Yes, the TSA 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person) only applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on bags, not checked luggage, where larger quantities are allowed (with exceptions for hazardous items). This rule ensures security for items passing through the checkpoint with you, while checked bags have different regulations for larger liquid items.
Yes, the 3-1-1 rule only applies to carry-on luggage. You can pack larger quantities of liquids in your checked bags.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Solid deodorants are, well, solid. No water. So they don't count as liquids or gels under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, so you can bring any size you like. Gel deodorants, being semi-liquid, fall under the rule and must be 3.4 oz or less in a clear plastic bag.
What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule? TSA's 3-1-1 rule is a regulation that limits what liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes you can bring in carry-on bags through airport security checkpoints in the United States. The rule enhances security by limiting the amount of these substances that you can bring on board.
This bag must be presented for visual inspection at the security checkpoint. Examples of items that fall under the 3-1-1 rule include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, gel deodorant, perfume, lotions, and similar products.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups. cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss. sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants. pastes, including toothpaste.
If more you may risk them being discarded by TSA (US) security (MX) Customs has nothing to do with it. Just like may other place you travel to…1 quart bag No containers bigger than 3 oz each In carryon.
**Sprays**: Aerosol deodorants must also be 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag. **Creams and Gels**: These must follow the 100ml liquid rule as well.
3-1-1: TSA Rules for Makeup
The 311 liquid rule applies to all liquid and semi-liquid items you pack in your carry-on luggage – including gels and thicker makeup liquids. Put small items in 3.4 ounce containers in a clear quart-sized bag.
You can take as many 100ml bottles as will fit into one single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (approximately 1 liter capacity), with each container being 100ml or less, for a total of one bag per passenger. This rule applies to liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) for international flights and generally for domestic flights in many countries.
According to the TSA, when carrying liquids in your carry-on bag, each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all liquid containers must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized resealable bag, known as the "3-1-1 rule"; this applies to gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols as well.
May I bring liquids and gels in my carry-on? Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in one quart-size bag.. You'll need to bring your own quart-size bag, as the TSA does not provide Ziploc bags.
Carry-on items
You can bring only one carry-on item along with your personal item. Your carry-on must fit in in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn't fit, it will need to be checked. Be sure all your carry-on items are labeled in case they are checked.
If you need more sunscreen than what fits in your carry on, checked luggage is your best bet. You can bring full-size bottles, but there are still limits. The FAA allows up to 70 ounces of liquids per person in checked bags, and no single container can be larger than 18 ounces.
One ziplock bag with liquids only in your hand luggage. Put the second one in your checked luggage if it contains liquids.
Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs)
LAGs can only be carried in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 ml. Multiple containers of LAGs can be carried, max up to 1000 ml.
However, all of your liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit in only ONE of those quart-size Ziploc bags. The one with the LGAs in it comes out at the checkpoint for inspection, and the others can stay in your carry-on.
Do creams, like concealer and lipstick still count as liquid? And what about lotions and gels? Unfortunately, it's not great news for the over-packers. The Department for Transport defines liquids as “including creams, lotions, oils, perfume, mascara and lip gloss”.
Bringing Empty vs Sealed Water Bottles Through Security
A factory-sealed bottle of plastic water is still subject to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule. This means a standard-sized sealed bottle (typically 16.9 ounces) will not be allowed through the checkpoint. You will be asked to either drink it, empty it, or throw it away.
Here's the fully updated list of airports that have officially scrapped the 100ml limit as of September 2025:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't ask you to keep your medicines in their original prescription bottles. But each state may have its own rules. If you aren't bringing your medicine in its original bottle, bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.
What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items. Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
But, the list of items you cannot bring on a plane is too long to cover in its entirety here. Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed.