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What is the airline toiletry rule?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.



The standard airline toiletry rule, as enforced by the TSA and most international aviation authorities in 2026, is known as the 3-1-1 Rule. This mandates that all liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on luggage must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All of these containers must fit comfortably inside a single one-quart-size (liter-size) clear, sealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag. Common travel items that must follow this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and liquid foundation. There are three major exceptions to this rule: medically necessary liquids (such as insulin or liquid prescriptions), baby formula/breast milk, and baby food. These items can be in larger quantities but must be declared to the security officer for separate manual screening. If you are a member of TSA PreCheck, you generally do not have to remove your 3-1-1 bag from your luggage during the screening process, making the journey much faster. Any toiletries larger than the 3.4-ounce limit must be placed in your checked baggage or they will be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

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These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.

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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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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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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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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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No more rummaging in your bag: London City Airport scraps 100ml liquid rule. LONDON, April 4 (Reuters) - There will be no more rummaging in the bottom of your bag for a forgotten hand cream or water bottle at London City Airport after it became the first of the capital's hubs to scrap the 100ml liquid limit rule.

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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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Disposable razors, replacement blades, and electric razors can go in either your carry-on or checked baggage; if you have a safety or straight razor, you can pack it in your carry-on — but you must remove the blades first and pack them in one of your checked bags.

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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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Do Toiletry Bags Need to Be Clear? TSA does not specify that toiletry bags need to be clear. However, when traveling with liquids, using a TSA approved clear liquid bag will help expedite the TSA process so agents can see everything easily without further inspection.

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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.

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Almost any sharp object you can imagine will not be allowed on-board a plane in your hand luggage. This includes obvious items like knives, saws, swords, and machetes, but also small items with blades like pairs of scissors that are 4 or longer in size.

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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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Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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Makeup And The 3-1-1 TSA Rule
Items like powder blush or foundation, do not. Sometimes that are a bit more confusing are mascara and lip gloss. These are considered liquids. However, wipes, like makeup removal wipes and baby wipes, are not.

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Traveling with cleaning or disinfecting #wipes? Pre-moistened wipes are allowed in carry-on luggage. They do not need to be placed in your travel-size liquids bag.

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When you're packing, remember to limit anything liquid-y to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and to place those items in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag, one bag per traveler. Think the usuals, like shampoo, toothpaste, and aerosol or roll-on liquid deodorant (solid deodorant isn't regulated by the 3-1-1 rule).

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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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