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how many oz allowed in carry on

For most flights, you’re allowed to bring liquids in containers up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) each in your carry-on , and they must all fit together in one quart-sized (about 1 liter), clear, resealable bag.

Quick Scoop: The Core Rule (TSA “3-1-1”)

  • Max per container: 3.4 oz / 100 ml.
  • Bag size: All your liquid, gel, cream, paste, and aerosol containers must fit in one quart-size clear plastic bag.
  • Bag limit: One such bag per passenger in most standard security lines.
  • This is what people mean by the “3-1-1 rule” for carry-on liquids (3.4 oz containers, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person).

“Liquids” includes things like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, liquid makeup, perfume, gel deodorant, toothpaste, sauces, yogurt, and even peanut butter-type foods because of their spreadable consistency.

Important Exceptions (Over 3.4 oz Allowed)

Some items can exceed 3.4 oz in your carry-on, but you may need to separate or declare them at security.

Common exceptions include:

  • Prescription liquid medications
  • Over-the-counter liquid medicines (e.g., cough syrup)
  • Baby-related items : breast milk, formula, baby food, baby juice
  • Medical/assistive items : medical ice or gel packs, some medical samples, certain wet batteries for mobility devices
  • Duty-free liquids bought after security in tamper-evident bags, with receipt.

Security officers can still screen these more closely, and you may be asked to remove them from your bag for inspection.

2026 Twist: Not All Airports Are the Same

In early 2026, some airports using advanced CT scanners are starting to relax or remove the strict 100 ml limit , meaning you might be able to carry larger containers there.

However:

  • Many airports still fully enforce the 3.4 oz / 100 ml rule.
  • On international trips or connections , if any airport on your route still uses traditional screening, you must assume the 100 ml rule still applies or risk having items confiscated.

Because of this patchwork rollout, the safest approach in 2026 is to pack as if the 3-1-1 rule is still in force , unless you’ve checked specific, up-to- date guidance for your departure and any connecting airports.

Carry-on vs. Checked (For Context)

  • Carry-on: Bound by the 3.4 oz per container + 1 quart bag rule, except for the noted exemptions.
  • Checked baggage: No size limit for most liquids, though there are special rules for alcohol and aerosols (for example, alcohol over 70% ABV is not allowed at all, and moderate-strength alcohol is capped per person).

If you want to bring full-size toiletries (e.g., 8–16 oz bottles), it’s simpler to place them in checked luggage.

Quick Example

If you’re packing carry-on only for a short trip, a compliant setup might be:

  • 1 × 3 oz shampoo
  • 1 × 3 oz conditioner
  • 1 × 2 oz face wash
  • 1 × travel-size toothpaste
  • 1 × small sunscreen
  • 1 × liquid foundation

All of these together must fit comfortably in a single quart-sized clear bag.

Bottom line:
For now, plan on 3.4 oz (100 ml) max per liquid container, all in one quart- sized clear bag, one bag per person , and treat larger medical and baby items as special exceptions you may need to declare.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.