The short answer is yes, you can take 4 oz or less of liquid or gel onto a plane in your carry-on luggage. This falls within the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels which states that each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized bag.
TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule for Carry-Ons
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has regulations on what liquids and gels can be brought onto planes in carry-on luggage. Their policy is known as the 3-1-1 rule:
- Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
- Liquids and gels must be in a single, quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
- 1 bag per passenger
This rule allows each passenger to bring travel-sized toiletries, drinks, liquid medications, and other essential liquids in their carry-on bag. As long as each container is 3.4 oz or less and fits in the quart bag, it is permitted.
So yes, you can bring a 4 oz or smaller container of liquid or gel in your carry-on as long as it follows the other rules. This includes things like:
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Face wash
- Hand sanitizer
- Contact lens solution
- Perfume
- Deodorant
- Liquid medication
- Bottled water or juice
As long as each container is 4 oz or less, you can take multiple containers in your quart bag. For example, you could take two 2 oz bottles of shampoo and conditioner along with a 3 oz tube of toothpaste.
Exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule
There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule:
- Medically necessary liquids: If you need to bring more than 3.4 oz of a liquid for medical purposes, inform the TSA officer during screening.
- Baby formula/milk: If traveling with a baby, you can bring more than 3.4 oz of formula, breast milk, juice, or water. Separate these into larger containers when going through security.
- Duty free liquids: If you purchase liquids at a duty free store prior to your flight, these do not need to comply with the 3-1-1 rule. Keep them sealed in the duty free bag until you reach your final destination.
Outside of these exceptions, all liquids and gels in carry-on bags must follow the 3.4 oz container size limit.
Liquids in Checked Baggage
If you don’t want to limit your liquids to travel sizes, you can pack them in checked baggage rather than your carry-on. There are no size restrictions for liquids in checked bags.
This means you can pack full-sized bottles, containers, tubes, and jars of toiletries, cosmetics, drinks, alcohol, medicine, and other liquids.
Some things to keep in mind when packing liquids in checked bags:
- Make sure lids are tightly sealed to prevent leaks
- Wrap fragile bottles in clothing or bubble wrap
- Label containers that could be mistaken for something dangerous (e.g. hydrogen peroxide)
- Pack anything that could spill or break on top to limit damage
If a liquid does spill or leak in your checked bag, the airline will not compensate you for damaged items. So pack carefully.
Common 4 oz Liquid Items
Here are some of the most common 4 oz or smaller liquid and gel items that people want to bring in airplane carry-ons:
Travel Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Hair gel
- Hair spray
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Makeup remover
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers
Travel sizes for all of these toiletries and tools are readily available at any drugstore or travel supply store. Stock up on 3.4 oz or smaller containers before your trip.
Food and Drink
- Water bottle
- Juice box
- Soda can
- Wine bottle (must be in sealed duty free bag)
- Liquor mini bottle
- Olive oil
- Salad dressing
- Sauces
- Syrup
- Jelly/jam
- Peanut butter
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Canned fruit
- Applesauce pouch
Refillable water bottles and mini versions of your favorite condiments, drinks, and snacks are great for the plane. Look for TSA-approved, spill-proof containers.
Medications and Essentials
- Contact lens solution
- Eye drops
- Nasal spray
- Liquid medication
- Hand wipes
- Disinfecting wipes
- Bandages
- First aid cream
- Essential oils
Always keep any liquid medications and medical necessities with you in your carry-on in case your checked bag gets lost or delayed.
TSA Screening Process
When going through airport security, all carry-on bags will need to be screened for prohibited items including liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams. Here is what to expect during TSA screening:
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready
- Remove laptops, 3-1-1 bags, and other items from your bag and place them in bins on the conveyor belt
- Walk through a metal detector or body scanner
- Collect your belongings from the other end of the x-ray machine
- Inspect bags by hand if selected for additional screening
- Re-pack your carry-on bag once cleared
Be prepared for your 3-1-1 quart bag and any containers with liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol to be inspected separately. The officer may ask you to open the containers.
If bringing any medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz, inform the TSA officer before screening begins. You may need to undergo additional inspection.
As long as you follow the rules, the screening process should go smoothly and you’ll be on your way to catch your flight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a 6 oz bottle of liquid in my carry-on?
No, each liquid or gel container in your carry-on bag can be a maximum of 3.4 oz. A 6 oz bottle would exceed this limit and not be allowed through security.
Do I have to put all my liquids in a ziploc bag?
Yes, the TSA requires that all liquid containers go in a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. This lets inspectors easily view the containers during screening.
Can I take full size shampoo bottles in my checked luggage?
Yes, in checked baggage you can pack any size liquid containers. There are no restrictions on liquids in checked suitcases.
What if my liquid medication is bigger than 4 oz?
Medically necessary liquids over 3.4 oz are allowed after declaring them to TSA officers at the checkpoint. Be prepared to undergo additional screening.
Do I have to take out my contact lens solution?
Yes, contact lens solution is considered a liquid and must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. Make sure it’s 3.4 oz or less and packed in your quart bag.
Can I take a 5 oz bottle of wine through security?
No, that would exceed the permitted 3.4 oz container size, even though it’s under the total 3.4 ounce liquid allowance. Unless in a duty free bag, the wine bottle cannot exceed 3.4 ounces.
What if I accidentally bring a 4.5 oz liquid?
If TSA officers discover a container over 3.4 oz in your carry-on at the checkpoint, they will confiscate it and dispose of it. You won’t be permitted through the checkpoint with it.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring up to 3.4 oz of liquid in your carry-on, following the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
- Containers must be 3.4 oz or less and fit in one quart-sized bag
- Larger liquids can go in checked bags with no restrictions
- Common 3.4 oz liquids include mini toiletries, drinks, medications, gels
- Be prepared for inspection of your liquids during TSA screening
- A 4 oz or smaller liquid is permitted in carry-on baggage
Conclusion
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule allows you to bring 3.4 oz or smaller containers of liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol in your carry-on luggage. This includes items like shampoo, drinks, lotion, medication, and toothpaste. As long as each container is 3.4 oz or less and fits into a single quart-sized bag, you can pass through airport security with essential liquids on flights.
So yes, you can take a 4 oz or smaller liquid item in your carry-on when traveling by plane. A 4 oz bottle or tube follows the guidelines for what is permitted through TSA checkpoints. Make sure your liquids are packed properly in your quart bag and have them ready for inspection during screening. Knowing the policies and being prepared will help you breeze through security and continue on your journey with the necessities you need.
