What are the TSA 3-1-1 guidelines?

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule:
  • 3.4 ounces or less per container.
  • 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag)
  • 1 bag per passenger.




The TSA 3-1-1 rule is a strict security requirement for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on luggage. The "3" refers to the maximum size of the container, which must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. The first "1" indicates that all these containers must fit inside one clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. The second "1" means that each passenger is limited to exactly one bag of these liquids. This rule is designed to limit the total volume of potentially hazardous liquids that could be combined into a larger explosive device. There are important exceptions to this rule: medically necessary liquids (like insulin), breast milk, and baby formula are allowed in larger quantities, provided you declare them to the officer for separate screening. Any liquid larger than 3.4 ounces that does not meet an exception must be packed in your checked luggage. If you are a member of TSA PreCheck, you generally do not need to remove this bag from your luggage, but the volume and container size restrictions still technically apply to ensure consistent safety standards.

People Also Ask

The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

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Is Mascara Considered a Liquid by TSA? TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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TSA Isn't Very Strict About Quart Size Bags
You'll only encounter problems if your toiletry bag looks way too large or if you encounter a very strict officer, but this happens rarely. If you always carry a 1-quart backup Ziploc bag, then you can use a 1.5-2 quart reusable toiletry bag.

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Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They're fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors.

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You must be able to fit all your 3-ounce bottles into a 1-quart bag, which is 6 x 9 inches. This usually equates to nine bottles. FYI, you can use a Ziploc or any anything that's about that size, but the TSA doesn't officially approve or disapprove of any bags.

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TSA PreCheck members pass through a traditional metal detector rather than a full body scanner (which some people find invasive). And you'll usually get through security much faster: According to the TSA, more than 89% of PreCheck-eligible passengers waited five minutes or less in March 2023.

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If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

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TSA PreCheck is one of a few government-run trusted traveler programs, designed to allow members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports. With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, belts or jacket.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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There are no TSA restrictions on Chapstick. Even though it smears and spreads onto the lips, Chapstick is not considered a liquid by the TSA. You can just toss your chapstick in your carryon bag or checked luggage.

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If you're planning packing any deodorant in your carry-on, there are some things you need to know to avoid issues at airport security. For starters, if you're packing a solid stick deodorant, you don't have to worry at all because these types of deodorant are not affected by the 3-1-1 rule.

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Yes, you can take tweezers on a plane and pack them in your carry-on and/or checked bag. It's beneficial to pack them properly to avoid any inconvenience.

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Individuals who want to pack their large bottle of shampoo or full-size toothpaste should pack those items in their checked bags. Sometimes individuals want to travel with food items. That's just fine TSA.

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But what are they, and is deodorant considered a liquid when flying? Deodorant can be considered a liquid when flying if it is in a gel or aerosol form. If your deodorant is solid, though, the TSA will let you bring a standard stick of solid deodorant with you in your carry-on luggage.

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Liquids, Gels, Aerosols, Creams, and Pastes
However, passengers still forget the ins and outs and end up having to throw away items that don't meet TSA guidelines. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be placed in a clear plastic 1-quart bag.

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For the TSA, which regulates travel in the United States, all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag — passengers can only pack one of these bags in their carry-on.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Dimensions for carry-ons vary by airline, but a good rule of thumb is that any backpack less than 45 liters should fit most airlines (but be careful with ultra-budget airlines — especially in Europe). Any bigger than that, and you risk extra charges.

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Carry it – wipes are not liquids, so load up on what you need. Carry it – Mascara is small enough to fit easily in your quart-sized bag. If you plan to travel with other personal hygiene tools, check out this chart for what you can and cannot bring with you in your carry-on.

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