TSA Liquids Rule: Carry-On Sizes, Exceptions and Screening
Most carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less and fit in one quart-size bag, while medically necessary and infant-feeding liquids have separate screening exceptions.
Timeline
- Before packing: Check the TSA What Can I Bring tool for the specific item and airline rules for baggage limits.
- At the checkpoint: Remove the quart-size bag or declared exception items when officers direct and allow screening.
- If an item is uncertain: Ask TSA before travel or place a permitted larger ordinary liquid in checked baggage.
For ordinary carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes, TSA uses the 3-1-1 rule. Each container must hold 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, or less. The containers must fit inside one quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag, and each passenger may bring one such bag through the checkpoint. The limit is based on container capacity, so a partly filled larger bottle can still be rejected. [1][2]
The rule covers more than drinks. Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, liquid cosmetics, gels and many foods with liquid or gel consistency count. A product that TSA generally allows can still receive extra screening or be refused if it alarms, appears altered or raises a security concern. Travelers should use TSA’s item-specific list rather than assuming that every toiletry follows exactly the same treatment. [1][2]
Medically necessary liquids, medications, creams and related supplies can exceed 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the trip. They do not have to fit in the quart bag. TSA advises passengers to tell an officer about them at the beginning of screening and present them separately. Officers may test or ask to open a container, and a passenger may request a visual inspection before items enter the X-ray. [1][2]
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby or toddler food are treated as medically necessary liquids. They may exceed the ordinary size limit and do not have to fit in the quart bag, even when the child is not traveling. Cooling accessories such as ice packs and gel packs are also allowed for these supplies. The passenger should declare and separate the items because additional screening may be required. [2]
Frozen liquids are treated differently only while they remain completely frozen at screening. If they are melted, slushy or have liquid in the container, the ordinary liquid limits can apply unless the item qualifies for an exception. Larger ordinary beverages and toiletries should usually go into checked baggage or be purchased after the checkpoint. International departure and connection rules can differ, so this guide addresses U.S. TSA screening. [2]
Packing the quart bag where it is easy to reach can reduce delays if officers ask for it separately. Travelers should keep labels on medicines when practical, protect containers from leaking and avoid combining unknown products. The final decision at the checkpoint belongs to the TSA officer because screening results and the exact item matter. Airline size and weight rules are separate from TSA security rules. [1][3]
Before traveling, check the current TSA What Can I Bring database for the exact substance and quantity. Rules can change, and special items such as alcohol, aerosols, powders and hazardous materials can have FAA or airline restrictions beyond the 3-1-1 rule. When an exception is medically important, arrive with time for additional screening and explain the need before the screening process begins. [1][2][3]
Sources
- Transportation Security Administration — TSA Travel Tips and the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
- Transportation Security Administration — What Can I Bring? Complete List
- Transportation Security Administration — Travel Checklist