Quick answer: TSA limits carry-on liquids to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all fitting inside one quart-size clear bag, with one bag per passenger. That’s the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz · 1 quart bag · 1 bag per person.
The 3-1-1 Rule at a Glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| 3.4 oz (100 ml) | Maximum size per container — the container size counts, not how full it is |
| 1 quart-size bag | All liquid containers must fit in one clear, resealable quart bag (about 7" x 8") |
| 1 bag per passenger | Each traveler gets one liquids bag, placed in the bin at screening |
What Counts as a “Liquid”?
More than you’d think. TSA treats anything spreadable, pourable or sprayable as a liquid:
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Creams, lotions and sunscreen
- Foundation, mascara and lip gloss
- Aerosols like dry shampoo and hairspray
- Peanut butter, yogurt and other spreadable foods
Solid items — bar soap, solid deodorant, powder makeup, a solid shampoo bar — are not restricted. Swapping liquids for solids is the easiest way to shrink your quart bag.
Key Exceptions: Medications, Baby Items & Duty-Free
- Medications (liquid or gel) are allowed in reasonable quantities over 3.4 oz — declare them to the officer at screening
- Baby formula, breast milk and juice for infants are exempt from the limit
- Duty-free liquids sealed in a tamper-evident bag with receipt are allowed on connecting flights
How to Pack Liquids Like a Pro
- Decant full-size products into 3.4 oz leakproof silicone bottles instead of buying travel minis every trip
- Use a true quart-size clear bag — oversized “toiletry bags” get pulled at screening
- Label your bottles; unlabeled white liquids invite extra screening
- Keep the quart bag in an outer pocket so it comes out in one motion
- For creams and pills, magnetic capsules stack into one tidy block
Want the whole security routine solved in one purchase? Our TSA Security Kit bundles the quart bags, bottles and capsules — 100% compliant out of the box.
FAQ
Does the 3.4 oz limit apply to the container or the liquid inside?
The container. A half-empty 6 oz bottle is still banned — decant into a 3.4 oz bottle instead.
Can I bring a full-size sunscreen in my carry-on?
No — standard sunscreen bottles exceed 3.4 oz. Pack a travel-size bottle in your quart bag and put the full-size in checked luggage.
Do checked bags have a liquid limit?
No TSA size limit for regular toiletries in checked bags — just seal them well. Roll bottles inside a waterproof bag to protect clothes from leaks.
Is the rule the same in Canada and Europe?
Yes — Canada (CATSA) and the EU use the same 100 ml / 1 L clear bag standard, so a TSA-compliant kit works worldwide.