What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule for toiletries?

The TSA 3-1-1 rule means each liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller; all containers must fit in one quart-size clear, resealable bag; and each passenger is allowed one quart bag in carry-on luggage.

Can I bring full-size shampoo in a carry-on bag?

No. Full-size bottles are not allowed in carry-on luggage unless they contain 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. Larger bottles must be packed in checked baggage.

What size toiletry bag is allowed on a plane?

TSA requires a clear, quart-size resealable bag (about 7 x 8 inches) for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. Each traveler is limited to one quart bag.

What toiletries should I pack in a carry-on?

Most travelers need a toothbrush and travel toothpaste, floss, travel-size shampoo and conditioner, body wash or bar soap, deodorant, and a hairbrush. Other useful items include moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, and contact lens supplies.

Where should I keep my toiletry bag during travel?

Keep your clear toiletry bag at the top of your personal item or carry-on so you can quickly pull it out at the security checkpoint without unpacking your whole bag.

Travel guide

How to pack toiletries like a pro.

A simple, TSA-friendly approach to packing toiletries for carry-on travel — with a printable checklist and the packing tips we use on every trip.

Traveler packing a clear TSA toiletry bag into a Lucky2Sell carry-on

The TSA 3-1-1 rule, explained

The Transportation Security Administration limits the liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols you can bring through security in a carry-on. The rule is simple:

3.4 ounces

Each container must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, even if it's partly empty.

Quart-size bag

All liquid containers must fit inside one clear, quart-size resealable bag.

Bag per traveler

Each passenger gets one quart bag in carry-on. Pack extras in checked luggage.

The carry-on toiletries checklist

Use this list to pack light without forgetting the essentials. Items marked Essential are what most travelers need.

Toothbrush & travel-size toothpasteEssential
Floss or dental picksEssential
Travel-size shampoo & conditionerEssential
Body wash or bar soapEssential
Deodorant (stick is TSA-friendly)Essential
Face wash & moisturizer
Razor & shaving cream
Hairbrush or combEssential
Sunscreen (3.4 oz or less)
Lip balm & hand lotion
Contact lens supplies
Basic first-aid items

Smart packing tips

Small habits make security lines faster and hotel bathrooms less chaotic.

Follow the 3-1-1 rule

Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, all fit in one quart-size clear bag, and one bag per passenger in carry-on.

Pack the bag first, then the suitcase

Lay out your toiletries before you pack clothes. If everything fits in a quart pouch, you're TSA-ready. If not, move non-liquids to checked luggage.

Keep the pouch accessible

Place your clear toiletry bag at the top of your personal item. You'll pull it out at security without unpacking your whole bag.

Buy travel sizes — or buy a kit

Decanting full-size bottles is messy and easy to forget. Pre-packed TSA kits save time and guarantee every bottle is within limits.

Want the easiest way to pack toiletries?

Lucky2Sell kits come pre-packed with TSA-approved travel sizes of the brands you trust. Open the box, drop the pouch in your bag, and go.

Shop travel kits