Liquids TSA baggage rules
How to pack Liquids in cabin baggage and hold luggage under official TSA and FAA regulations.
The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule remains one of the most frequently enforced regulations at airport security worldwide. This comprehensive guide covers carry-on and checked luggage limits for over 17 items in the Liquids category.
From travel toiletries and beverages to duty-free perfumes and cooking ingredients, understanding volume limits ensures a smooth journey.
Review container rules, duty-free exemptions, and checkpoint screening procedures below.
Liquids overview
The Liquids category covers liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, pastes, and viscous liquids. Transportation security agencies restrict cabin liquids to prevent liquid explosives and hazardous chemicals from boarding the passenger cabin.
Important TSA rules
Under the TSA 3-1-1 rule, every liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol carried into the aircraft cabin must be in a container holding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All containers must fit comfortably inside one transparent, quart-sized resealable bag per traveler.
Exceptions & medical cases
Medically necessary liquids, prescription treatments, and infant feeding essentials (baby formula, breast milk, and baby food) are completely exempt from the 3-1-1 volume limits in reasonable quantities.
International travel & common mistakes
International considerations
International airports strictly enforce the 100 ml limit. If purchasing duty-free liquids during an overseas connection, ensure they are sealed in an official tamper-evident bag (STEB) with your receipt visible.
Common mistakes passengers make
Packing containers larger than 3.4 oz that are only partially full is a major mistake; TSA enforces the labeled capacity of the container, not the remaining liquid inside. Another error is assuming pastes (like peanut butter or toothpaste) are solids.
Expert packing recommendations
Transfer essential liquids into travel-sized 3.4 oz silicone bottles and place your quart bag at the top of your carry-on for fast removal. Pack larger liquid bottles in checked luggage, sealed inside zip bags to guard against pressure leaks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule?▼
Each passenger may bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitted inside one 1-quart transparent, resealable bag. One bag is permitted per traveler.
Can I bring a full water bottle through security?▼
No. Full water bottles exceed the 3.4 oz limit and will be confiscated. You can bring an empty reusable bottle through security and refill it at water stations once past the checkpoint.
Are pastes, creams, and spreads considered liquids?▼
Yes. TSA classifies anything you can pour, pump, squeeze, spread, smear, spray, or spill as a liquid or gel. Toothpaste, sunscreen, peanut butter, and lip gloss all fall under the 3-1-1 rule.
Can I bring duty-free liquids on connecting flights?▼
Yes, provided they were purchased airside and remain sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the original receipt clearly visible inside.
Is there a limit on liquids in checked luggage?▼
Most non-hazardous liquids have no volume limit in checked bags, as long as baggage weight limits are respected. Alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% ABV are limited to 5 liters per passenger.
Essential Liquids guides
TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Explained: Complete Carry-On Limits (2026)
Everything you need to know about the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule: container size limits, quart-sized bags, medical exemptions, and checkpoint screening procedures.
Can You Bring Shampoo Bars on a Plane? TSA Rules Explained (2026)
Shampoo bars are solid — they are NOT subject to TSA liquid rules. Any size is allowed in carry-on with no restrictions. Here's the full guide to flying with solid shampoo.
Can You Bring Sunscreen on a Plane? TSA Liquid Rules for SPF (2026)
Sunscreen is a liquid under TSA rules — 3.4 oz max in carry-on. Here are the exact size limits, which formats are exempt, and how to pack sunscreen for any trip.
TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: The Ultimate Packing Guide
Learn how to pack liquids, gels, and aerosols for your flight under the official TSA 3-1-1 guidelines.
Can You Bring Mouthwash on a Plane? TSA Liquid Rules Explained
Can you bring mouthwash on a plane? Learn the TSA liquid limits for mouthwash in carry-on bags and how to pack it in checked luggage for your trip.
Can You Bring Perfume on a Plane? TSA Liquid Rules for Fragrances
Can you bring perfume on a plane? TSA carry-on limits for perfume, cologne, and body spray. How to pack fragrances safely in carry-on and checked luggage.
Can You Bring Shampoo and Conditioner on a Plane? TSA Rules
Can you bring shampoo and conditioner on a plane? TSA carry-on liquid limits, travel-size rules, and how to pack full-size bottles in checked bags.
Verified travel information
This document has been reviewed and verified by our travel reference editors. All statuses, notes and guidelines are checked against live security feeds from the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection).
Items in this category (17)
Aerosol Insect Repellent
Also: bug spray, off spray, mosquito repellent, can you bring bug spray on airplane, flying with aerosol bug spray, insect repellent plane, deet bug spray
Baby Lotion
Also: baby cream, infant lotion, baby moisturizer
Beer
Also: ale, lager, canned beer
Cooking Oil
Also: vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil, oil bottle, can i bring cooking oil from malaysia to singapore, cooking oil, palm oil, olive oil cooking
Empty Water Bottle
Also: hydroflask, yeti, thermos
Glass Bottle
Also: glass jar, empty bottle
Hand Sanitizer
Also: purell, sanitizer gel, disinfectant
Ice
Also: ice cubes, frozen water, ice pack
Juice
Also: fruit juice, orange juice, can.inshipped sealed.glass.kuice.in checked luggag, sealed glass juice in checked luggage, glass bottle juice checked baggage, bottled juice
Olive Oil
Also: cooking oil, vegetable oil
Shampoo and Conditioner
Also: hair wash, body wash, conditioner
Snow Globe
Also: water globe
Soda
Also: pop, carbonated drink, coca cola, can you take a can of soda on a plane, can of soda, carbonated drinks on plane
Sunscreen Lotion
Also: sunblock, suntan lotion
Whiskey
Also: bourbon, scotch, spirits
Wine
Also: red wine, white wine, bottle of wine
Wine Bottle
Also: bottle of wine