TSA Liquids Rule 2026: How to Pack Toiletries in Your Carry-On (3-1-1 Explained)
Quick answer
For US flights, TSA still uses the 3-1-1 rule as of November 2026. Each liquid, gel, cream, paste or aerosol in your carry-on must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all of them must fit in one quart-sized bag per traveler. Pack anything bigger in checked luggage. Source: TSA Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule
What 3-1-1 means
- 3 — 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less per container (the container size counts, not how full it is).
- 1 — one quart-sized bag.
- 1 — one bag per traveler.
TSA describes the quart-sized bag limit as one bag per traveler, and says anything over 3.4 oz “that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped or poured” belongs in checked luggage. TSA press release, 3 Feb 2026
Did TSA change the liquids rule in 2026?
Not nationwide. News reports in 2026 say TSA is considering letting some PreCheck travelers bring full water bottles at selected airports with newer CT scanners, but that is not a nationwide rule. Plan for 3-1-1 and check tsa.gov before you fly.
What counts as a liquid?
TSA’s own wording covers anything that can be “spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped or poured” — so toothpaste, lotion, hair gel, sunscreen, liquid makeup and aerosols all count.
Exceptions
- Medically necessary liquids in reasonable quantities for your trip — declare them to the TSA officer at the checkpoint. TSA: medications (liquid)
- Infant and child nourishment.
- Duty-free liquids bought abroad within 48 hours, sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt, when you are connecting in the US.
The TSA officer has the final say at the checkpoint.
Packing checklist for a holiday carry-on
- Decant full-size products into refillable bottles labeled 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller. The bottles should be empty when you pack them, then filled by you.
- Put every liquid in one clear quart-size bag; keep it near the top of your bag for screening.
- Leave a little air room in squeeze bottles and close caps tightly — pressure changes can push liquid out.
- Pack full-size bottles and extras in checked luggage.
- Keep a hanging toiletry bag for the hotel so your quart bag stays just for security.
- Travelling with gifts? Liquid gifts such as perfume or sauces follow the same 3-1-1 rule. For snow globes, TSA says those that appear to contain 3.4 ounces of liquid or less (about tennis-ball size) can go in a carry-on only if the entire globe, including the base, fits in your one quart-sized bag. Larger snow globes must go in checked baggage. TSA: snow globes
Helpful from Vaylishop
These items ship from our US warehouse, usually 2–7 business days. None of them is a liquid product, and TSA does not approve or certify retail products.
- Hanging Toiletry Bag, Double-Layer — $21.99
- Travel Tech Organizer Pouch for Cables and Chargers — $51.99
- Lightweight Laptop Travel Backpack — $32.99
FAQ
Can I bring full-size shampoo in my carry-on?
Not through US security if the container is over 3.4 oz (100 ml), even if it’s mostly empty — pack it in checked luggage.
Does the quart bag have to be a zip-top plastic bag?
TSA says a quart-sized bag. Keep to that wording and use a clear quart-size bag that holds your 3.4 oz containers.
Are medications limited to 3.4 oz?
No — medically necessary liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities, but declare them at the checkpoint.
Can I bring an empty water bottle?
Yes. TSA allows empty water bottles in carry-on and checked bags. TSA also says you may take empty drink containers through the checkpoint and fill them afterward. TSA: empty water bottle · TSA: coffee thermos (empty)
Rules as of November 2026. Check tsa.gov before you fly.