You can usually bring only small amounts of liquids in your carry-on, and they must follow the 3-1-1 rule at most airports in 2026.

Quick Scoop

  • Each liquid container in your carry-on must be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
  • All your liquids together must fit in one clear, resealable quart-size (about 1 liter) plastic bag.
  • You’re limited to one such bag per passenger in standard security lines.
  • Liquids include things like drinks, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, gels, creams, toothpaste, and many liquidy foods (like yogurt or peanut butter).

Think of it this way: if it pours, pumps, spreads, or smears , pack it as a liquid and make sure it fits into that single quart bag in 3.4 oz containers.

Important exceptions

Some liquids can be over 3.4 oz in your carry-on, but you must usually separate and declare them at security.

  • Medications (prescription and many over-the-counter liquids).
  • Baby items like breast milk, formula, baby food, and juice for infants.
  • Special medical or disability-related liquids (like liquid nutrition, certain gel packs for medical use).
  • Duty-free liquids bought after security (like alcohol or perfume) in a sealed tamper-evident bag with the receipt.

These can exceed 3.4 oz, but if you have a connection or go back through screening, they may be rechecked and sometimes refused if not still sealed.

2026 twist: some airports easing rules

In 2026, some airports with new CT scanners are starting to relax liquid rules , letting you keep liquids in your bag or sometimes allow more flexibility, but this is not universal yet. Many airports still strictly enforce the 3-1-1 rule, so you should plan as if the 3.4 oz and quart-bag rule still applies unless you have checked your specific airport’s current policy.

Simple packing example

For one traveler, a typical allowed setup might be:

  • 1 travel-size shampoo – 3.4 oz (100 ml)
  • 1 conditioner – 3.4 oz
  • 1 toothpaste – 3.4 oz
  • 1 lotion – 3.4 oz
  • 1 small sunscreen – 3.4 oz

All of these together must fit comfortably in one clear quart-size bag that can be zipped closed.

If you’re ever unsure, best move is to:

  1. Put it in your checked bag if it’s bigger than 3.4 oz.
  2. Or transfer a small amount into a 3.4 oz travel bottle for your carry-on.

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Wondering how much liquid can you bring in a carry on in 2026? Learn the current 3-1-1 TSA liquid rule, exceptions, and new scanner changes so you don’t lose items at security.