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What liquids are prohibited in hand carry?

Travelers who intend to carry liquids such as shower gel, perfume, contact lens solution, and pastes should pour the liquids into travel size containers. Liquids such as acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda, and vehicle fuel are not allowed on the plane.



In 2026, most international airports still adhere to the 3-1-1 rule, meaning liquids are not "prohibited" but are strictly limited in volume. Prohibited items include any liquid or gel in a container larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), even if the bottle is only partially full. This includes common items like water, soda, toothpaste, hair gel, and perfumes. Additionally, highly flammable liquids (like lighter fluid or spray paint), toxic chemicals (like bleach or acid), and certain "spreadable" foods (like large jars of peanut butter, jam, or soft cheese) are banned entirely from hand carry due to security and safety risks. There are two major exceptions: Medication and baby food/formula are permitted in larger quantities, though you must declare them to the TSA or security officer for separate inspection. A peer-to-peer tip for 2026: many airports are now installing advanced CT scanners that may eventually allow for larger liquids, but until these are universal, sticking to the 100ml rule is the only way to ensure your expensive toiletries aren't confiscated at the checkpoint.

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Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

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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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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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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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You can take all plug-in phone chargers with you in your carry-on or checked bags with ease as they do not contain any form of battery and, therefore, do not present any danger. Typically, you will not be able to use this type of charger onboard as most airplanes do not have power sockets.

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If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

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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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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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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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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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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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It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

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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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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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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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But if you're new to electric toothbrushes, you may wonder, “Can I pack an electric toothbrush in a carry-on?” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says yes. Electric toothbrushes can be packed in carry-on or checked luggage.

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If you're packing perfume in hand luggage, you have to follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. It states that all liquids and aerosols in hand luggage have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller, they must be placed in transparent, 1 quart-sized, resealable bags, and each passenger can have only 1 of these bags.

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3-1-1 Rule While perfumes and colognes are not inherently hazardous, they are considered dangerous for air travel since they are flammable liquids. If you want to travel with fragrances, you may be allowed to do so in limited quantities. Furthermore, you must pack them properly to take them into the cabin.

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Will TSA throw away my perfume? TSA will not throw away your perfume if it meets the 3-1-1 rule and is in a clear, quart-sized bag.

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