Yes, you can bring a tube of toothpaste on a plane in carry-on if the tube is 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller and fits in your liquids bag.
Not Allowed
Conditional
Allowed
Carry-On
- Each tube ≤ 100 ml
- All liquids in one quart bag
- Show bag at screening
3-1-1
Checked
- No size limit
- Seal caps and wrap
- Pack upright if possible
Leak Control
Special Handling
- Tablets or powder are solid
- Duty-free stays sealed
- Medical paste: declare
Exceptions
Bringing A Tube Of Toothpaste On A Plane: Rules And Sizes
Toothpaste counts as a paste or gel, so it follows the same liquid limits used for carry-on screening. Pack travel-size tubes. Keep them together in a clear, quart-size bag. Present the bag at the checkpoint for a smooth pass-through. If the only toothpaste you own is a big home tube, toss it into checked luggage or decant a small amount into a travel container.
Most airports in the United States use the 3-1-1 rule. Each tube must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters or less. You can carry many small tubes as long as they all fit in that one quart bag. International routes largely match this, though a few airports now permit larger carry-on liquids with new scanners. Policies can swing by airport, so plan around your departure and return points.
| Situation | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-on: Tube 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less | Yes | Place in the quart bag with other liquids |
| Carry-on: Tube over 3.4 oz / 100 ml | No | Move to checked bag or pour into smaller travel container |
| Carry-on: Toothpaste tablets | Yes | Solid form; pack outside the liquids bag |
| Checked bag: Any tube size | Yes | Seal caps; use a zip bag to block leaks |
| Duty-free liquids on a connection | Yes | Keep in tamper-evident bag with receipt until final arrival |
Carry-On Toothpaste: How Much, Where, And How To Pack
Start with size. Pick travel tubes labeled 3.4 oz or 100 ml. Many mini tubes run smaller, so they fit easily alongside lotion and deodorant. If you need more paste for a long trip, bring several minis. The limit applies per container, not the total amount.
Next comes placement. All carry-on liquids, gels, creams, and pastes sit together in one clear, resealable quart bag. Slide it at the top of your backpack to grab fast at security. If your airport supports leaving the bag inside, screens will show that, but keep the pouch handy in case an officer asks you to remove it for a closer look.
Brand or flavor does not affect screening. Whitening paste, sensitive enamel formulas, charcoal blends, kids’ paste, and anti-cavity gel all count the same for size and bag rules. Fancy packaging still needs to meet the 100 ml limit. Skip decorative caps that stick out and waste space in the pouch.
Liquid rules in carry-on tie back to security screening methods. For context on liquids across categories, see the section on liquids in carry-on. That primer helps you plan the rest of your toiletries so your toothpaste gets its spot without crowding out sunscreen or sanitizer.
Checked Luggage: Big Tubes And Bulk Refills
Checked bags give you freedom on size. Family-size tubes, bulk refill packs, and specialty pastes ride in the hold with no liquid limit. Focus on leak control. Cap every tube tightly. Wrap the nozzle with a strip of tape for long routes. Place the tube inside a zip bag and wedge it upright in a corner of your toiletry kit. Pressure changes can push paste out of a weak cap, so a little prep saves a mess.
Lost-bag risk is the only real drawback. Keep a small travel tube in your carry-on for the first night, even if you check a larger tube. That way you can brush after a red-eye if your suitcase takes a detour.
International Rules: Same Idea, Local Nuance
Airports across the European Union, the UK, and many other regions follow the familiar 100 ml container rule for carry-on liquids and pastes. A few hubs now allow larger volumes thanks to CT scanners. The shift is not universal. You may fly out of one airport with relaxed limits and return through another that still enforces 100 ml. Pack to the stricter end when in doubt. That keeps your toothpaste safe on every leg.
Transit adds another wrinkle. If you buy duty-free liquids before a connection, keep items sealed in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt until you reach your final stop. Breaking the seal early can trigger a recheck and a confiscation on the next screening line.
Toothpaste Alternatives: Tablets, Powders, And Solid Sticks
Toothpaste tablets dodge liquid limits completely. Pop a tablet, chew, brush with a wet toothbrush, and you are set. Powders also travel well. Spoon a small amount into a tiny jar with a tight lid. Both options save space in your liquids bag and cut the risk of leaks.
Solid sticks and dry concentrates exist too. Read labels for use directions. Some need a touch of water to activate. Test any new product at home before a long trip to be sure your teeth feel clean and your mouth feels normal.
Smart Packing Tips That Keep You Moving
Pick a simple, flat pouch for your quart bag. Thick gussets eat space and create glare in scanners. Clear sides help officers see items fast. Group tubes by height so the pouch closes cleanly. Slip the bag in an outer pocket right before the checkpoint so you can place it in a tray quickly.
On longer trips, combine a carry-on mini tube with a full-size tube in checked luggage. Use the mini during the flight and first day. Switch to the large tube once your bag arrives at the hotel. If you run out mid-trip, most convenience stores sell travel tubes near the counters.
Mind temperature swings. Hot cabins or desert transfers can soften paste. A soft tube squeezes out more than you expect and can smear inside the cap. A small zip bag around your mini tube keeps the rest of your toiletries clean.
Toothpaste On Planes: Quick Answers To Edge Cases
Kids’ paste: Same size limit as adult paste. Bright flavors still count as gels or pastes.
Prescription toothpaste: If labeled for medical use, bring only what you need and be ready to declare it. A labeled container speeds the check.
Dental kits: Pre-packed amenity kits often include mini paste. Leave the wrapper on so officers see the size clearly.
Lost cap: Tape a small square of plastic wrap over the opening and screw the cap back on. Then put the tube in a zip bag.
Common Dental Items And Carry-On Status
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste (≤ 100 ml) | Allowed in quart bag | Allowed |
| Toothpaste (> 100 ml) | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Toothpaste tablets | Allowed outside liquids bag | Allowed |
| Tooth powder | Allowed; may get extra screening on some routes | Allowed |
| Mouthwash (≤ 100 ml) | Allowed in quart bag | Allowed |
| Toothbrush (manual/electric without battery) | Allowed | Allowed |
When To Buy At The Airport Vs. Packing At Home
Buying a mini tube after security saves space in your quart bag during screening. The trade-off is price. Airside stores charge more for convenience. If you fly light, the quick pickup can be worth it. If you are watching costs, pack a home mini in the pouch and skip the store.
On a connecting itinerary, duty-free liquids are safe if they stay sealed. That includes large mouthwash bottles bought overseas. The seal and receipt tell the next checkpoint that the item came from a secure source. Keep that bag sealed until you exit your final airport.
Final Pack Checklist For Toothpaste In Carry-On
Grab a travel tube marked 3.4 oz or 100 ml. Drop it into a clear quart bag with your other liquids and gels. Place the pouch near the top of your bag. Bring a spare mini if you are traveling all week. If you also pack a big tube in checked luggage, tighten the cap and bag it against leaks. That plan covers both ends: your first night and the rest of the trip.
Want a deeper look at liquid rules and edge cases? Browse our quick read on taking liquids through security for more context before you pack.