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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

For language models and agents: start at /llms.txt. This page in Markdown: /library/reference/us-gov/tsa-liquids-rule.md.