You can carry liquids on an airplane in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each in your carry-on luggage. All these containers must fit into a single clear, quart-sized resealable bag, and you are allowed only one such bag per passenger. This is known as the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces per container, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per traveler
. Exceptions to this rule include:
- Baby formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks in larger quantities if needed for the flight
- Medications in liquid form, with prescription labels, can be carried in larger amounts
- Some items like lens solution, eye drops, deodorants, and non-flammable aerosols may also be exempted from the 3-1-1 rule in the near future as TSA updates its guidelines
- Ice packs or gel packs used for medical reasons or to keep baby formula cool are allowed
If you try to carry liquids exceeding these limits in your carry-on, they will either be confiscated or you must pack them in checked luggage
. In summary:
- Maximum size per liquid container: 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
- All containers must fit in one quart-sized clear bag
- Only one such bag per passenger
- Exceptions for baby food, formula, medications, and some medical liquids
This rule applies to common liquids like toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, mouthwash, and similar items
. The TSA has maintained this rule for security reasons since 2006, though future changes to ease restrictions are under consideration with new scanning technologies
