TSA has a limit on the size of liquids, gels and aerosols that travelers can bring in their carry-on bags. It's called the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Each item must be 3.4 ounces or less and must be able to fit inside a one-quart size clear zip-top bag. The limit is one bag per person.

Yes, as of February 2026, the TSA 3-1-1 rule still requires a clear, quart-sized bag for liquids in carry-on luggage for standard passengers. The "clear" requirement allows officers to visually inspect containers without opening the bag, speeding up the line. Each traveler is limited to one clear bag, and all containers inside must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. However, if you have TSA PreCheck, the rules are more relaxed; you generally do not need to remove your liquids or keep them in a separate clear bag during the screening process. Furthermore, many major 2026 hubs have upgraded to CT scanners, which create 3D images of your bag's contents. While these machines theoretically make the clear bag unnecessary, TSA still recommends using one to avoid a manual search if the machine flags an "unidentifiable" liquid density or if you are connecting through an older airport.