TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: What You Can Bring in Your Carry-On

Beth Glosner  | 

Packing for a trip should be exciting. You’re dreaming about your destination, planning where to find a good cup of coffee, and deciding which little treasures might come home in your suitcase. Then comes the less glamorous part: figuring out whether your favorite sunscreen, shampoo, and snacks will make it through airport security.

If you’re traveling solo, packing light can make getting around much easier. A carry-on saves you from waiting at baggage claim, wrestling with an oversized suitcase, and worrying about checked luggage going astray. But before you zip that bag shut, there’s one travel rule worth understanding: the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. A little preparation now can save you an airport headache later. 

Let’s Dig In!

Person packing a suitcase with travel essentials including clothes, gadgets, and toiletries for a trip.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

TSA’s 3-1-1 Liquids Rule at a Glance

Here’s the quick version of what you need to know before heading to the airport.

  • The basic rule: Standard carry-on liquids must be in containers holding 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
  • The bag: Place your containers in one clear, quart-size, resealable bag.
  • The limit: Each passenger is generally allowed one quart-size liquids bag.
  • Common liquids: Shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, sunscreen, mascara, and liquid foundation.
  • Important exceptions: Certain medications, medically necessary liquids, and infant feeding supplies can exceed the standard limit.
  • Food: Solid snacks are generally permitted, while spreads, dips, and other liquid or gel foods may be restricted.
  • Best packing tip: Keep your liquids bag easy to reach in case security asks you to remove it.

For the official rules, visit the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids guidance before your trip.

Photo suggestion: A clear quart-size bag filled with small, travel-size bottles photographed against a neutral background.

Photo caption: Remember the three numbers: 3.4 ounces, one quart-size bag, and one bag per passenger.

What Is the TSA 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids?

The three numbers are easier to remember than they might sound.

Three point four ounces: Each standard liquid container must hold no more than 3.4 fluid ounces, or 100 milliliters.

One quart-size bag: Your qualifying liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols must fit inside one clear, resealable quart-size bag.

One bag per passenger: Each traveler is generally limited to one such bag for these items.

Here’s a detail that catches people off guard: the TSA looks at the container’s capacity, not how much product is left inside. If you have a six-ounce bottle of shampoo with just a little remaining, it still exceeds the limit. That bottle needs to go in checked baggage or be replaced with a compliant travel-size container.

And what about your reusable water bottle? You’re in luck! Empty water bottles can pass through airport security, so you can refill yours at a water fountain after the checkpoint instead of buying another bottle at airport prices. Just make sure it’s completely empty before you go through security. I learned that lesson firsthand at the Philadelphia airport when a TSA agent asked me, “Are you sure that bottle is empty?” I was confident it was—until I checked and discovered about an ounce of water still hiding at the bottom. Oops! I quickly drank it, thanked the agent, and went on my way with my bottle still in hand. A little embarrassing? Maybe. But I’m glad the agent caught it before my trusty travel companion was confiscated. 

Pro tip: Give your bottle a quick check before joining the security line. That last sip could save you from having to replace your favorite travel bottle!

What Toiletries Count as Liquids at Airport Security?

The TSA’s definition covers more than liquids you can pour. Gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols are also subject to the rule.

Common examples include:

  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash and liquid soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Sunscreen and moisturizing lotion
  • Liquid foundation and concealer
  • Mascara and lip gloss
  • Liquid or gel deodorant
  • Perfume and cologne
  • Hair gel and styling cream
  • Shaving cream
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Contact lens solution

This is where a little creativity can help. Solid toiletries, such as shampoo bars, bar soap, and solid deodorant, can free up valuable space in your liquids bag.

If you’re heading out for a short weekend getaway, do you really need to pack your entire bathroom cabinet? Probably not! Bring the toiletries you know you’ll use, and transfer your favorites into TSA-compliant travel containers if needed. Or, here’s another thought: wash your hair before you leave and wait until you get home to wash it again. Sometimes the easiest way to pack lighter is to skip a few things you don’t really need during a quick trip. Your suitcase will thank you!

Do You Have to Remove Your Liquids Bag at TSA Security?

Sometimes. The screening process depends on the checkpoint, its equipment, and the instructions given by TSA officers.

Some airports use newer computed tomography (CT) scanners that produce detailed, three-dimensional images of carry-on luggage. Depending on the screening setup, you may be allowed to leave your liquids and other belongings inside your bag.

Travelers using standard TSA PreCheck screening generally don’t have to remove their liquids bag. However, procedures can vary, and officers may give additional instructions.

My advice? Keep your liquids bag near the top of your carry-on. If you’re asked to remove it, you’ll be ready. There’s no need to turn the security line into an impromptu game of suitcase Jenga.

What Are the Exceptions to the TSA Liquids Rule?

The standard limit doesn’t apply to every liquid. Several important exceptions can help travelers with specific needs.

Medications and medically necessary liquids

Liquid medications and certain medically necessary liquids can exceed 3.4 ounces when carried in reasonable quantities for your trip. These items don’t have to fit inside your quart-size bag.

Declare medically necessary liquids to the TSA officer and be prepared for separate screening. Keep medications in your carry-on so they’re available when you need them.

Breast milk, formula, and infant food

Breast milk, infant formula, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food may be carried in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. They don’t need to fit inside the standard liquids bag, but you should tell the TSA officer about them at the beginning of screening. Additional inspection may be required.

Duty-free purchases

Larger duty-free liquids may be permitted under specific conditions, including appropriate security packaging and proof of purchase. Connecting flights can complicate matters, so check the requirements for your itinerary before buying full-size perfume or other liquids.

For details, consult the TSA’s official permitted-items list.

Can You Bring Food and Snacks Through Airport Security?

Absolutely! Bringing your own snacks can be a smart way to make a long travel day more comfortable, especially when you’re trying to find something that suits your dietary preferences.

Solid foods are generally allowed in carry-on bags. Think crackers, granola bars, nuts, trail mix, sandwiches, bread, and whole fruit on domestic trips within the continental United States.

The catch? Foods that are spreadable, creamy, or gel-like may fall under the liquids rule.

Examples include:

  • Yogurt
  • Hummus
  • Peanut butter and other nut butters
  • Salsa and dips
  • Salad dressing
  • Soup and broth
  • Jam and jelly
  • Cream cheese spreads

These items generally need to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less to pass through security in your carry-on. A container of hummus that’s larger than the limit won’t qualify just because you’re planning to eat it with perfectly innocent carrot sticks.

For international trips, remember that passing through airport security is only one part of the process. Customs and agricultural restrictions may limit the food you can bring into another country. Check your destination’s requirements before packing fresh produce or other food items.

How to Pack Toiletries for a Carry-On Like a Pro

You don’t need expensive luggage or a dozen organizing gadgets to pack well. A few simple habits can make your next trip easier.

Choose travel-size containers. Check the capacity printed on each bottle. If your favorite product comes in a larger container, transfer it to a smaller one or purchase a compliant travel size.

Try solid alternatives. Shampoo bars, solid soap, and solid deodorant can reduce the number of items competing for space in your liquids bag.

Prevent leaks. Secure bottle caps and use leakproof pouches where practical. Nothing ruins a carefully packed outfit quite like discovering that your moisturizer has staged a suitcase-wide escape.

Pack only what you need. For a short getaway, think about which products you’ll genuinely use. You can save room for souvenirs, an extra sweater, or something wonderful you discover along the way.

Make your liquids easy to reach. Keep your quart-size bag near the top of your luggage so you can remove it quickly if required.

Your Pre-Flight Liquids Checklist

Before leaving home, take a final look through your carry-on.

  • Each standard liquid container holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
  • My liquids fit in one clear, quart-size, resealable bag.
  • My toiletries bag is easy to reach.
  • Medications and qualifying medically necessary liquids are packed appropriately.
  • My snacks meet the applicable security rules.
  • My reusable water bottle is empty before security.
  • I’ve checked for any unusual items using the TSA’s official guidance.

Still unsure about something? The TSA’s What Can I Bring? tool lets you look up specific items. The final decision about whether an item can pass through a checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

Frequently Asked Questions About TSA Liquids

Can I bring a half-full bottle larger than 3.4 ounces?

No. The container’s capacity matters, not the amount remaining. Transfer the product to a compliant container or pack the larger bottle in checked baggage.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes. Toothpaste is treated as a paste under the 3-1-1 rule and must meet the standard container-size limit in your carry-on.

Can I bring an empty water bottle through security?

Yes. Empty reusable water bottles are permitted through the checkpoint. You can fill yours after screening.

Can I bring sunscreen in my carry-on?

Yes, provided it meets the standard liquids rule or qualifies for an applicable exception. For ordinary sunscreen, choose a container holding 3.4 ounces or less.

Do international airports follow the same liquids rule?

Not necessarily. Many countries have similar restrictions, but procedures and permitted quantities can vary. Check the rules for your departure airport and any connecting airports before you fly.

Pack Smart and Make Room for Adventure

The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule might seem like one more travel detail to remember, but it’s manageable once you know the basics. Keep your standard liquids in small containers, organize your quart-size bag, pack a few solid snacks, and check the rules for anything unusual before you leave.

Most importantly, give yourself a little extra time and grace on travel days. A smooth journey isn’t about having a perfectly packed suitcase. It’s about feeling prepared enough to enjoy the experience, from your first airport coffee to that first glimpse of your destination.

Here’s to lighter luggage, fewer airport surprises, and more room for the adventures that make traveling worthwhile.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth
Flight Delays: 10 New Rule Changes & Passenger Rights

U.S.A. Flight Delays: 10 New Rule Changes & Passenger Rights

Beth Glosner  | 

Have you ever found yourself stranded at Washington Dulles or Reagan National Airport, clutching a sad $12 airport food voucher while staring at a departure board glowing red with cancellations? If you travel as much as I do, you know the drill: when the airline messes up, you line up at the customer service desk to claim your free hotel room and dinner ticket.

Well, my fellow wanderers, major changes are coming to your favorite travel safety net. Mandated by Congress under the FAA Reauthorization Act and officially going into effect on February 1, 2027, a new Department of Transportation (DOT) rule will officially remove 10 specific types of flight disruptions from being counted as the airline’s fault. Translation? The perks we’ve grown accustomed to, like free hotel stays and meal vouchers, are about to shrink significantly.

Whether you’re taking off on a weekend getaway or heading out on an international food tour, you need to know what these new regulations mean for your travel budget and how to guard your wallet before your next takeoff. 

Let’s Dig In.

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.

  • Best for history lovers: Keeping up with changing FAA aviation laws and consumer rights.
  • Best for foodies: Knowing when you still qualify for airline-funded airport dining vouchers.
  • Best free activity: Checking the live DOT Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard before heading to the gate.
  • Best photo spot: Capturing that dreaded “Delayed” text notification on your phone for future reimbursement claims!
  • Best hidden gem: Primary trip delay insurance tucked away in your favorite travel credit card benefits.

Why Are Airlines No Longer Responsible for These Delays?

Under current rules, the top 10 U.S. airlines have enforceable commitments with the DOT to provide meal vouchers, ground transportation, and overnight lodging when a flight disruption is considered “controllable” (think standard maintenance, staffing shortages, or scheduling glitches).

However, industry group Airlines for America requested a brief implementation delay from the original October 2026 deadline to February 1, 2027, giving carriers and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics time to update their technical reporting systems. The goal of Congress was to ensure airlines aren’t financially penalized for bizarre, emergency, or third-party disruptions outside their direct operational sphere. But as the DOT candidly admitted, the total value of amenities provided to stranded passengers will drop.

What Are the 10 Types of Flight Delays Excluded Under the New Rule?

Starting in February 2027, if your flight gets held up or grounded due to any of these 10 exact scenarios, the airline will no longer treat it as a “controllable disruption,” meaning no free hotel room or airport dinner:

  1. Passenger Deaths: Necessary aircraft deep cleaning following the tragic death of a passenger onboard.
  2. External Damage: Aircraft damage caused by severe weather, foreign-object debris, or intentional sabotage.
  3. Baggage System Outages: Loading delays caused by third-party airport baggage systems not managed by the carrier.
  4. Cyberattacks: Unexpected cybersecurity incidents (provided the airline complies with federal safety standards).
  5. Government System Failures: Unexpected outages or shutdowns of federal aviation systems that impact flight safety.
  6. Emergency Braking: Overheated brakes resulting from emergency safety maneuvers on the tarmac.
  7. Unscheduled Maintenance: Emergency fixes—including airworthiness directives—that pop up outside routine maintenance and cannot be legally deferred.
  8. In-Flight Medical Emergencies: Diversions or delays due to passengers requiring urgent medical attention.
  9. Unruly Passengers: Delays caused by removing disruptive or dangerous travelers from the cabin.
  10. Volcanic Ash & Extreme Winds: Airport closures resulting from volcanic ash, wind, or sudden wind shear.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Airline Delays in 2027?

While the thought of sleeping on an airport bench next to a buzzing vending machine sounds like a nightmare, you don’t have to be caught completely off guard! Here are my favorite pro travel strategies to stay covered:

  • Always Get the Delay Reason in Writing: Gate agents are human and can sometimes quote the wrong policy. Always ask for the official written cause of a delay, or take a quick screenshot of the app notification on your phone.
  • Keep Your Ticket Refund Rights Intact: The new rule changes amenities, not cash refund laws. If an airline cancels your flight or changes your itinerary significantly (over 3 hours for domestic flights) and you decline their alternate routing, you are legally entitled to a 100% refund in cash.
  • Book with Travel Insurance Credit Cards: Pro tip! Many premium travel cards automatically include built-in trip delay reimbursement. If your flight is delayed over 6 hours, your card benefit can cover up to $500 in meals and lodging, regardless of whether the airline accepts the blame.
  • Check the Official DOT Dashboard: Keep the DOT’s Airline Delay & Cancellation Dashboard bookmarked on your phone so you can immediately see what your carrier has promised to provide before you step out of line.
A suitcase placed beside a neatly made hotel bed in a well-lit room with large windows and curtains.

If you’re planning your next big getaway, don’t miss our ultimate guides to smooth traveling:

Is an airline still required to give me a refund if my flight is canceled?

Yes! The 2027 rule changes only affect passenger amenities like hotel rooms, meals, and taxi vouchers. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed and you choose not to travel on their proposed alternative flight, the airline must issue a full cash refund to your original payment method.

How many days or hours count as a “significant delay” for refunds?

Under current DOT regulations, a significant delay is defined as a departure or arrival time change of more than 3 hours for domestic flights and more than 6 hours for international flights.

What is the DOT Airline Cancellation Dashboard?

It is a consumer-focused online tool managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation that clearly outlines the commitments made by the top 10 U.S. airlines regarding food, lodging, and rebooking options during controllable delays.

When do these new flight delay rules officially start?

The new classifications go into effect on February 1, 2027, after being extended from an initial target date in October 2026.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

–Beth
Close-up of a hand holding a U.S. passport with an airport background, emphasizing travel and passport renewal.

Your U.S. Passport Is Getting a Makeover: What Travelers Need to Know

Beth Glosner  | 

If international travel is somewhere on your 2027 or even your someday travel list, you may want to take a second look at your passport.

The U.S. passport is getting some significant updates. The State Department is working toward making first-time passport applications available entirely online, and a redesigned passport is planned for 2028. The new passport is supposed to be a universal 38-page book, but the official State Department material currently available doesn’t appear to clearly state this.

In other words, that little blue book you tuck into the back of your suitcase is getting a bit of a makeover.

And while you don’t need to run out and replace a perfectly good passport just because there’s a new design coming, there are a few changes worth knowing about, especially if you’re thinking about an international trip.

Let’s Dig.

Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here

First-Time Passport Applications Are Moving Online

Close-up of a U.S. passport application form with fields for personal information and identification documents.
Paper Application

Today, getting your first adult U.S. passport still involves an in-person application at an authorized acceptance facility. That can mean a trip to a post office, library, clerk of court, or other participating location, along with the required paperwork and passport photo.

That process is expected to change.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in September that the State Department is working toward allowing Americans to apply for their first passport online. The goal is for the vast majority of Americans to be able to apply for a passport or passport card through the government’s new America.gov system by the end of 2027.

For travelers who have ever put off getting a passport because the process sounded like a bureaucratic scavenger hunt, this could be welcome news.

Instead of printing forms, finding an appointment, and showing up somewhere in person, the planned system would allow applicants to complete much of the process from home.

But there’s an important “not yet” here.

As of November 2026, first-time adult applicants still need to apply in person. So if you’re planning an international trip for early 2027 and don’t have a passport yet, don’t wait for the new system to magically appear. Check the current requirements and allow plenty of time.

A Passport Photo You Can Take at Home?

This may be the part that gets the biggest cheer.

The planned online system will allow applicants to submit a digital passport photo rather than having to get a traditional printed photo taken elsewhere.

And yes, you may be able to take that photo with your phone.

Before you start practicing your best passport face, however, remember that passport photos still have rules. The State Department requires a recent color photo with a plain white or off-white background, and photos cannot be digitally altered or created using AI.

So, unfortunately, your favorite Instagram filter isn’t going to make the cut.

The proposed online process would also let applicants preview how their photo looks as part of the passport before submitting it. That’s a small change, but anyone who has ever received a passport and thought, Really? That’s the photo we’re going with? may appreciate it.

Solo traveler tip: If you’re getting your first your travel documents because you’re finally ready to take that international trip you’ve been thinking about, start gathering your documents and checking the requirements now. Technology may make the application easier, but it won’t make missing paperwork any less annoying.It may also take some time for all the kinks to be worked out of the new system, which could eat into the precious turnaround time you have to receive your passport.

What About Passport Renewals?

Here’s the good news: online passport renewal isn’t new.

Eligible U.S. adults can already renew their your travel documents online for routine service. The State Department introduced the online renewal system after years of testing, and it is now an established option for qualifying travelers.

There are eligibility requirements, though, so don’t assume every renewal can be done from your sofa.

And there’s another important detail: online renewal currently cannot be expedited. If you have an international trip coming up soon, check the processing requirements before deciding how you’ll renew.

As of now, the State Department lists routine processing at approximately 4–6 weeks, with expedited service taking about 2–3 weeks, plus mailing time. The department also warns that mailing can add additional time on either end of the process.

Translation: Don’t book the plane ticket first and then discover your your travel documents expired three weeks ago.

I’ve seen enough travel-planning disasters to know that’s not the kind of adventure anyone needs.

A New Passport Design Is Coming in 2028

Now for the fun part: your passport is getting a new look.

The State Department has unveiled a redesigned passport planned for 2028. The new design features a larger, more prominent Great Seal on the cover, along with an eagle motif throughout the passport’s interior pages. As you flip through the pages, the eagle creates an animated effect.

I will admit that is a little cool, but not that cool.

The new travel document is also being presented as a more modern, secure passport. The State Department says today’s next-generation travel documents already incorporate features such as a polycarbonate data page, laser engraving, and other anti-counterfeiting measures.

Do You Need to Replace Your Current Passport?

No.

And this is probably the most important thing to remember.

If you already have a valid U.S. passport, you don’t need to replace it simply because a redesigned version is coming.

Your current passport remains valid until it expires, assuming it is otherwise usable and meets the requirements of the country you’re visiting.

So if your travel documents good for several more years, there’s no reason to panic-buy a new passport just because the 2028 version will look different.

Personally, I’d put that money toward the trip.

Don’t Forget the Six-Month Passport Rule

Here’s something much more important than whether your passport has the old cover or the new one.

Many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your planned departure date. Six months is a common requirement, although the exact rule varies by destination.

That means you shouldn’t wait until your official travel document is almost expired to start thinking about renewal.

Imagine finding an amazing airfare to Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, or another destination you’ve been dreaming about only to discover your passport doesn’t have enough validity remaining.

Not exactly the travel surprise you were hoping for.

Pro tip: Before booking international travel, check the passport requirements for your specific destination. Rules can vary by country, and they can change.

What If You Need a Passport Quickly?

This is where I would still plan ahead.

Moving applications online doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to get a passport instantly.

The State Department currently has separate processes for travelers who need passports urgently. Passport agencies and centers serve people with urgent international travel, and appointments are required.

If you have an international trip coming up in a matter of weeks, don’t assume that the new online system will solve everything.

Official travel document processing still takes time.

And while I fully support spontaneous travel, “I leave for Europe on Thursday and just remembered my passport expired” is perhaps a little too spontaneous.

Should You Wait for the New Passport?

If you’re eligible for a passport now and have international travel coming up, I wouldn’t wait solely because you’re hoping to get the new design.

The redesigned passport isn’t expected until 2028, and your travel plans shouldn’t revolve around getting a particular travel document cover.

If you need a passport, get one.

If you already have valid travel documents, use it.

And if you’re planning travel for 2027, make passport validity part of your planning checklist now.

The State Department itself recommends considering the total time involved, including mailing, when planning around passport processing.

A Good November Travel-Planning Task

November is actually a great time to put your passport on your travel-planning checklist.

Maybe you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee and making your travel wish list for next year. Maybe you’re thinking about finally taking that solo international trip you’ve been putting off. Or maybe you’re simply trying to get your travel documents organized before another year disappears.

Take five minutes and check:

  • When does your passport expire?
  • Do you have enough blank pages for your upcoming travels?
  • Does your destination require additional travel document validity?
  • Are you eligible for online renewal?
  • If you don’t have a passport yet, what documents will you need?
  • How much time should you allow for processing and mailing?

You don’t have to book a flight today.

You don’t even have to decide where you’re going.

But knowing that your travel documents are ready to go can make that future trip feel a whole lot more possible.

And isn’t that what travel planning is supposed to do?

Turn “Someday I’d love to go there” into “Okay…how do I get there?”

The Bottom Line

The U.S. passport process is changing, but not all of the changes are happening at once.

First-time adult passport applications are expected to move toward an online process beginning in 2027, with the goal of making the process easier and more accessible. A redesigned passport is planned for 2028, featuring a larger Great Seal and an eagle design that appears to move as you flip through the pages.

For now, though, the old rules still matter.

If you need your first passport today, you still need to apply in person. If you’re renewing, check whether you’re eligible to renew online. And regardless of which passport design you eventually receive, give yourself plenty of time before an international trip.

Because the best passport is the one that’s safely tucked in your bag before you get to the airport.

Not the one you’re frantically waiting for in the mailbox the night before your flight.

Pro tip: Bookmark the U.S. Department of State’s passport pages rather than relying on old travel posts for application requirements. Passport procedures, fees, and processing times can change.

U.S. Department of State — U.S. Passports

The best passport is the one safely tucked in your bag before you get to the airport. Not the one you’re frantically waiting for in the mailbox the night before your flight.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!


–Beth