Know The TSA Liquids Carry On Rules & Skip Through Security

TSA officers worldwide confiscate items daily from passengers who don’t follow the TSA liquids carry-on rules. You need to know the TSA rules on liquids in hand luggage before packing your hand luggage to avoid having your things seized at a TSA checkpoint after getting to the airport.

When you’re confident about the rules, you can breeze through security without worrying about being late for your flight or about TSA agents rummaging through your carry-on luggage!

This helpful guide covers everything you need to know about the TSA liquids carry on rules, including what you can and can’t pack and what size containers to use.

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The TSA Liquids Carry On Rules

Size matters when it comes to liquids in hand luggage! If you plan to travel with hand luggage only, you need to know the TSA rules on liquids in hand luggage before getting to the security checkpoint. If you don’t, you risk getting your things confiscated, holding up the queue, and possibly even missing your flight.

What is the TSA?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was set up in November 2001 in the United States after 9/11. Its purpose is to strengthen the security of the nation’s transport systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce.

Do TSA rules apply in Europe?

Most countries, including the UK and the rest of the European Union (E.U.), have adopted the TSA liquids rules.

Does the TSA Liquids Rule Apply to Checked Baggage?

You can pack as many liquids as you want into your hold luggage. If you’re travelling with checked baggage, pack the liquid containers inside zipped or sealed plastic bags to prevent leaks from soiling your other checked items.

The TSA Liquids Carry On Rules (From The TSA Website):

Through the security check, you can take one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag.
The limit is 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or less per item.
Any item that raises the alarm will require additional screening. Pack items larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) in checked baggage.

➡️ Find the best TSA approved toiletry bag here.

The only exceptions to the TSA rule for liquids are medications and infant or baby food, including breast milk

For International Flights to the UK or the United States

You can carry liquids measuring more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if you’re on an international flight and have an onward connecting flight. The liquids must be in transparent containers, bought from a duty-free shop, and have an unbroken seal.

Bottles containing more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml that are not in a safe, tamper-evident bag must be packed in your checked baggage.

💡Pro Tip: Pack things you can’t live without while you’re away – especially if you know you won’t find it at your destination. Consider buying anything else during your trip (or manage without).

Select Your Toiletries With Care

Now that you know the TSA Liquids Carry On Rules you can decide what to include in your toiletries bag (and what to leave at home). Get started by listing the toiletries you want and need for your trip. It’s a great way to avoid taking unnecessary items with you.

Optimise Your Toiletry Kit with Travel-Sizes and Refillable Containers

Once you’re clear on which liquids you want and need for your trip, and you understand the restrictions of the TSA Liquids carry on policy, you can start preparing your toiletry kit.

Many pharmacies (drug stores) and supermarkets sell travel-sized items for your toiletry kit, but this is the most expensive and least sustainable way to travel.

The most sustainable and best-value option is to buy refillable bottles that meet the TSA liquid limit. You can refill them repeatedly for future trips or keep your travel-size branded bottles once they are empty and fill them yourself.

My bathroom is full of travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash containers – all empty and waiting to be refilled for my next trip!

Choose the Best Toiletry Bag for Your Needs

There are so many types of toiletry bags out there.

Traditional “washbag” style bags are useful if you check a bag in and want to take lots of cosmetics and toiletries, but can be a little bulky for minimalist hand luggage only travel.
I have a small hanging toiletry bag with pockets and pouches perfect for organising my travel-sized bottles and (minimal) makeup. I like hanging the bag up in even the teeniest bathrooms and keeping countertops clutter-free.

If you tend to take similar toiletry items on every trip, refilling your toiletries as part of your unpacking routine is a great way to be ready for impromptu trips. You’ll be able to grab your bag and go, confident that your washbag items all meet the TSA rules.

FAQs: TSA 3-1-1 Rule For Carry On Luggage

How many 3 oz bottles can I carry on?

In theory, nine 3 oz bottles would fill a one-quart plastic bag. There is no limit to the number of bottles you can pack – just a limit on the size of the bag and the capacity of the individual bottles.

Does deodorant count as a liquid?

Stick deodorants do not count as liquids. Nor do powders and crystals. All other Spray, Roll-On, Gel, Liquid, Cream, and Paste deodorants must be in bottles or containers no larger than 3.4 ounces in a clear quart-sized bag.

Is mascara considered a liquid by the TSA?

Mascara and lip gloss all count as liquids and must be placed in your sealed liquids bag. Lipstick is considered solid, so this can go in your regular makeup bag.

Can I bring tweezers in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can bring your tweezers in your cabin bag.

How much liquid can you take on a plane in checked baggage?

There’s no limit to the amount of liquid for checked bags, but there are restrictions: hazardous or flammable liquids are prohibited. The final decision rests with the security officers at the airport.

Can I take full-size shampoo in my checked luggage?

Absolutely, you can pack your favourite shampoo in a full-sized bottle! It’s a good idea to wrap the bottle in a plastic bag to prevent any risk of spills onto your clothes.

Are liquids and gels permitted in my checked baggage?

You can take liquids and gels in reasonable quantities in your checked bags. The TSA liquids policy specifically restricts how much you can take in hand luggage, but not checked bags, although hazardous/flammable liquids cannot be carried in checked bags.

May I bring liquids and gels in my carry-on?

You can bring liquids and gels in your hand luggage, provided they meet the TSA carry-on rule ie no more than 3.4 oz (100ml) per container, with all liquids in a quart (1 litre) bag.

Can I carry larger amounts of medically necessary liquids in a small bag in my personal item, carry on bag or checked bag?

The TSA allows you to take larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, aerosols or gels on your flight. These should be carried in your hand luggage and declared to a TSA agent for inspection at the checkpoint. The TSA recommends that all liquid medication, gels and aerosols be labelled.

Can I take baby formula in a carry-on item?

Yes, baby formula is exempt from the TSA requirement for liquid products to be packed in 3.4-ounce containers, although it will go through the standard screening process..

Can I take my own water bottle in my carry-on bag?

While you can take your own bottle, the TSA liquid restrictions mean it must be emptied to go through the TSA security checkpoint. You will be able to fill your bottle up in the departures area.

Are snow globes permitted in carry-on luggage?

The TSA’s 3.4-ounce liquid limit means you can take a snow globe – if the WHOLE snow globe, including the base, will fit into one quart-sized bag!

According to The TSA Is Mascara A Liquid?

Yes! Mascara is considered a liquid, which means it is subject to the TSA rules for liquids. Solid mascara is exempt from this regulation.

Wrap Up: All You Need to Know About the TSA Liquids Carry On Rules

Now you know the rules on liquids in hand luggage, you can pack your carry-on baggage confidently. With your travel-sized containers packed and stored in a one quart plastic bag in your hand luggage, you will be able to cruise through airport security.

No more worries about getting stopped by airport security officers because you were confused about the TSA liquid limit or the right travel-size containers to buy!

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