Air travel regulations can be confusing, especially when it comes to liquid restrictions. Many travelers wonder if they can bring a 4 ounce container onboard an airplane. The quick answer is yes, you can take 4 ounces or less of liquid through airport security and onto your flight.
TSA Liquid Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has regulations regarding liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes that passengers can bring in their carry-on baggage. This applies to both domestic and international flights departing from U.S. airports.
The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule states:
- Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container.
- These containers must be placed in a clear, resealable 1 quart-sized plastic bag.
- Only 1 plastic bag per traveler is permitted.
Therefore, any container 4 ounces or smaller adheres to the TSA liquid regulations for carry-ons. This includes things like beverages, toiletries, cosmetics, medicines, and food items.
Examples of Allowed 4 Ounce Liquids
Here are some examples of 4 ounce (or smaller) liquid items that you can bring through airport security in your carry-on bag:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Liquid soap or body wash
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Liquid makeup and cosmetics
- Hair gel
- Hair spray
- Perfume
- Cologne
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Contact lens solution
- Medicines, such as cough syrups, nasal sprays and liquid antibiotics
- Baby food and formula
- Juices
- Jams and jellies
- Maple syrup
- Vinegars and oils
- Salad dressings
- Soy sauce
- Wine, liquor, beer and other alcoholic beverages (must be purchased after security screening if carrying on)
As long as each individual container is 4 ounces or less, you can bring onboard as many of these liquid items as can reasonably fit inside a single quart-sized bag. This allows you to pack your everyday toiletries, makeup, medications and some food items in your carry-on luggage.
TSA Scanner Safe Liquids
The TSA also allows exceptions for liquids purchased after passing through security screening. Once at your airport gate, you can purchase beverages, alcoholic drinks, and other liquid items in containers over 3.4 ounces and bring them onto your flight.
Duty free liquids sealed with a tamper-evident lid or tape when purchased from specific airport retailers are also permitted in carry-on bags. These liquids are scanned separately at security checkpoints.
Checking Larger Liquids
If you need to pack liquids larger than 3.4 ounces, you can check them in your luggage rather than carry them on. There are no liquid restrictions for checked baggage.
Some examples of liquids you may want to check rather than carry on include:
- Shampoo
- Sunscreens
- Mouthwash
- Hair sprays
- Skin and hair treatment products
- Shaving creams
- Deodorants
- Lotions and moisturizers
- Toothpastes
- Liquid soaps and bath gels
- Bottles of alcohol or wine
- Oils and vinegars
- Maple syrups
- Jams, jellies, sauces
- Bottled marinades and dressings
- Liquid medications larger than 3.4 ounces
Just remember to properly pack these items to avoid leaks or spills. You can transport them in resealable plastic bags and ensure your luggage won’t get too heavy.
Medical and Special Liquids
Travelers with medical conditions can request exceptions at airport security for liquid medications, breast milk and baby formula. Inform a TSA officer if you need to carry medically necessary liquids over 3.4 ounces onboard.
Prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and liquid dietary supplements are allowed through security in “reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces.” These should be declared to TSA officers for inspection. You may need to provide proof of prescriptions, doctor’s notes or other medical documentation.
Breast milk, baby formula, juice and bottled water for infants and toddlers are permitted in reasonable amounts over 3.4 ounces. Notify a TSA officer beforehand and they can conduct additional screening on these items.
Liquid Restrictions by Country
If you are traveling internationally, be sure to check the liquid rules for your specific destination. While many countries follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule, regulations can vary.
For example, the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Canada allow larger carry-on liquid containers up to 100ml or about 3.4 ounces. The United Kingdom restricts carry-on liquids to containers no larger than 100ml.
Australia permits liquids, aerosols and gels up to 100ml per container in carry-on baggage. Qantas Airlines follows the TSA 3-1-1 rules for flights departing the United States.
Check government travel advisories to understand liquid restrictions when flying to other nations. Rules continue to evolve, especially as technology improves scanning processes.
TSA Liquid Screening Procedures
Knowing what to expect during airport screening helps move the process smoothly. Here are some key liquid screening procedures by TSA officers:
- All liquid containers must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in plastic bins for X-ray screening.
- Larger containers of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes over the permitted 3.4 ounces are not allowed through security checkpoints.
- TSA officers visually inspect all liquids, gels and aerosols at checkpoints.
- Some containers may be opened for further inspection. This helps officers determine if a liquid is safe.
- Liquid medication and baby formulas may require additional screening and documentation.
- Suspicious liquids may be tested for traces of explosives.
- If a liquid is deemed dangerous, it will be confiscated and the traveler may face additional screening.
Travelers who follow the TSA liquid rules and cooperate with security officers can expect an efficient screening experience.
Empty Liquid Containers
Empty liquid containers are permitted through security checkpoints, as they pose no threat. However, TSA officers may inspect any empty bottles, jars and tubes during screening.
This means you can pack empty reusable liquid bottles in your carry-on luggage to fill with drinks or toiletries once past airport security. Just make sure no residue remains inside.
Prohibited Liquids
Some liquids are never allowed in carry-on bags, regardless of container size. These include:
- Flammable liquids like fuels, solvents, lighter fluid
- Bleach, chlorine, and corrosive liquids
- Car and motor oils
- Weed killers, pesticides and insecticides
- Certain toxic household cleaners and drain openers
- Liquid mercury
Checked baggage also cannot contain hazardous materials prohibited from air travel.
Consequences of Liquid Violations
Attempting to carry prohibited liquids through airport security can lead to:
- Confiscation of the liquid item
- Additional screening and bag searches
- Missed flights due to delays
- Fines up to $13,333 per violation
- Arrest by airport security or police
It’s critical to adhere to TSA liquid rules to avoid severe travel disruptions. If in doubt, check with an airline representative or airport security officer in advance.
Future Changes to Liquid Allowances
Technology now exists to safely screen larger liquid volumes in carry-on luggage. Automated CT scanners provide 3D imaging to quickly inspect containers for explosives and other threats.
The TSA is beginning to install these advanced systems at airport checkpoints nationwide. As more are deployed, the Administration may eventually relax the current 3.4 ounce restriction on liquids.
Until then, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, aerosols and other containers applies. Be sure to separate and screen all containers 4 ounces or less as required.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the key points on carrying 4 ounces of liquid on an airplane:
- You can bring 4 ounce containers of liquid in your carry-on under the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
- All liquids must fit in a single 1 quart-size plastic bag.
- Medical liquids, breast milk and baby formula may receive exceptions with additional screening.
- Check restrictions for international flights, which may differ.
- Know what liquids are prohibited, regardless of size.
- Expect inspection of your liquids; cooperate for smooth screening.
Conclusion
Understanding TSA regulations helps take the stress out of going through airport security. While rules aim to maximize safety, you can still bringalong everyday items like personal care products when traveling.
As long as your liquid containers are 4 ounces or less, you can comfortably pack them in your carry-on bag. This allows you to have essentials like medications, toiletries and some foods on hand during your flight.
Double check the latest guidelines whenever flying to avoid problems at screening. With proper packing and cooperation, inspecting your 4 ounce liquids should be a quick process.
Safe travels!