Yes, you can bring liquids in carry-on bags if each container is 3.4 oz/100 ml or less and all fit in a single quart-size, clear, zip-top bag.
Airports screen liquids to keep flights safe. That doesn’t mean you have to leave toiletries or a water bottle behind. Pack the right sizes, place them in one clear bag, and you’ll breeze through security with fewer delays. This guide lays out what counts as a liquid, the 3-1-1 rules, edge cases like duty-free, and smart packing moves that save time.
Bringing Liquids In Your Carry-On: The 3-1-1 Rule
The core rule is simple. Containers must be 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, or less. All those containers must fit in one see-through, resealable quart-size bag. Each traveler gets one such bag. At checkpoints, pull it out and place it in a bin unless your airport says otherwise.
For the official wording and examples, see the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule. Some countries mirror this, while a few airports are testing larger limits; the safe default remains 100 ml per container.
- 3 — Each bottle no larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
- 1 — All bottles inside one quart-size, clear, zip-top bag.
- 1 — One bag per traveler.
What Counts As A Liquid At Security
Screeners treat many everyday items as liquids, gels, creams, pastes, foams, or aerosols. Think toothpaste, moisturizer, peanut butter, yogurt, hair gel, shaving foam, and spray deodorant. If it can smear, spread, pump, spray, or pour, it belongs in the quart bag unless it’s exempt.
| Item | Carry-On (3-1-1) | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Water, juice, soda | Empty bottle through security; fill airside | Allowed |
| Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion) | 100 ml per bottle, in quart bag | Allowed |
| Toothpaste, creams, ointments | 100 ml max, in quart bag | Allowed |
| Aerosol deodorant or hairspray | Travel size only, in quart bag | Allowed; check airline size limits |
| Makeup (liquid foundation, mascara) | 100 ml max, in quart bag | Allowed |
| Food spreads (peanut butter, soft cheese) | 100 ml max, in quart bag | Allowed |
| Soups, sauces, yogurt | 100 ml max, in quart bag | Allowed |
| Liquid meds | Exempt in “reasonable quantities” when screened | Allowed |
| Baby formula, breast milk | Exempt when screened | Allowed |
| Alcohol minis (airline-size) | Must fit in quart bag; drinking on board may be banned | Limits apply by alcohol content |
| Duty-free liquor or perfume | Allowed in sealed STEB on eligible routes | Allowed |
| Powders | Not liquid; may face extra screening over 12 oz/350 ml | Allowed |
Exemptions That Help: Medicine, Baby Needs, And Special Diets
Liquid medications, baby formula, breast milk, and supplies for special dietary needs can travel in carry-ons above 100 ml. Tell the officer, keep them accessible, and expect screening. Bring labels or a doctor’s note if that makes you more comfortable, though it isn’t always required.
Smart Packing Steps That Speed Things Up
Build A One-Quart Kit
Use refillable 100 ml bottles for staples. Group liquids by need: wash-bag basics, skincare, and a tiny first-aid set. Labels help you spot a stray 150 ml bottle before the checkpoint catches it.
Stage Items For Screening
Keep the liquids bag at the top of your carry-on. Put laptops, tablets, and large power banks where you can reach them fast if your lane requires separate bins. That small tweak cuts the stop-and-shuffle that stalls the line.
Choose Solid Alternatives
Solid shampoo, conditioner bars, toothpaste tablets, stick deodorant, and bar soap skip the quart bag entirely. Less clutter in the bag means faster checks and more room for items you can’t replace at your destination.
Alcohol, Sprays, And Other Edge Cases
Alcohol under 24% ABV can go in checked bags with no federal quantity limit. Between 24% and 70% is capped in checked bags and must be in retail packaging. In the cabin, mini bottles that fit in the quart bag are fine, but only flight crew can serve drinks. Spray sunscreens and aerosol toiletries count toward the 3-1-1. Flammable sprays and fuels belong in checked bags only or not at all, based on airline and hazmat rules.
Duty-Free Liquids On Layovers
Buying a large bottle after security? Keep it sealed in the Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) with the receipt until you clear the last checkpoint on your route. On some itineraries, officers will rescreen the bag at the transfer point. If the seal is broken or screening can’t clear the item, you may have to check it. When in doubt, ask the shop to pack it as a STEB and save the receipt in the pouch.
Country And Airport Differences You Should Know
The 100 ml limit still applies broadly around the world. A few airports now use CT scanners that allow larger liquid limits and keep-in-bag rules, but not every terminal has rolled these out. If your route touches older checkpoints, stick to classic 3-1-1 sizing. For the UK’s current guidance, check the official hand-luggage liquids page.
| Region | Carry-On Liquid Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 100 ml per container; one quart bag | Standard 3-1-1 applies at TSA checkpoints |
| United Kingdom | Mostly 100 ml; select airports may allow up to 2 L | Rules vary by airport and scanner rollout |
| European Union | 100 ml standard | Duty-free STEBs accepted when sealed and screened |
How To Pack Liquid Food
Soups, stews, smoothies, and sauces count as liquids. Pack travel-size servings in the quart bag, then fill up again after security from a café airside. Solid snacks move fastest: nuts, crackers, protein bars, and whole fruit without creamy dips.
Fixes For Common Liquid Packing Problems
Leaky Bottles
Use screw-top bottles with silicone seals. Leave a little headspace for pressure changes, then tape the caps or use shrink bands. Double-bag the kit in a small zip pouch.
Aerosols That Misfire
Choose pump or roll-on versions when you can. If you need a spray, choose travel sizes and cap them. Many brands sell clip-on mini atomizers you can refill from full bottles.
Bigger Bottles You Can’t Decant
Move them to checked baggage or buy at your destination. Another path is to buy small versions airside after the checkpoint and carry them onto the plane.
Quick Pre-Flight Liquid Checklist
- All liquid, gel, cream, paste, foam, and aerosol items at 100 ml or less.
- Everything fits in one quart-size, clear, resealable bag.
- Liquid meds, baby needs, and special-diet items set aside for screening.
- Empty bottle ready to fill after security.
- Duty-free items sealed in a STEB with the receipt.
Travel Day Tips That Keep Lines Moving
Start with an empty bag so old bottles don’t trip the scanner. Place the quart bag and electronics where you can reach them quickly. Follow any officer’s directions with a smile and you’ll be through in minutes.
When Rules Change Mid-Route
Mixed setups are common right now. One airport might allow bigger liquid allowances in the lane you use, while your next stop uses 100 ml checks. Pack to the strictest point on your route and you won’t lose items. If you’re unsure, default to the 3-1-1 plan and lean on official pages for the latest wording.
Bottom Line: Bring Liquids The Right Way
Yes, you can fly with liquids in a carry-on. Keep each container at 3.4 oz/100 ml, place them all in one quart-size bag, and keep exemptions handy for screening. With a tidy kit and smart staging, you’ll keep your gear, save time, and reach the gate without drama.