laptop / iPad from bag

To apply for PreCheck, go to tsa.gov/precheck . From here you can enroll and make an appointment online or walk in at any one of over 380 enrollment centers . It can take up to 30 days to obtain a TSA PreCheck known traveler number.

What does TSA consider a liquid?

According to TSA guidelines, any substance that is free-flowing or viscous is considered a liquid. This includes liquids, aerosols, pastes, creams, and gels.

According to the TSA, “Makeup in a solid or powder form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no quantity or size limitations. However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste, or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag.”

When it comes to makeup, the following are some examples of liquid cosmetics:

• Nail polish,
• Moisturizers,
• Foundation,
• Mascara, etc.

How much is 3.4 oz?

Now that you understand the basic concepts of the TSA liquid rule, it may help to have an idea of what constitutes 3.4 oz or 100 ml, since most people don’t naturally know how big a 3.4-ounce container or a 100 ml bottle is.

So if you’re wondering exactly how much is 3.4 oz or how big is a 100 ml bottle, we will walk through that for you here.

3.4 ounces (oz) converts to 96.388 milliliters (ml). For purposes of simplicity, the TSA rounds this up to 100 ml

Most of the toiletries you would bring on a trip come in travel-sized packages that can be bought at any drug store or grocery store. These travel-sized items are typically 3 ounces (90 ml) and generally provide enough lotion, shampoo, or toothpaste for a 5-day trip. If you’ll be traveling longer, you may need to stock up on a couple of extra bottles or plan on purchasing more upon arrival at your destination.

100 milliliters (ml) converts to 3.3814 ounces (oz). For purposes of simplicity, the TSA rounds this up to 100 ml

100 milliliters (ml) converts to .422675 cups, so it’s just under 1/2 cup.

A 100 ml bottle is fairly small. To give you a visual, look at the image below that shows a 500 ml water bottle vs. a 100 ml spray bottle. The 100 ml bottle is about 3 inches tall and the water bottle is about 8 inches tall.

Hopefully, this guide will give you a better idea of what the TSA considers a liquid and what size they will let you bring on your carry-on. Knowing this information in advance can save a lot of headaches at the airport!

• Spirit Airlines Carry-On Liquid Policy

Tim is a business road warrior and avid leisure traveler who has flown over two million miles in the air and spent well over a thousand nights in hotels. He enjoys sharing tips, tricks, and hacks to help readers get the most out of their travel experience and learn how to “travel like a pro”!

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Calling All Travelers: These Are the Official TSA Liquid Rules

You don't want security to throw away your new, full-size bottle of shampoo do you?

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

We've all fallen victim to TSA while traveling; here's a refresher so you don't make the same mistakes again.

TSA Liquid Rules:

According to the TSA website , these rules apply for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.

All liquids must be in a 3.4oz or smaller container. Your serums, creams, cleansers, and masks are too expensive to lose, so check their sizes and if they're too big, leave them at home or transfer them to a smaller container.

They have to be able to fit in a quart-size bag. Before you throw 10 containers of liquids into your carry-on, make sure that everything can fit in a quart-size bag. Think about what you really need for your trip, a la Marie Kondo , and remember you can always buy things once you arrive at your destination.

Powders must be in 12oz containers or smaller. TSA placed new restrictions on powders in 2018. Ensure that your makeup, protein powder, and baby powder are in containers within that range, or put them into a checked bag.

Travel-Size Beauty Essentials

Drunk Elephant The Littles™ Set

Sunday Riley Power Couple Kit

Drybar The Four Pack

Ole Henrikson Truth Serum®

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Mini

LA MER The Moisturizing Soft Cream

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner

LE LABO Santal 33 & AnOther 13 Set

Kiehl's Since 1851 Super Age-Correcting Collection

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo

COOLA Suncare Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

Anything else has to go into a checked bag. If you can't part with your full-size products, they have to go into a checked bag to avoid getting tossed into the TSA product graveyard. If you're looking to save money, share one checked bag with your whole group.

Only empty water bottles will pass the TSA checkpoint. If you bring a refillable water bottle, make sure it's empty before you approach security. You can fill it up after you go through the checkpoint or buy water in the terminal.

There are exemptions. If you use a medication that comes in liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste form and the container is larger than 3.4oz, it's exempt from the above rules. Similarly, if you're carrying baby formula, breast milk, or other liquid foods for your child, these are also exempt.

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Flying with Liquids? How Many Ounces of Liquid Can You Bring on a Plane?

John Parker

How many ounces can you take on a plane is much more strict when taking them through airport security in carry on bags than when packing liquids in checked luggage.

Some liquids are permitted but restricted in size, others are permitted in greater quantities but have to undergo additional screening while others are banned totally.

Although the TSA refers to liquids in ounces what they really mean is fluid ounces. Ounces are a measurement of weight and fluid ounces are a measurement of volume.

The quick answer: How many ounces you can bring on a plane depends on whether you will pack the liquid in carry on or checked bags. You can only take containers of liquid that are no larger than 3.4 ounces through TSA security in your carry on and those containers must be packed in one quart-size liquids bag. You can pack containers of liquid that are larger than this in checked bags.

The full rules regarding the number of ounces of liquid, what is considered a liquid and those liquids that are prohibited are detailed in the following sections.

How many fluid ounces on a plane through airport security?

If you do not take care with the number of ounces of liquids you take through airport security, and how you carry them, there is a very good chance that you will have all or some of them confiscated by a security agent.

How many fl oz can you take on a plane in carry on?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA’s) airplane fluid oz liquid rules state that you cannot take any liquids, gels or pastes that are in containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) with the exceptions listed below.

It doesn`t matter how much liquid is in the container as it is the size of the container that counts. This means you cannot take a 7 oz container with only 3 ozs of liquid in it as that would be confiscated by a TSA agent.

The final decision rests with the TSA security agent.

As far as the TSA liquids rules are concerned any of the following can be considered a liquid whether liquids, gels and aerosols:

• Liquids – pretty obvious really but they include shampoos , hair conditioners, liquid soaps, nail polish , bottled water other toiletry items and cans of soda
• Aerosols – Aerosols such as deodorant , body sprays etc
• Gels – shaving gel, gel lip balm
• Creams – face and hand creams, skincare, shaving cream, suncream , moisturizer and toothpaste
• Powders (even some of these can be considered a liquid)

There are a few exceptions to the TSA’s liquids rule that allow you to take more than 3.4 oz of liquids through the security checkpoint which include:

• Travel with a baby/child (water, baby formula, breast milk , juice and other liquids needed for a baby)
• Liquid medications (including contact lens solution)
• Transporting live fish
• Duty-free liquids (if still in unopened tamper-evident bags)

All of these must be removed from carry on luggage for additional screening.

For full details of these please see my post What Liquids Do Not Go in a Liquids Bag?

How many ounces can you carry on in total?

There isn’t actually a stipulated maximum number of ounces mentioned in the liquids rule that you can take through the security checkpoint in your carry on bag. You can take as many ounces of liquid as you can fit in a one quart size resealable plastic bag.

The TSA website states that all the liquids that you are permitted to take through the airport security checkpoint (so less than 3.4 ounces each) must go in a quart size resealable bag. This bag must be taken out of your carry on bags and placed in a separate security tray to pass through the x-ray machine as part of the screening process.

Only one quart sized bag containing liquids is permitted per passenger.

This is the response from the TSA to a passenger asking if he can take everything in his quart bag through security as they are all less than 3.4 ounces:

Prohibited liquids

You cannot take the following liquids, mostly because they are potentially flammable liquids or dangerous substances. It doesn’t matter how many fluid ounces they are – even if they are in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces:

• Fuel (petrol/gasoline)
• Flammable paints including aerosol paints and thinners
• Lighter fluid
• Lighter gases (which are liquid when under pressure in a canister)
• Chlorine (for swimming pools and spas) including bleach
• Spray starch
• Lysol Spray
• Alcohol over 70 percent proof
• Self-defense sprays

How to carry liquids in carry bag

It may not seem obvious but although there are restrictions on the size of liquids you can take through airport security, the same rules do not actually apply to the size you can take on board the aircraft with you.

This is because any liquid items you buy in stores after passing through the security checkpoint are not restricted so you can take larger containers with more than 3.4 ozs onboard with you.

So, for example, you could buy a large bottle of water or a full-size container of deodorant from a store and take that with you in your carry on bags.

This is the TSA confirming that this is the case:

How many ounces can you take on a plane in a checked bag?

There are much fewer restrictions when it comes to how many oz on a plane in checked baggage compared to those that apply to carry on luggage.

When you pack aerosols, they must be protected by caps to prevent accidental activation in the bag.

The number of ounces of liquids that can be taken in checked luggage falls into two categories:

Aerosols and alcohol

You can only take a maximum of 70 ounces in checked bags if they are in the form of aerosol sprays or alcohol . Each container cannot exceed 18 ounces.

This includes aerosols, hair spray, perfumes , colognes, shampoo, nail polish, rubbing alcohol, shaving cream, inhalers and medicines.

See the FAA guidelines – Pack safe Medicinal and toiletry articles

Other liquids

You may take more of these liquids and will only be restricted by weight.

The same liquids are prohibited from being carried in checked baggage as are in a carry on bag as detailed above except that self-defense sprays can be packed (provided they have less than 2% by mass of tear gas).

This passenger is asking the TSA about the total liquid limit for checked luggage:

For full details of taking liquids in a checked bag please see my post How much liquid can you take on a plane in checked baggage?

How many ml can you take on a plane?

You can take containers of liquids on a plane in your carry on that are no larger than 100 ml, which is the metric equivalent of 3.4 ounces.

These must be packed in your quart size liquids bag.

Hopefully, you now understand exactly how many ounces on a plane are allowed in both carry on bags and checked baggage.

To summarize you can take liquids in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces on a plane in carry on and almost without restriction in checked baggage.

Due to advances in airport security screening, the liquid rules could be abolished at some airports by 2024 .

Can you bring multiple 3 oz bottles on a plane?

You can bring as many bottles that are three ounces in size on a plane in your carry on baggage as will fit in your one quart size liquids bag.

How many quart bags can you bring on a plane?

Only one bag (clear quart zip-top bag) is permitted to be taken through security in carry on per passenger. That is with liquids in, as you could of course take any number of quart bags if they are empty.

How many 3oz bottles can fit in a quart bag?

You are unlikely to be able to fit more than 8 standard 3oz bottles in a quart bag, unless you are a champion packer.

Do 3 oz bottles need to be clear?

There is no TSA rule which states that the bottles with liquids in need to be clear. Only the quart bag that the liquids must be carried in has to be clear.

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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TSA Increases Hand Sanitizer Allowance for Carry-Ons

See recent posts by Airfarewatchdog Staff

If for whatever reason you are flying in the near future, please note that the TSA has updated its carry-on rules for liquids, now allowing passengers to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer on board.

TSA understands that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is at the forefront on the minds of travelers, as health officials are encouraging that individuals wash their hands frequently. With that in mind, TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that these containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids permitted through a checkpoint will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint screening experience. Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels, and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be allowed at the limit of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters carried in a one quart-size bag. From TSA.gov

The Centers for Disease Control advises travelers to wash their hands using soap and water, which is still the best way to prevent infection. When hand washing is not an option, hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol may be used. Since this are currently in short supply, you might consider making your own hand sanitizer using alcohol along with aloe gel.

Again, hand sanitizer is the only exception currently made for liquids. It's easy to forget or to even be a little fuzzy on exactly what is and isn't allowed, especially when the rules aren't always consistently enforced across airports. Before you pack up all your lotions and potions for travel, brush up on the TSA's current policies on flying with liquids.

These are the TSA Rules for Traveling with Liquids

• Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols should not exceed 3.4 ounces. You can often find travel-sizes of your favorite products, though it's more economical to just transfer from the full-size version to a smaller size-compliant container.
• Before you get any wild ideas, that doesn't mean you can cram your carry-on with a bajillion 3.4-ounce bottles of moisturizer. Everything must fit inside a quart-size baggie. You can spend a little on a quart-size zippered number that will last a good while, or make do with a Ziploc. Both work just fine for the TSA.
• If there's no way you can fit everything you need in a single quart-size bag, the only other option is to pack any extra or full-sized items in your checked baggage.
• Don't forget, liquid restrictions apply not just to cosmetics and toiletries but also to foods and beverages. That may seem obvious, yet there are stacks upon stacks of confiscated water bottles at the TSA checkpoints on any given day. There are definite grey areas when it comes to what foods and beverages the TSA allows. A full water bottle is an obvious no-no, however, water melon is most certainly allowed. If you're carrying an item you're unsure of, check the TSA's What Can I Bring page.
• Not a liquid, but often packed alongside them, powders are also something to watch out for when packing. A lesser-known rule enacted by the TSA only a few years ago limits powders to 12 ounces or less. That applies not just to make-up or cosmetic powders but also protein supplements, weight gainers, cooking substances, and anything that would constitute as a powder.
• Passengers traveling with breast milk, baby formula, or any doctor-prescribed gels, creams, or liquid medications are exempt from these restrictions.

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The U.K. Ended Its Travel-Size Liquid Rule for Carry-Ons—Will the U.S. Do the Same?

By Jessica Puckett

Passing through airport security in the U.K. is about to get easier and more streamlined, as U.K. officials announced that the rule mandating liquids in carry-on bags be 100ml (3.4 ounces) or less will no longer be enforced, starting in June 2024. 

When the rule ends, passengers will be able to carry-on liquids measuring up to two liters in volume, the BBC reports . Additionally, passengers will no longer need to remove electronics from bags, such as laptops. Previously, major airports in the U.K., such as London Heathrow, were known for their stringent enforcements of the liquid rules.

In the U.S., similar policies are still in effect at airports around the country, with the TSA enforcing its so-called “ 3-1-1 ” liquid rule for carry-on bags: all liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a single, one-quart clear bag. (Though there are  some exceptions to those rules.)

The more relaxed screening policies in the U.K. are possible thanks to new X-ray scanners that use computed tomography (CT) technology to produce more detailed, 3D images of luggage contents. (The technology is similar to a CT scan you might get at a hospital.) Most airports in the U.K. will need to upgrade their X-ray machines to the newer high-tech versions by June 2024. 

The same enhanced CT technology has been in use at U.S. airports for several years now, with the TSA rapidly expanding the scanners to dozens of airports nationwide. As of May 2022, the agency said it had deployed at least 402 CT units to 163 airports around the country. Over the summer, officials installed more of the scanners at additional airport checkpoints in anticipation of an uptick in air travelers, including at Billings Logan International Airport in Montana , Albany International Airport in New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, the TSA  said in a release . 

With that in mind, will the TSA follow the U.K.’s lead and ditch its rules for carry-on liquids? Currently at U.S. security checkpoints with CT scanners, passengers already have somewhat more relaxed screening rules, as they aren’t required to remove their travel-size liquids, electronics, or food from their carry-on bags, according to the TSA. That was a precursor step to the new U.K. policy at  London City airport , which received CT scanners in November 2022 and announced that passengers no longer had to remove any items from their bags. 

But some industry analysts say scanning equipment is only one piece of the puzzle . “I believe that TSA and other aviation security organizations will study the results from the UK’s decision closely and carefully,” says Henry Harteveldt, an aviation expert and president of Atmosphere Research. “If behavioral profiling and other similar tools allow security organizations to potentially detect people who may pose a danger to airline crews and passengers, it may help reduce the need for measures such as the 100ml limit on liquids and the TSA’s 3-1-1 policy.”

Indeed, it seems U.S. officials plan to take it slow when considering any changes to the current TSA 3.4-oz liquid rule, which has been the international standard since it was implemented in 2006. “Computed Tomography technology produces 3-D images that can be rotated and combined with advanced detection algorithms to produce a substantial improvement in security screening,” Robert Carter Langston, TSA's press secretary, said in an emailed statement. “While we have them deployed at more checkpoints, we are years away from announcing a change to the current liquids rule.” 

Although U.S. passengers still need to pack travel-size liquids for the time being, that doesn’t mean that the security checkpoint hasn’t been seeing other improvements. Aside from rolling out more CT scanners, TSA has been deploying credential authentication technology: new ID scanners that don’t require passengers to show their boarding passes . Earlier in 2022, the agency also began accepting digital IDs from the Apple Wallet app at certain airports and testing an expansion of facial recognition to whisk travelers through even faster.

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The TSA Ounce Limit

The TSA ounce limit applies to all liquids and gels you bring in a carry-on bag for air travel. No single container of a liquid or a gel may be larger than 3.4 ounces. There are a few exceptions to this rule, as well as further restrictions on liquids and gels.

Liquids and Gels in Carry-Ons

Each passenger may carry one clear zip-top bag of liquids and gels in individual containers. Each container must be no more than 3.4 ounces. This rule applies to toiletries and food and drink, as well as any other substance.

Medically necessary products like liquid medicine are not restricted in size. Adults traveling with infants or toddlers may also carry larger containers of special food and drinks for those children. These items may be subject to special inspections, however, and should be declared when you pass through security. To make this process as efficient as possible, it's best to pack only the amount of liquid needed during the flight in your carry-on.

Airport Shops

Technically the liquid and gel restrictions apply to products carried through airport security by passengers, not to what is carried onto the plane. Passengers may carry larger sizes of liquids and gels like drinks or toiletries onboard as long as they are purchased in airport shops past the security checkpoint. Even alcohol may often be purchased in larger quantities at duty-free shops.

Further Liquid Restrictions

Flammable or otherwise hazardous liquids are not permitted in carry-ons in any size. The one exception to this rule is standard lighters, which may be carried.

Snow globes and similar liquid-containing items are also prohibited in all sizes.

• TSA: Medically Necessary Liquids
• TSA: Traveling With Children
• TSA: Prohibited Items

About the Author

Laura Gee has a B.A. in history and anthropology, but now spends more time blogging and producing web content. She has worked and/or trained as an illustrator, crafter, caterer, yoga teacher, child-care provider and massage therapist, and she loves to travel when she gets a chance.

Photo Credits

• Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images

TSA Liquid Rules: How Many 3 Oz Bottles Can You Take on a Plane?

You’re probably aware that there is a limit to the amount of liquids that you can take on a plane in any one container – 3.4oz/100ml.

But there is also a limit to how many of these 3.4oz containers you bring on a plane, too.

If packed in your carry on, you are only allowed to travel with containers of liquid, gel or aerosol that are no larger than 3.4 ounces and are placed in a 1 quart-sized resalable bag.

Table of Contents

• 1 How Many 3 Oz Bottles (3.4 Oz Containers) Can You Take on a Plane?
• 2 TSA Liquid Rules for Checked Bags
• 3 Liquid Rules for Domestic & International Flights
• 4 Airline Liquids Policy
• 5 Why it is Called the 3-1-1 Rule
• 6 Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule
• 7 Bringing Containers Larger Than 3.4 Oz/100ml
• 8 A Loophole to Bring More than 3.4Oz/100ml on a Plane
• 9 Liquids That Are Forbidden on Planes
• 10 5 Surprising Items That Qualify As Liquids
• 11 Why You Can Only Take 3.4 Oz Bottles on a Plane

How Many 3 Oz Bottles (3.4 Oz Containers) Can You Take on a Plane?

In total, you can take 32 ounces (or 1 quart of liquids on a plane) in your carry on.

In all likelihood, you won’t be able to take a full 32 ounces on a plane because any liquid, gel or aerosol will be in a container.

In reality, you will be able to bring 25 ounces in total, in 7 or 8 travel-sized 3.4oz/100ml containers onto a plane.

TSA Liquid Rules for Checked Bags

When packing liquids, gels or aerosols in your checked bags, the restrictions are much looser.

Generally, there is no limit to how many ounces of containers of gels, liquids and aerosols you can pack in your checked bags.

However, the TSA state that there is a limit on “the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles in checked baggage”.

This includes items like nail polish, nail polish remover, perfume , cologne , hair spray , hair texturizer, and makeup remover.

For these items, “the total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces)”.

The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces).

Liquid Rules for Domestic & International Flights

Worldwide, it may not be called the 3-1-1 Rule as the TSA defines it, but all aviation authorities are in alignment.

So this means that regardless if you’re flying domestically or internationally, you are only allowed to bring 3.4 ounces of liquid, gels and aerosols in your carry on, and they must be placed in a 1 quart-sized resalable bag.

Again, this means that you will be able to bring 25 ounces in total, in 7 or 8 travel-sized 3.4oz/100ml containers onto a plane.

Airline Liquids Policy

Once you have passed airport security, you will be able to buy and take liquids, gels and aerosols in containers that are larger than 3.4oz/100ml on a plane.

This means that you buy water, juice, coffee , perfume, cologne, shampoo , and any other item that you find in shops at the airport in large containers onto a plane.

Why it is Called the 3-1-1 Rule

The 3-1-1 Rule stands for 3 ounces, 1 passenger, 1 quart-sized bag.

Each passenger is only allowed to travel with liquids, gels and aerosols in containers that are no larger than 3.4oz/100ml, and they must be placed in a 1 quart-sized bag.

You may have noticed that you are allowed to bring containers that do not exceed 3.4oz, despite the name of the rule.

This is probably because the 3.4-1-1 Rule doesn’t have the same ring to it, and the TSA wanted a mnemonic that was easy to remember.

Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule

There are several exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule.

The following items, if packed in your carry on bags, are allowed to exceed 3.4 oz/100ml.

• Breast milk and formula
• Liquid medication
• Hand sanitizer
• Jumbo disinfecting wipes
• STEB items (secure, tamper-evident bags purchased at the airport)
• Cough syrup
• Gel-filled bras
• Saline solution
• Ice packs (must be frozen solid)

If you are taking any of the above items, they should be removed from your carry on bags for additional screening.

Bringing Containers Larger Than 3.4 Oz/100ml

If you try and go through airport security with any liquid, gel or aerosol in a container that exceeds 3.4oz/100ml, a security agent will confiscate the item.

A Loophole to Bring More than 3.4Oz/100ml on a Plane

There is a loophole that allows passengers to bring more than 3.4oz/100ml of liquids on a plane – as long as you are traveling with a baby or young child.

You can say that the item you are traveling with is for your baby or child.

Of course, this will only work for very few items like bringing a water bottle on a plane , but it’s useful to know.

Liquids That Are Forbidden on Planes

There are some liquids that, even if under 3.4 oz/100ml, you are forbidden from bringing on a plane.

Liquids that are forbidden include:

• Most flammable liquids ( you can bring nail polish on a plane , though)
• Most toxic liquids
• Aerosols that do not qualify as toiletries
• Alcoholic Beverages over 70% ABV (140 proof)
• Insecticide

Make sure you leave these at home.

5 Surprising Items That Qualify As Liquids

There are some items that you wouldn’t expect to qualify as liquids, but actually are.

So, keep the following items in minds next time you travel:

• Peanut Butter
• Hair mousse
• Snow globes

Why You Can Only Take 3.4 Oz Bottles on a Plane

It wasn’t always the case that you could only bring liquids, gels and aerosols that don’t exceed 3.4oz in your carry on.

This rule was implemented after terrorists tried to sneak liquid explosives onto a plane in the UK in August 2006.

3.4oz/100ml is the permitted amount because it is the maximum amount of liquid explosives that pose little to no risk to travelers.

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).

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The FAA limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, in checked baggage. The total aggregate quantity per person cannot exceed 2 kg (70 ounces) or 2 L (68 fluid ounces). The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information. Permitted aerosol release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.