The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows small quantities of toiletries in carry-on luggage, provided each item is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and fits in a single clear quart-sized bag. This rule applies to liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols.
Toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, makeup, and hair products fall under this category. All items must be placed in the same transparent bag, which must be removed from your carry-on during screening. Larger containers must be packed in checked baggage.
Items like solid soap, bar soap, and dry shampoo are exempt from liquid restrictions and may be carried in any quantity. Solid deodorants, wax-based hair products, and toothbrushes are also allowed without size limits.
The 3-1-1 rule specifies three key requirements: each item must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller, all items must fit in one 1-quart (approximately 1 liter) clear plastic bag, and the bag must be presented separately at security checkpoints.
This rule prevents passengers from carrying large amounts of potentially flammable or hazardous liquids through screening. The limit applies regardless of whether the product is water-based, oily, or thick. A 4-ounce tube of toothpaste exceeds the limit and must be packed in checked luggage.
For example, a traveler bringing a 6-ounce bottle of face moisturizer cannot carry it in their handbag. Even if the container is empty, if it holds more than 3.4 ounces, it violates the rule. The same applies to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo.
Not all toiletries are treated equally under TSA rules. The following categories are subject to the 3-1-1 restriction:
| Toiletry Type | Allowed Size | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquids | ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) | Shampoo, conditioner, body wash | Must fit in clear bag |
| Gels | ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) | Toothpaste, gel deodorant | Tube must be sealed |
| Creams & Pastes | ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) | Moisturizer, sunscreen, face cream | May be labeled "cream" or "balm" |
| Aerosols | ≤3.4 oz (100 ml) | Deodorant spray, hair spray | Must have safety cap |
| Solids | No limit | Bar soap, solid deodorant, toothbrush | Not regulated under 3-1-1 |
Some travelers assume that all personal care items are restricted. That's not true. Solid bars of soap, solid deodorants (like stick or crystal forms), and dry shampoos are not considered liquids and can be brought in any quantity. These items are often overlooked because they're not in bottles.
Travelers with medical needs may bring larger quantities of prescription medications, including liquid medications, if they are declared at screening. The TSA allows exceptions for medically necessary items, but they must be in original packaging and accompanied by a doctor's note if questioned.
Many people believe that the 3-1-1 rule applies to all toiletries. In reality, only liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols are restricted. Solid items like lip balm, solid facial cleanser, and dry shampoo are not subject to volume limits.
A frequent error is using a bag that's too small or too large. The bag must be clear and hold up to one quart (about 1 liter). A gallon-sized bag is too big. A sandwich-sized bag won't meet the requirement. The bag must be removable and placed in the bin during screening.
Another misconception is that all toiletries must be in individual bottles. You can combine multiple small items in one container, as long as the total volume doesn't exceed 3.4 ounces. For example, a 2-ounce bottle of face serum and a 1.5-ounce tube of eye cream can be combined into a single 3.5-ounce container-but that would violate the rule. Each item must be ≤3.4 oz individually.
Consider a traveler preparing for a 7-day trip. They pack the following toiletries in a clear quart-sized bag:
All items fit within the 3-1-1 rule. The total volume is 9 oz, well under the 12 oz maximum allowed in the bag. The entire kit goes into one clear bag, which is placed in the bin at security.
Outside the bag, the traveler carries a 3.5-ounce bottle of shampoo. This item exceeds the limit and must be packed in checked luggage. If left in the carry-on, it would trigger a secondary screening.
Items exceeding 3.4 ounces in volume are prohibited in carry-ons. This includes full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Even if the container is empty, if it previously held more than 3.4 ounces, it must be packed in checked baggage.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are allowed but must be ≤3.4 oz. A 4-ounce bottle of sanitizer will be confiscated. The TSA permits up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in checked bags, but only if it's labeled as non-flammable.
Some aerosol cans, like hair spray, are limited to 3.4 oz. Larger cans must be checked. The TSA prohibits aerosols that are pressurized and contain flammable propellants unless they are in approved containers.
I once brought a 6-ounce bottle of facial oil in my carry-on. I assumed it was safe because it wasn't watery. At the checkpoint, the screener asked me to remove the bag. The oil exceeded the 3.4-ounce limit. I had to discard it at the security area. The experience taught me that texture doesn't matter-volume does.
After that, I started using 3-ounce travel bottles. Now, I pack everything in a clear bag and double-check each item before going through security. It saves time and avoids stress.
The TSA website provides the most current rules for carry-on liquids. According to the agency, "All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 mL) and placed in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag."1
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirms that "items in excess of 3.4 ounces are not permitted in carry-on luggage unless they are medically necessary and properly documented."2
If you're unsure about a specific product, visit the TSA's online tool at TSA's What Can I Bring? to search by item name.
Before boarding, verify your toiletries meet these criteria:
When in doubt, pack larger toiletries in checked luggage. This avoids delays and ensures compliance.
Understanding what toiletries can you take on a plane reduces stress and speeds up screening. Stick to the 3-1-1 rule, use clear bags, and avoid oversized containers. Your flight will start smoothly.
1 TSA, "Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols," https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring
2 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, "Travel Tips: What to Pack," https://www.dhs.gov/travel-security