With airline checked baggage fees increasing, flying with just a carry-on can save you a little cash and time waiting at baggage claim. When packing sunscreen and facial cleanser, be sure to adhere to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) liquid restrictions for carry-on baggage. This means that (almost) all liquids in the US and most other countries must be less than 3.4 ounces to pass through airport security.
Could this change in the future? Almost 20 years later, in July 2025, the TSA repealed the shoe rule and allowed passengers to keep their shoes on during airport security screening. That same month, then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said, “I have questions about liquids. So the next big announcement may be about how big the liquids need to be.” Since then, repeated government shutdowns have left TSA workers unpaid and airport security lines long and slow. The most recent closure ended on April 30, 2026, but it remains to be seen how the retirement of more than 1,000 TSA employees will impact the busy summer travel season.
Keeping in mind the continuing woes of the TSA, it’s essential to know what you can and cannot bring through U.S. airport security. But which toiletries, food, and other items are considered liquids? Use this guide to understand TSA’s liquid rules, what’s exempt from the rules, and Afar’s recommendations for TSA-approved toiletry bottles.
What is the TSA liquid limit?
TSA’s liquid carry-on restrictions (known as the 3-1-1 rule) allow the following: 3.4 oz carry liquid (100ml) one passenger 1 quart size bag (Internationally 1 liter). If the liquid is stored in a container larger than 3.4 ounces, it will not be allowed through the security checkpoint, even if there is only 3.4 ounces left in the bottle. Completely empty bottles of any size, including reusable water bottles, will be allowed through TSA checkpoints.
Do I need to remove liquids when going through TSA?
passenger do not have If you are enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Clear, you should be prepared to carry a clear bag of liquids with you when going through airport security, but it may not be necessary. With the introduction of CT scanners at U.S. airports, the TSA says their “purpose is to keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in bags during checkpoint screening.” As of July last year, these CT scanners, which provide security screeners with 3D images of bag contents, were installed at 255 airports across the country.
If you have TSA PreCheck or TSA Clear, you don’t need to remove liquids from your bag. It may sound like a broken record, but registering for TSAPreCheck or Clear is one of the easiest ways to get through airport security faster. Even if the line is long, it goes faster because travelers don’t have to board. anything out of their bags. Additionally, some airports have introduced even faster ways to get through airport security lines. It’s TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a facial recognition system that eliminates the need for physical identification at more than 60 airport security checkpoints.
Related: Why the Solgaard Carry-on Closet Suitcase is not for everyone
Liquids that can and cannot be carried with TSA
“As a rule of thumb, if it can be spilled, sprayed, spread, pumped, or poured, it’s a liquid, gel, or aerosol,” former TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein told Afar. In the United States, you can pack almost any liquid in your carry-on to get through airport security. only for Less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). This includes:
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- shampoo and conditioner
- lotion
- sunscreen
- gel hair products
- aloe vera
- perfume
- hair spray
Powders and powdered substances, such as baby powder and some cosmetics, are not restricted in carry-on baggage. However, if you bring in more than 12 ounces (350 milliliters) of powder, it must be placed in a separate box for X-ray inspection and may be subject to additional screening. For example, if you’re carrying a full bottle of baby powder, you might want to give yourself a few extra minutes to wait at the security checkpoint.
Related: 7 surprising things you can’t bring with TSA. Peanut butter? it depends.
Exceptions to TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule
The TSA has several important exceptions to the liquid rules, including:
medicine: Medically necessary liquids, aerosols and gels are permitted at security checkpoints. This also includes any ice packs or gel packs you may need to keep your medication cold. You don’t have to store these items in a plastic resealable bag, but you do need to remove them from your luggage and let a TSA officer know what you packed.
Powdered milk and breast milk: As with medications, you can bring frozen packs to keep these items cold. You will also need to remove it from your luggage and notify the staff when passing through security. More baby-related exceptions? Pacifiers with gel or liquid, canned or bottled baby food.
If you’re not sure whether to bring certain items through U.S. airport security, the TSA has a handy searchable list of prohibited and allowed items on its website. You can also text questions to TSA.
Can I bring snacks through TSA?
Yes, you can bring snacks and food through TSA, but the 3-1-1 rule applies to liquids, gels, and pastes (like yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, pâté, jam, and that delicious pimento cheese spread I tried to bring home from Charleston). All of these must be less than 3.4 ounces or in checked baggage. There are some exceptions, such as frozen foods, ice packs (which must be completely frozen unless they are medically necessary gel ice packs), and baby food. The TSA website is a great resource to check for specific items.
How to pack toiletries in your carry-on like a pro
If you do not have TSA PreCheck, pack all liquid toiletries in a quart-sized clear plastic bag for screening. Improvements in airport technology have meant that far fewer airline passengers have to remove liquids from their carry-on luggage, but you should still keep all your liquids in one bag in case you get pulled aside for additional screening. We’re fans of the humble reusable zip-top bag or silicone bag. These are one of the things that Afar editors always bring to the table.
Toothpaste is considered a liquid, paste, or gel by the TSA, so many travelers pack it in these small 1-ounce tubes. Consider ditching disposable products that are difficult to recycle and try toothpaste tablets, an environmentally friendly alternative that isn’t subject to the 3-1-1 rule. Bite and The Humble Co. both sell toothpaste tablets with and without fluoride (starting at $9 for 60 tablets). Even easier is Matador’s reusable toothpaste tube ($11), which you can fill (refill) with regular toothpaste.
For travel amenities that are easy to refill (like shampoo and body wash), investing in reusable bottles and containers allows you to always have your favorite brands on hand without increasing plastic waste. These are two of our favorite TSA-approved toiletry containers.
GoToob+
buy now: Human Gear GoToob+ 3.4 oz bottles 3-pack, $34, rei.com
These easy-fill, leak-proof silicone tubes are BPA-free and perfect for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes. GoToob’s product line comes in a variety of sizes from 1.7 ounces to 6 ounces and is easy to clean between refills.
matador flat pack
buy now: 1 for $15 or 3 for $40, matadorequipment.com
Each TSA-approved 3-ounce bottle is made from durable, waterproof nylon-based fabric. Like the GoToob, it’s leak-proof and easy to fill, but thanks to its flexible, fabric-like design, it shrinks to fit its contents, taking up less space inside the pack. Read how Afar contributor Maggie Fuller is “totally obsessed” with this toiletry bottle.
Related: Free TSA Shortcuts Most Travelers Don’t Know About
This article was originally published in 2022 and last updated on May 28, 2026.