At a US airport checkpoint, each container of liquid, gel, cream, paste or aerosol can hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and they all go in one quart-size bag per passenger. Containers over that size go in your checked bag.
What’s the liquid?
TSA’s rule for it
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What counts as a liquid
TSA’s rule covers liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. The everyday items it names under the rule are toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
One quart-size bageach container 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less
Tubes, bottles, jars and sprays all count as liquids, so every one of them goes in the bag.
The exceptions
What TSA lets through over 3.4 oz, as of October 2026
Item
TSA rule
More
Medicine
Larger amounts in reasonable quantities for your trip, declared at the checkpoint
TSA screens every exception, and an item that alarms gets more screening.
On the day
Anything in the bag that sets off an alarm gets a closer look, and the officer has the last word on what goes through. Keep the bag near the top of your carry-on so it’s quick to take out.
Common questions
Is the 3-1-1 rule the same in the UK and EU?
No, though UK and EU airports also limit containers to 100 ml. Their liquids bag holds up to 1 litre, and some UK airports allow containers up to 2 litres.
Does TSA PreCheck change the liquids rule?
No, the 3.4 oz limit is the same, but in a TSA PreCheck lane you don't take the liquids bag out of your carry-on.
Can a bigger bottle go through if it's nearly empty?
No, TSA's limit is on the container, 3.4 ounces or less per item, so pack a larger bottle in your checked bag.
Security rules come from TSA’s own pages, checked in October 2026. Checked bag limits are the FAA’s. Checked against published data from TSA and FAA.
See all 8 sources
TSA, Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule (with its duty free exemption for inbound international flights)
TSA, Frequently Asked Questions: Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Alcoholic beverages
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Breast Milk
TSA Cares, Disabilities and Medical Conditions: Medications
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Hair Spray
TSA, What Can I Bring?: Gel Ice Packs
FAA, PackSafe chart (printable, updated November 14, 2025): medical and toiletry articles, aerosols, alcoholic beverages, duty-free perfume
General guidance from airline, TSA and FAA rules, checked on the date shown. Rules change, and the airline and security officers decide on the day: check your airline before you fly.
