How Many Ounces of Liquid Can You Bring On a Plane? TSA Regulations

Navigating the rules and regulations of air travel can feel like a maze, as complex as trying to do a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Does your lip balm count as a liquid? Will they confiscate your expensive hand lotion? What about that exotic hot sauce you bought from a local market on your last trip? Fear not! This blog post is here to demystify, once and for all, what you can and can’t pack in your carry-on bag when it comes to liquids, gels, or aerosols. Don’t get stalled at security! We’ve decoded the TSA regulations for your easy journey through the airport and into the wild blue yonder!

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring liquids in their carry-on bags as long as they follow the 3-1-1 rule. This means each passenger can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes, with each container being 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. It’s important to note that there are exceptions for certain items, such as medications, baby formula/milk, and breast milk, which may exceed the 3.4-ounce limit but must be declared at the security checkpoint. For smoother screening, it is recommended to pack larger quantities of liquids in checked baggage rather than carry-ons.

Carry-On Liquid Allowances and Restrictions

Regarding liquids on a plane, the TSA allows passengers to bring a quart-sized bag filled with liquid-based items in their carry-on luggage. The limit is one bag per passenger; each item should be three ounces or smaller. Full-sized shampoo bottles, lotion, perfume, and similar items should be packed in checked luggage. Even if it’s just a small amount more than the limit, it still won’t be allowed through TSA security checkpoints.

In addition to these general carry-on restrictions for liquids, there are distinct rules regarding this issue for different airline travel.

Different Airline Liquid Restrictions

Despite TSA regulations being the baseline for carry-on liquid allowances on all airlines, different aviation companies worldwide may have additional restrictions or guidelines. Airlines may also differ in acceptable sizes of liquid containers as well as how many bags they allow per person. Additionally, some countries have regulations, so research needs to be done ahead of time to avoid surprises at the airport.

For example, United Airlines allows one quart-sized clear plastic bag per passenger containing travel-sized liquids to pass through security checkpoints. Each container must be 3.4 oz or less to fit into the one quart-sized bag.

In comparison, British Airways’ restriction is less strict – allowing each passenger a single clear plastic bag approximately 20cm x 20cm that can hold liquids up to 1 liter; however, each liquid container inside the bag must not exceed an individual volume of 100ml (3.38oz).

Specialty products such as infant formula and certain medications are exempt from these limitations if declared during screening and inspection.

Checking with your airline before packing any liquids in your carry-on baggage is always best.

While there might be slight variations in the various airlines’ restrictions and allowed quantities of liquid containers onboard airplanes globally due to factors such as local and international TSA regulations, certain exemptions—such as medications and infant formula—are usually applicable across the board. The next section will discuss these exemptions in detail.

• Despite TSA regulations providing a baseline for carry-on liquid allowances, it is important to note that different airlines and countries may have additional restrictions or guidelines. Airlines can differ regarding acceptable sizes of liquid containers and the number of bags allowed per person. Researching and being aware of these regulations before traveling is crucial to avoid any surprises at the airport.
  
  For example, United Airlines allows one quart-sized clear plastic bag per passenger containing travel-sized liquids, with each container 3.4 oz or less. On the other hand, British Airways allows each passenger a single clear plastic bag approximately 20cm x 20cm that can hold liquids up to 1 liter, with individual liquid containers inside the bag not exceeding 100ml (3.38oz).
  
  It is worth noting that certain products, such as infant formula and specified medications, are exempt from these limitations as long as they are declared during screening and inspection. Ultimately, checking with your specific airline before packing any liquids in your carry-on baggage is always recommended.
  
  While there may be slight variations in restrictions and allowed quantities of liquids on airplanes globally due to local and international TSA regulations, exemptions for items like medications and infant formula generally apply regardless of the airline.

See Related: Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane? TSA Regulations and Guidelines

Exceptions for Medicines and Specialty Products

Airport security is an intrinsic part of air travel, whether for pleasure or business. Since the 2006 liquid explosives plot, stricter security measures have been implemented, especially concerning the amount of liquids allowed through security checkpoints. Let’s explore a few exceptions to this rule.

Packing Tips for Meeting Liquid Regulations

International travelers should assemble and carry a travel health kit tailored to their specific needs, type and length of travel, and destination(s). Medications should be carried in their original containers with clear labels. Travelers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including generic names, translated into the destination’s local language. Liquid or gel-based items packed in carry-on bags must not exceed size limits unless for certain medical reasons (exceptions can be made). Travelers with preexisting medical conditions should carry enough medication for their trip and an extra supply. Needles and syringes for injectable medications require a letter from the prescribing clinician. Sample travel health kit checklists include prescription medicines & medical supplies, over-the-counter medications, basic first aid supplies, supplies to prevent illness & injury, and necessary documents. Commercial medical kits are available for various circumstances and adventure travelers.

For instance, if you need to bring medication on board over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters (the TSA liquid limit)—whether in liquid or gel form—it’s exempt from their policy as long as you declare it at the checkpoint. Present one at the checkpoint to ensure your medications pass smoothly, even without a TSA declaration card.

• As per the TSA, airline passengers are allowed to carry up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of liquids in their carry-on bags under the so-called “3-1-1” rule.
• A 2020 survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Association found that around 72% of American travelers were aware of this TSA regulation.
• According to the Department of Homeland Security data, more than 13 million prohibited items, mostly liquids exceeding allowable limits, were confiscated at US airports in 2019 alone.

See Related: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane? TSA Rules and Restrictions

Complying with the 3-1-1 Rule

If you’re unsure what liquids you can bring aboard a plane within these limits, each passenger may bring a quart-sized bag of liquids consisting of numerous small containers that fit comfortably in that one sealed bag. Each container mustn’t exceed three ounces (or roughly 100 milliliters). However, you can bring larger containers—usually up to one liter—in your checked baggage.

Here are some packing tips:

• Choose small travel-sized containers for your liquids. This can help keep your carry-on bags lighter and more organized.
• Buy TSA-approved mini containers from local stores to replace or include in your standard toiletry container.
• Put all your liquids into an easy-to-find zippered plastic bag, including contact solution, mouthwash, lotion, and sunscreen.
• Store all your liquids together but separate from non-liquids to inspect at the airport checkpoint to go more smoothly.

The TSA strictly enforces the 3-1-1 rule; however, there are certain exceptions to this rule. Remembering key strategies and packing tips can make air travel much smoother.

Packing Alcoholic Beverages

One of the biggest challenges of air travel is figuring out what liquids passengers can carry on a plane. The TSA allows passengers to bring liquids in their carry-on bags as long as they follow the 3-1-1 rule. Each passenger can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

So, what does this mean for travelers? How can you comply with this rule and still pack everything you need in your carry-on bag?

See Related: Can You Bring Candles On A Plane? A Guide To TSA Regulations

Minor Exceptions in Liquid Restrictions

To comply with the TSA regulations, ensure that all liquids not exceeding 100 milliliters are placed inside one clear quart-sized bag—the “quart” generally refers to a sealed plastic container that won’t burst under pressure change. That includes all kinds of liquids—beverages, shampoo, hairspray, and toothpaste.

When packing your liquids, do not place them too close to the top of your suitcase, as sealing them can cause leakage. Separating the quart-sized bag from other items in your carry-on bag will also make it easier for security officials to check your belongings quickly without having to remove everything.

When packing for a trip with alcoholic beverages involved, note:

Alcohol	Allowed (in checked bags)	Not allowed (in carry-on bags)
Beer	Yes	Yes
Wine	Yes	Yes
Liquor/Bourbon/Whiskey/Gin/Vodka etc.	Yes (under 24% alcohol)	Yes
Gifts with alcohol content over 24% ABV	No	No

Remember: Most importantly, follow all country-specific guidelines when traveling abroad since carrying or consuming alcohol may be prohibited in some locations.

Tips to Breeze Through Security with Your Liquids

While the TSA regulations are quite strict, some trivial exceptions exist. These include:

• Medications and baby formula/milk: These must not be removed from your luggage and can exceed the 3.4 ounces limit.
• Duty-free liquids: Passengers who purchase a liquid over 3.4 ounces after the security checkpoint can bring them on board.

It’s essential to note that although these exceptions exist, they are limited, and it’s always better to contact the airline beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Related Resources:

• Can You Bring Razors on a Plane? TSA Regulations Explained
• Can You Check a Duffel Bag at the Airport? Know the Rules and Restrictions
• Do Disposable Cameras Get Ruined in Airport Security? Tips for Travel Photography