What Are the TSA Carry-On Liquid Rules?

What are the TSA carry-on liquid rules?

The TSA carry-on liquid rules limit how much liquid you can bring through airport security in the cabin, and they are summarized as the 3-1-1 rule. According to the TSA, each liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all of those containers must fit inside a single quart-size clear zip-top bag, and each passenger is allowed just one such bag. Anything larger than 3.4 ounces must go in your checked luggage instead. These rules exist for security screening, and they apply at the checkpoint to all carry-on and personal-item bags. Knowing them helps you pack toiletries so nothing gets thrown away.

What does 3-1-1 mean?

The name 3-1-1 is a memory aid for the three parts of the rule. The first number, 3, stands for the 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) maximum size for each liquid container; note it is the container's labeled size that counts, not how full it is, so a large half-empty bottle still fails. The middle 1 stands for the single quart-size bag that all your liquid containers must fit inside. The final 1 stands for one bag per passenger. Put together, 3-1-1 means containers of 3.4 ounces or less, in one quart bag, one per traveler. At the checkpoint, you remove this quart bag from your carry-on and place it in a bin for screening, unless you have TSA PreCheck.

What counts as a liquid?

The rule covers more than obvious liquids, which trips up many travelers. TSA treats anything you can pour, pump, squeeze, spread, smear, or spill as a liquid, gel, or aerosol subject to the 3-1-1 limit. That includes water and drinks, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, and toothpaste, but also less obvious items like peanut butter, yogurt, honey, mascara, lip gloss, gel deodorant, aerosol sprays, and creams. Solid versions are exempt: a bar of soap, stick deodorant, solid perfume, and powder are not liquids and have no size limit. When you are unsure whether something counts, the safe assumption is that if it is spreadable or pourable, it follows the liquid rule and must be 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on.

What are the exceptions to the liquid rules?

There are important exemptions for necessities. Medically necessary liquids, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, are allowed in reasonable quantities over 3.4 ounces; just declare them and remove them for separate screening. Baby feeding supplies, breast milk, formula, and baby food and juice, are also exempt from the size limit when traveling with or, for breast milk, even without a child, and are screened separately. Ice packs to keep medical items or breast milk cold are allowed if needed. Duty-free liquids bought after security can exceed the limit if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt. These exceptions mean you are never forced to leave essential medicine or baby supplies behind, as long as you declare them at the checkpoint.