From toothpaste and deodorant to perfume and hair products, the TSA defines many products we use daily as liquids. Knowing how many ounces you can take on a plane and how to pack and present them for screening is essential to a smooth flight. Get your measurements right and your liquids within limits, and it’s easy to breeze through security.
- TSA regulations: how many ounces you can take on a plane
- What toiletries are classified as liquids?
- TSA liquid limits: understanding in ounces
- Special exceptions to how many ounces you can take on a plane
- Tips for fluid airport security checks
- How many liquids can you bring on a plane?
- FAQs
TSA regulations: how many ounces you can take on a plane
When packing a carry-on bag, one of the most important things to consider is how to pack liquids correctly. The 3-1-1 rule is the gold standard for remaining within the TSA liquid allowance, and it’s quite easy to follow.
All liquids must be within containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. And they must collectively fit within one clear, zip-top bag that is one quart (32 ounces) or smaller in size.
Each passenger in your group, including children, is entitled to take advantage of this allowance. While most liquids are accepted, you should also know what’s not allowed in a carry-on bag in any quantity. Not sure if you should be checking in baggage because of your liquids? My carry-on vs checked bag guide will show you the best way to travel.
What toiletries are classified as liquids?
Toiletries come in all textures and densities, so it’s not always clear exactly what is a liquid. From common lotions to toothpaste, the TSA counts all these toiletries as a liquid:
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Face wash
- Lip gloss
- Aerosol sunscreen
- Perfume
- Moisturizers
- Nail polish
- Foundation
- Concealer
- Mascara
TSA liquid limits: understanding in ounces
Regardless of the product type, including beverages, liquids are all subject to the same 3.4-ounce maximum per container limit. These items don’t have to be in their original packaging so you can refill travel-friendly containers with your favorite products.
Remember, everything must display a volume of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. You can’t mark this yourself — it needs to be part of the label or design of the container. Finally, don’t forget that TSA liquid rules include gels, pastes, creams, aerosols, and anything that is not fully solid.
I have an inexpensive collection of these empty containers that includes mini spray bottles, squeezable tubes, and pots for creams, so I’m always able to transport any product I need.
Special exceptions to how many ounces you can take on a plane
As with everything in life, even the TSA carry-on liquid size limit has some exceptions, but not many. In each case, you’ll need to take some additional steps when passing through security.
Medically necessary liquids
The TSA permits medically necessary liquids in larger quantities. While there is no published limit to these, TSA advises they must be in “reasonable quantities”. Bring only what you need to avoid additional questioning and possible confiscation. These include prescribed medications and creams, and childcare necessities like baby formula and breast milk.
These do not include unprescribed, general health items like sunscreen or common lotions. Declare and present your medically necessary liquids to a TSA agent during screening. They will likely scrutinize them separately and may submit them for additional noninvasive testing.
Remember that the TSA agent always has the final say, so being polite and cooperative is the best way to stay on their good side!
Airport purchases
If you buy liquids after airport security, they don’t count towards how many ounces you can take on a plane. Liquids sold inside the airport, from drinks to perfumes, have already been screened. This means they’re not subject to any additional restrictions and gate crew won’t confiscate them before boarding.
However, if you are arriving internationally into the United States and connecting to another flight, you won’t be able to take them in your carry-on to the next flight. Consume, use, or toss them, unless you also have a checked bag.
On first point of entry into the United States, you’ll have to reclaim all your checked luggage even with a connection. This means you’ll have a chance to stow your purchases in your suitcase before checking it for the onward journey.
Duty-free purchases
Like other airport-bought liquids, duty-free purchases like alcohol and perfume can join you on your flight without a size limit. These are the only exceptions for carry-on during your connecting flight, too. Duty-free purchases can surpass the TSA 3-1-1 rule if:
- They were bought internationally within the last 48 hours
- They remain in the unaltered, still-sealed packaging prepared by the store
- They come with the original receipt (which you may also need to present separately during TSA screening)
Tips for fluid airport security checks
Airports across the United States (and internationally) don’t follow all of the same security procedures, so remain flexible and always do as advised by any TSA or security agent. That said, there are some key procedures you can expect to be enforced everywhere, and liquid regulations are among the most critical.
Expert tip: Minimize your time at checkpoints by keeping your bag of liquids easily accessible. I always pack mine at the top of my carry-on so I don’t have to root around for them at security.
TSA offers a clear guide to screening procedures at TSA checkpoints, and you should read them carefully before packing. Most importantly, always obey every TSA agent’s instructions, and remain calm and polite.
I keep my bag of liquids in the external pocket of my carry-on suitcase, and nothing else is packed here. This way, I always know exactly where it is and nothing else falls out when I reach for it.
How many liquids can you bring on a plane?
Luckily, carry-on limits don’t dictate how much liquid you can take on a plane thanks to checked baggage. In a checked bag, there are no size limits for liquids – just pack them carefully! And be sure you’re not packing banned liquids, like alcohol over 140 proof, compressed gases, spray paints, or other combustibles.
Finally, if you’re traveling internationally, check your destination’s customs limits for liquids like alcohol and agricultural products like honey. Your airline won’t screen for this on departure because there’s no security risk, but you may face consequences on arrival at customs declaration. If discovered, the items will be confiscated and you may also face fines and other consequences.
FAQs
Yes, the TSA considers toothpaste a liquid. As such, it restricts what size toothpaste you can take on a plane in carry-on baggage. The maximum size you can take is the same maximum for any liquid – 3.4 oz (or 100 ml).
Yes, the TSA also considers lotions of all kinds to be liquids. As such, it restricts what size lotion containers you can take on a plane in carry-on baggage. The maximum size you can take is the same maximum for any liquid – 3.4 oz (or 100 ml). If you want to take more, you’ll need to put it in your checked bags.
Technically, there are no restrictions on how much liquid you can take on a plane in your checked baggage, including alcohol. That is as long as you stay within the allowed overall weight limits for your checked bags. One thing to remember – make sure to pack your liquids carefully and securely. Any breakages could render your entire suitcase contents ruined, or at least very wet, upon arrival.
Get going
Now that you understand exactly how many ounces you can take on a plane, it’s time to get going. If you don’t already have a spot in mind, check out some popular destinations with KAYAK’s easy search tools for flights to New York or flights to Los Angeles. If you already know where you’re going, KAYAK’s comprehensive flight guide will make sure you don’t miss a trick from planning to arrival.
