Carry-On Liquids: 3.4 oz, One Quart Bag, One Per Passenger
By the TSA Wait Times team · Updated · Published June 2026
Here's the short version. Every liquid, gel, or aerosol in your carry-on must sit in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and all of them share one quart-size zip-top bag — one bag per traveler. Medications and baby formula are the main exceptions. Below is exactly what counts, what's exempt, and the small mistakes that cost people time at the checkpoint.
What the 3-1-1 rule means
The name spells out the limits. Read it as three numbers and you've got it:
- 3Each container holds 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. The size printed on the bottle is what matters — not how full it is today.
- 1Everything fits in one clear, quart-size zip-top bag. If the bag won't close, you're carrying too much.
- 1One bag per passenger. Each traveler gets their own quart bag, including kids.
This rule has not changed in 2026, and it's the same at every U.S. checkpoint — from LAX to ATL to ORD. Anything larger goes in your checked bag.
What counts as a liquid
If you can pour it, spray it, spread it, or squeeze it, TSA treats it as a liquid. That catches a lot of things people think of as solids. Pack these in your quart bag or check them:
- Toothpaste
- Peanut butter
- Sunscreen and lotion
- Yogurt and hummus
- Mascara and lip gloss
- Spray or gel deodorant
- Hair gel and pomade
- Perfume and cologne
Solid versions get a pass. Stick deodorant, bar soap, solid perfume, and a powder foundation all skip the bag entirely, which is an easy way to free up space.
Exceptions: medications and baby formula
A few liquids you can carry in larger amounts, as long as you declare them. They do not need to fit inside your quart bag — just pull them out and tell the officer:
- Liquid medicine — prescription and over-the-counter, in reasonable amounts for your trip. Keep it easy to reach.
- Breast milk, formula, and baby food— allowed over 3.4 ounces, even if your child isn't traveling with you.
- Ice and gel packsto keep those cold are fine too, even when they're fully frozen.
These items may be tested separately, so take them out of your bag before you reach the belt. Declaring them up front keeps the line moving for everyone behind you.
Carry-on or checked? A quick guide
Not sure where something goes? Use this:
| Item | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Full-size shampoo (over 3.4 oz) | Checked bag |
| Travel toiletries (3.4 oz or less) | Carry-on, in the quart bag |
| Liquid medication | Carry-on, declare it |
| Full water bottle | Empty it, then refill past security |
| Bottle frozen solid | Carry-on, if it's still solid |
Common mistakes that slow you down
Most liquids that get pulled aside come down to a handful of slip-ups. A quick check before you go saves the wait:
- Judging by what's left. A big bottle with a little product still counts as a big bottle. Container size is the only number that matters.
- Forgetting the bag. Without PreCheck, your quart bag comes out and goes in its own bin. Leaving it buried means a second trip through the scanner.
- Melted ice.A frozen pack is fine, but once it turns slushy it's a liquid again and has to meet the 3.4 oz limit.
- Overpacking the quart bag.If the seal won't close, move a container to your checked bag. A bulging bag gets a second look.
Skip the liquids question with PreCheck
With TSA PreCheck, your quart bag and laptop stay inside your carry-on, so the liquids step mostly disappears and the line moves faster. PreCheck runs about $77 to $85 for five years, depending on the enrollment provider you pick. Global Entry includes it for $120 over five years and covers customs on the way home, while CLEAR Plus is a separate, paid service at $209 a year. Our PreCheck vs CLEAR guide breaks down which one earns its price, and how early to arrive helps you time the rest of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a 6 oz bottle if it's only half full?
No. TSA goes by the size printed on the container, not how much liquid is inside. A 6 oz bottle is over the 3.4 oz limit even when it's nearly empty, so pack it in a checked bag or move the product into a travel-size container.
Do medications have to fit in the quart bag?
No. Liquid prescription and over-the-counter medicines are allowed in larger amounts and don't need to fit in your quart bag. Take them out at the checkpoint, tell the officer, and let them be screened separately.
Can I bring breast milk or formula through security?
Yes. Breast milk, formula, and baby food are allowed in quantities over 3.4 ounces, even if your child isn't with you. Remove them from your bag and tell the officer so they can be screened on their own.
Is a frozen water bottle allowed through TSA?
Yes, if it's frozen solid when you reach the checkpoint. If it has started to melt and there's liquid in the bottle, it has to follow the 3-1-1 rule. The same goes for gel packs and slushy ice.
How can I skip the liquids question at security?
TSA PreCheck lets you keep your quart bag and laptop inside your carry-on, which speeds up the line. It costs about $77 to $85 for five years, depending on the enrollment provider. Check your airport's live wait first so you know exactly when to leave.
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