Yes, toothpaste of any size can ride in your checked bag, while only tubes 3.4 oz / 100 ml or smaller fit in carry-on under the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
Quick Rules At A Glance
| Region / Regulator | Carry-On Limit | Checked Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| United States (TSA) | 3.4 oz / 100 ml per item inside one quart bag | No volume cap; permitted |
| United Kingdom (DFT / CAA) | 100 ml container inside 1-litre clear bag | No volume cap; permitted |
| European Union (EASA guidance) | Same 100 ml / 1-litre bag model (adopted bloc-wide) | No volume cap; permitted |
| Australia & New Zealand | 100 ml limit; bag size 1 litre (mirrors EU) | No volume cap; permitted |
Can You Pack Toothpaste In Checked Luggage? Rules Explained
The TSA “What Can I Bring” tool lists toothpaste as allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. The only distinction is size. Any tube larger than 3.4 oz should go in the hold. British Airways and other global carriers follow the same structure because the liquid limit stems from security screening, not airline preference.
Placing bigger tubes in your suitcase saves hassle at the checkpoint and frees room in your quart bag for other gels like sunscreen or face wash. If you prefer a specialty paste that comes in a bulky 6 oz metal tube, drop it in the checked case and keep a travel-size standby for mid-transit refresh.
Why Toothpaste Counts As A Liquid-Gel
Security agencies group pastes with liquids and aerosols because they behave similarly under X-ray and CT scanners. The U.S. 3-1-1 policy explicitly calls out toothpaste alongside shampoo and lotion. The U.K. Department for Transport echoes the same definition.
That gel status triggers the familiar 100 ml cap in cabin bags worldwide. Screeners need a clear density image for each container, and smaller volumes reduce risk. New CT lanes at some airports may relax the limit in the future, yet nationwide coverage sits years away. Until scanners roll out everywhere, the existing threshold stays in force.
Carry-On Strategies That Keep Lines Moving
Follow The 3-1-1 Bag Rule
The TSA allows one quart-size resealable bag per flyer. It may hold multiple mini tubes, as long as each is 100 ml or less. If you’re traveling with family, give every adult and child their own liquids bag to maximize space.
Weigh Versus Measure
Many U.S. tubes display weight in ounces (by mass), not fluid volume. A 4 oz weight tube often holds under 4 fluid ounces, yet screeners go by label, not conversion math. Pick products clearly marked “3 oz / 85 g” instead of debating at the belt.
Skip Metal And Glass Tubes
Rigid packaging can flag secondary inspection. A soft plastic squeeze tube shows up cleaner on scanners and stays within airline weight limits.
Checked-Bag Toothpaste: Size, Leakage, And Weight
Once toothpaste sits in the hold, airports don’t cap quantity. That said, toothpaste still counts toward the suitcase weight limit—commonly 50 lb / 23 kg for economy tickets.
Use a simple two-layer leak shield: first, tighten the cap and wrap a bit of painter’s tape; second, slip the tube into a small zip bag or reusable silicone pouch. Pressure swings in flight can push paste out of a loose cap.
Hard-Shell Versus Soft-Side Luggage
Hard cases keep toiletries in place better during rough handling. If you use a soft duffel, pack heavy bottles at the bottom and wedge toothpaste among clothes for a cushion.
Picking The Right Toothpaste Format
Tablet Toothpaste
Counters call them “solids,” so they’re exempt from liquid limits. Drop a week’s worth in a tiny tin and breeze through security.
Powder Or Capsules
Powders may trigger extra swabs if quantities exceed 12 oz, yet a small jar rarely hits that mark. Capsules meld powder with melt-away film; they scan like tablets.
Traditional Gel
The familiar option wins for flavor range and fluoride levels. Travel tubes often run 0.85–1 oz, slotting neatly beside lip balm and mini deodorant.
Country-By-Country Nuances
United Kingdom And Ireland
Every airport still enforces the 100 ml cabin rule even at lanes already fitted with CT scanners. Travelers must place tubes in a 20 × 20 cm bag.
European Union
Rules mirror the U.K. Today’s EU guidance keeps the 100 ml line, though some airports run pilot lanes that allow up to 2 litres when CT is live.
Canada
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) posts the same 100 ml carry-on rule and no cap in the hold. Paste tablets may ride outside the liquid bag.
Asia-Pacific
Most APAC hubs, including Singapore Changi and Sydney, follow the International Civil Aviation Organization template: 100 ml limit, 1-litre clear bag, no restriction in checked bags.
Beyond Toothpaste: Related Toiletries
Toothbrush heads, dental floss, whitening strips, and mouthwash each face separate checks. Mouthwash counts as a liquid, so pack the hotel-sized bottle in the same quart bag. Floss picks and threaders count as solids and sit loose in your kit. Whitening strips contain gel; each sealed pouch weighs well under 100 ml, so they ride carry-on or checked with ease.
Packing Checklist For A Mess-Free Suitcase
| Task | Why It Matters | Done? |
|---|---|---|
| Seal cap & wipe threads | Prevents pressure leaks | ☐ |
| Tape or flip-top lock | Extra barrier inside the hold | ☐ |
| Place tube in zip pouch | Catches drips if seal fails | ☐ |
| Nestle in clothes mid-case | Protects from baggage drops | ☐ |
Eco-Smart And Space-Smart Swaps
Switching to chewable tablets slashes plastic and meets every liquid rule instantly. Brands sell refill packs in paper sleeves, which weigh almost nothing and skip cap-tightening steps. If you’re loyal to gel, reuse an empty 1 oz tube. Snip off the end, rinse, refill at home, then fuse with a mini-flat iron or heat sealer.
Trouble At The Counter? Smooth Solutions
Screeners make the final call. If they pull a tube because the label rubbed off or volume looks suspect, you have three options:
- Move the tube to checked baggage if you still have time.
- Mail it home using airport postal kiosks present at major hubs.
- Surrender the item and purchase a replacement air-side.
Maintaining a calm tone and showing you understand the liquid rule often leads to quicker resolution.
Handy Links For Quick Reference
Bookmark the TSA’s “3-1-1” liquids rule page before every trip. U.K. flyers can double-check the Gov UK liquid guide for live airport notes. European vacationers may like the British Airways liquid chart. All three sites update faster than social media rumor mills and reflect the screening line you’ll face on travel day.
Key Takeaways For Your Next Flight
- Any tube size is fine in checked luggage; stick to 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on.
- Wrap, bag, and cushion paste in the suitcase to avoid crusty surprises.
- Tablet or powder formats bypass liquid caps entirely.
- Global liquid rules align closely, yet local staff decide at the scanner. Label clarity and calm chat help every time.
Pack right, smile bright, and sail through security with a fresh-mint boost waiting on the other side.