What is TSA 3-1-1 rule?

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 TSA 3-1-1 rule is the standard security protocol for packing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on luggage. The name is a mnemonic: 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; all containers must fit in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, resealable bag; and 1 bag is allowed per passenger. Even if a bottle is partially empty, its marked capacity must be 3.4 oz or less to pass. In 2026, while some airports have installed advanced CT scanners that allow liquids to stay inside bags, the 3-1-1 volume limits still apply nationwide. High-value exceptions include medically necessary liquids, baby formula, and breast milk, which can exceed the limit but must be declared for separate screening. Following this rule prevents the common frustration of having favorite toiletries confiscated at the checkpoint, ensuring a much smoother transition through airport security for both domestic and international travelers.

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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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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.

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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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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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A terrorist plot named the 2006 Transatlantic Liquid Bomb Plot is why we have the 3.4-ounce limit in place for bringing liquids on airplanes. The plot involved a group of people carrying liquid explosives to assemble bombs in the air. Had they succeeded with the plan, at least 1,500 people would have died.

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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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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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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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No, pencil eyeliner does not count as a liquid. It is a solid item, and hence, you need not follow the TSA liquid guidelines while packing it in your carry-on bag. There are no quantity limitations even in the case of checked bags also.

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Yes. Whether disposable or reusable, contact lenses should go in clear, quart-sized bags as per the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. Note that each lens case or packet must contain no more than 100 milliliters of liquid and must fit inside the quart-sized bag.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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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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3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.

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Yes, TSA considers concealer to be a liquid, unless it is in stick form. Carry it – most concealers are small and fit in your quart-sized bag. Yes, it can only be carried on in 3.4 ounces or smaller containers.

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