✈️ Quick Answer: The maximum liquid size for carry-on is 3.4oz (100ml) per container, and all containers must fit inside one quart-sized (about 1 liter) resealable bag — one bag per passenger. This is the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
Is Liquids a Liquid?
Carry-On Luggage
✅ Allowed: Each container 3.4oz (100ml) max, all inside one quart bag, one bag per traveler.
Checked Luggage
✅ Allowed: The TSA 3-1-1 limit does not apply in checked bags. For restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, each container may hold up to 0.5 kg (18 oz) or 500 ml (17 fl oz); the combined allowance is 2 kg (70 oz) or 2 L (68 fl oz) per person. Protect aerosol valves from accidental release.
Size & Form Guide
| Type / Size | Carry-On? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ≤3.4oz (100ml) | ✅ Yes | Allowed if it fits the quart bag |
| 3.5–17.9oz | ❌ Checked only | Over the carry-on limit |
| Medications / baby formula | ✅ Over 3.4oz | Declare for screening |
What You Need to Know
The 3-1-1 rule breaks down as: 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container, 1 quart-sized bag to hold them, and 1 bag per passenger.
It applies to anything pourable, sprayable, spreadable, or squeezable: water and drinks, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, toothpaste, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols.
TSA judges by container size, not the amount inside. A half-empty 6oz bottle is still not allowed because the container is larger than 3.4oz.
Exemptions exist for medically necessary liquids, breast milk, baby formula, and juice for infants — these can exceed 3.4oz but must be declared and are screened separately.
Empty bottles pass through security fine, so a common trick is to bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it after the checkpoint.
Smart Packing Tips
- ✅ Use solid toiletries (shampoo bars, stick deodorant, toothpaste tablets) to avoid the quart bag
- ✅ Buy travel-size ≤3.4oz containers or decant into reusable silicone bottles
- ✅ Put anything larger than 3.4oz in checked luggage
💡 Pro Tip: Ordinary carry-on liquids, gels and pastes use containers up to 3.4oz (100ml) in one quart-sized bag. Medical and infant-related exceptions have separate screening procedures. See our TSA quart size bag guide to pack liquids right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liquids a Liquid? ▼
The maximum liquid size for carry-on is 3.4oz (100ml) per container, and all containers must fit inside one quart-sized (about 1 liter) resealable bag — one bag per passenger. This is the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
Can you bring liquids in carry-on luggage? ▼
Each container 3.4oz (100ml) max, all inside one quart bag, one bag per traveler.
Can you pack liquids in checked luggage? ▼
The TSA 3-1-1 limit does not apply in checked bags. For restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, each container may hold up to 0.5 kg (18 oz) or 500 ml (17 fl oz); the combined allowance is 2 kg (70 oz) or 2 L (68 fl oz) per person. Protect aerosol valves from accidental release.
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