---
title: "TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), \"Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: travel
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule"
    publisher: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
    url: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-aerosols-gels-rule
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "TSA PreCheck"
    publisher: TSA
    url: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons

## Summary
In carry-on bags, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized bag; larger containers go in checked baggage. TSA lists exemptions for medications and infant/child nourishment.

> **General information, not legal or travel advice. Rules, fees, and processing times change; confirm with travel.state.gov, TSA, or CBP before you travel.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are limited to 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less per container.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: Those containers must fit in a quart-sized bag.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Containers larger than 3.4 oz (100 mL) should be packed in checked baggage.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Items that alarm during screening need additional screening.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: TSA lists exemptions for medications and for infant and child nourishment.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  note: See TSA's medical and infant pages for details.
- id: F6
  claim: Duty-free liquids over 3.4 oz may be carried on a connecting flight to the U.S. if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with a receipt from within 48 hours, and they still must clear screening.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F7
  claim: TSA PreCheck travelers can leave 3-1-1 liquids in their bag at screening.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Check a specific item
  where: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
  access: open