Travel guides / At the airport
At the airportTSA liquids rule (3-1-1): what you can bring in your carry-on
At US airport security, liquids in your carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 rule. It applies to gels, creams, pastes and sprays too.
The rule
- 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per container.
- 1 quart-size clear, resealable bag for all your containers.
- 1 bag per passenger.
The limit is the size printed on the container, not how much is left inside. A half-empty 200 ml bottle is still too big.
What counts as a liquid
Drinks, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, gels, sprays, creams, peanut butter, jam, yogurt and similar foods. If you can spill, spread, spray or pump it, treat it as a liquid.
Exceptions
- Medicines, including liquid medicines, in reasonable amounts. Tell the officer you have them; they may be screened separately.
- Baby formula, breast milk and juice for infants and young children, in reasonable amounts.
- Some medical items such as ice packs used to keep medicine cold.
New scanners don't change the limit
Some airports have newer CT scanners that let you leave liquids in your bag during screening. The 3.4-ounce limit still applies at US checkpoints.
Duty-free liquids on connecting flights
If you buy duty-free liquids abroad and connect in the US, keep them in the sealed, tamper-evident bag with the receipt. They may still be checked, so packing them in a checked bag after you collect your luggage is safest.
Other countries
Many countries use a similar 100 ml rule, but some airports abroad have changed their limits. Check the rules for every airport on your trip.
Handy tools
Keep reading
- Power banks and batteries on planes: the rules
- TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: which should you get?
- Arriving in the US: what you must declare at customs
Sources
Rules, fees and processing times change. Check the official sources above before you travel. Last checked October 2026.