What is the 3 1 1 rule for luggage?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.



The 3-1-1 rule is the TSA's standardized regulation for carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on luggage. The rule is broken down as follows: "3" stands for 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per individual container; "1" stands for one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag to hold all those containers; and the second "1" stands for one bag per passenger. In 2026, this rule remains the standard for almost all domestic and international flights. Common items that must follow this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, hair gel, and even "liquid" foods like peanut butter or yogurt. If a container is larger than 3.4 ounces, it must be placed in your checked luggage, even if it is only partially full. There are two major exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule: medically necessary liquids (like insulin or IV bags) and breast milk/baby formula are allowed in larger quantities, but you must declare them to the TSA officer at the start of the screening process so they can be inspected separately, often using a "vapor" or "liquid" scanner to verify they are safe.

People Also Ask

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 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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London City Airport has scrapped the 100ml liquid limit by using high-tech scanners which also allow electronics to be kept in hand luggage at security.

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These scanners mean that the 100ml limit on liquids no longer applies, and passengers can travel with larger volumes of liquids as long as they fit inside their cabin bags.

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Airlines impose a luggage weight limit to ensure the plane isn't overloaded and to reduce the possibility of injuring the baggage handlers. Most domestic flights have a checked bag weight limit of around 50 pounds (unless you want to pay a fee to pack something heavier).

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To calculate the size of your carry-on bag, measure the length, height, and depth (or width) of your bag. You can add the three numbers together to find the total linear inches. For example, a bag with a length of 20 inches, width of 12 inches, and depth of 6 inches would be 20+12+6 = 38 linear inches.

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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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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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The TSA prohibits containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in carry-on luggage, so if you have a liquid or semi-liquid antiperspirant, be sure to check the quantity on the container. For example, many stick deodorants and antiperspirants come in sizes under 3.4 ounces, so it's fine to bring in your carry-on bag.

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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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The Bottom Line. Chapstick, lipstick, and solid lip balms are not considered liquids by the TSA and can be thrown into your handbag or carry-on without any issues. Liquid lip gloss, jars of petroleum lip balm, and other lip care liquids must be placed in your clear liquids bag for security checkpoint screening.

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TSA considers tweezers to be completely safe, so they're allowed on planes. You can pack tweezers in hand or checked baggage without any packing restrictions. But TSA doesn't allow packing sharp objects in hand baggage because some of them could be used as potential weapons.

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You can carry sunscreen in your cabin bags. You will need to limit the volume to equal or less than 100 ml and place them inside a resealable plastic bag. In case travel-friendly containers do not offer you enough sunscreen, it is fine to bring large amounts if you pack them inside your hold luggage.

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Some of the most mundane things that can get you yanked out of your line are: Yawning too much. Coughing and clearing your throat frequently. Looking around in a suspicious manner (darting eyes, focusing on odd spots)

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If you want to bring perfume in your hand luggage, you must comply with the “3-1-1 Rule”. This means that it must be in a container with 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less and placed in a single, clear, plastic, sealable bag for inspection.

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Place laptops and large electrical items separately in a tray. Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage. Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray. Place any liquid items (important: see 'Liquids - 100ml rule' above), correctly bagged, into the tray.

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