When traveling by air, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations on what items can be brought onto the plane in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes are limited to travel-sized containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each. These must be packed together in a single quart-sized plastic zip-top bag. This requirement can make packing toiletries for your carry-on a bit tricky.
Why are there restrictions on liquids in carry-ons?
The restrictions on carry-on liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes were put in place after a terrorist plot was foiled in 2006. The plot involved explosives disguised as common liquids. Since then, the TSA has limited the sizes of these items that travelers can bring through security checkpoints. The 3-4-1-1 rule allows you to bring travel-sized toiletries that fit these guidelines:
- Containers must hold 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less of liquid or gel
- Containers must fit in a single quart-sized plastic bag
- 1 quart-sized plastic bag per traveler
The purpose of these rules is to limit the amount of liquids brought through security while still allowing for essential toiletries. It also allows TSA agents to quickly identify and inspect any suspicious liquids during screening.
What common toiletries are banned in carry-ons?
Many common toiletries we use every day are banned from carry-on luggage in their regular sizes. Here are some of the most common toiletries you cannot bring through security in your carry-on:
- Shampoo bottles larger than 3.4 oz
- Toothpaste tubes larger than 3.4 oz
- Shaving cream cans larger than 3.4 oz
- Deodorant sticks larger than 3.4 oz
- Hair gel tubes larger than 3.4 oz
- Mouthwash larger than 3.4 oz
- Sunscreens larger than 3.4 oz
- Lotions and creams larger than 3.4 oz
- Perfumes and colognes larger than 3.4 oz
Any containers of liquid, gel, cream, paste or aerosol toiletry products over 3.4 oz size will need to be packed in your checked luggage or left at home. Keep the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule in mind as you pack your carry-on toiletries.
Why are certain personal care products banned?
In addition to size restrictions, certain personal care products are banned altogether from carry-ons due to security risks, regardless of size. Here are some examples and the reasons they are prohibited:
- Aerosols – Contents are under pressure, posing an explosion risk.
- Flammable liquids – Items like nail polish remover and rubbing alcohol can easily combust.
- Bleach and disinfectants – Can be poisonous if containers leak.
- Self-defense sprays – Pepper spray and mace are disabling agents.
Products like these contain properties that make them dangerous to bring into an aircraft cabin. For safety, they need to be stowed in checked luggage only.
What about medical liquids and baby products?
Exceptions to the liquid rules are made for medical liquids and baby products when declared at the security checkpoint. These include:
- Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines
- Liquid medications and insulin/diabetic supplies
- Baby formula, milk, juice and food
- Nursing supplements and pumped breast milk
You must declare these items to TSA agents for inspection at the security checkpoint. They may be subject to additional screening. But in general, baby products and medical liquids can be brought on planes regardless of 3-1-1 restrictions.
Tips for packing liquid toiletries in carry-ons
Follow these tips to smoothly get your liquid toiletries through security screening:
- Use travel-size containers 3.4 oz or smaller for all liquids.
- Place all liquid containers together in a single zip-top plastic bag.
- Label bottles with their contents to speed inspection.
- Separate medically necessary liquids into a marked plastic bag for declaration.
- Put any containers over 3.4 oz size into checked bags.
- Avoid overstuffing liquid bags that may break or leak.
- Have bags ready to pull out of your carry-on and place in bins for screening.
Following TSA guidelines and being prepared at security will help prevent any issues with getting your necessary liquid toiletries onto the plane.
What are some liquid-free alternatives?
If packing travel-size liquids feels like too much trouble, consider some liquid-free alternatives for your carry-on:
- Bar soaps and shampoos – Less mess than bottles of liquid.
- TSA-approved empty bottles – Fill with your own products after passing security.
- TSA-friendly toiletries kits – Buy ready-to-go 3-1-1 compliant kits.
- Dry shampoo – Revive hair between washes.
- Cleansing wipes – For face, hands and body.
- Powder deodorant – No liquids or gels.
- Lip balm – Solid tubes, not liquid.
With some advance planning, you can avoid liquids and still arrive fresh. But if you must have your regular toiletries, follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
Can I ever bring oversized liquids through security?
In limited cases, you may be able to receive an exception to bring liquids over 3.4 oz through security:
- If medically necessary, some larger liquids may be allowed after additional screening.
- Members of TSA PreCheck may be able to bring limited quantities of LAGs through special lanes.
- Passengers departing from small and/or rural airports may be able to carry on larger toiletries.
- Rules on liquids can vary by country for international flights.
However, it is safest to assume that the 3-1-1 rule will be enforced at all major airports. Only plan to bring travel-sized liquids in your carry-on luggage.
What happens if you bring oversized liquids to security?
If you accidentally leave full-sized toiletries in your carry-on bag, here’s what you can expect at the TSA checkpoint:
- Bags will be searched and prohibited items identified.
- Oversized liquids will be pulled out and not allowed through.
- You may be redirected back outside security to dispose of them.
- If caught intentionally sneaking banned items, civil penalties up to $13,910 can be charged.
To avoid headaches and delays, only pack permitted liquids in your carry-on. Check oversized toiletries in your checked bags instead.
Smart packing of carry-on toiletries
Packing liquid toiletries for your carry-on just takes some smart preparation:
- Know the TSA’s 3-1-1 rules – no containers over 3.4 oz in a 1 quart bag.
- Use travel-size bottles or purchase TSA-friendly kits.
- Separate medical liquids into a marked bag for declaration.
- Put all items over 3.4 oz into checked luggage.
- Consider liquid-free alternatives like bar soap or dry shampoo.
- Always keep 3-1-1 baggies accessible at checkpoints.
Planning your carry-on toiletries with security rules in mind will let you breeze through screening and keep essentials at hand once you board.
Conclusion
Abiding by TSA’s liquids and gels restrictions helps ensure safety while allowing travelers to have necessary toiletries on hand during flights. Being aware of exactly what products and sizes are permitted in carry-ons takes the guesswork out of packing. With some forward thinking, you can have all your toiletries ready to take on the plane.