How much liquid can you take on a Plane?

Aug 9, 2019

When flying with liquids for a domestic or an international flight, the ounces of liquid to take on the plane is what we’re worried about most. We often get confused, knowing it is the first thing to do when packing liquids on a plane.

There are rules governing the quantity of liquid that can be permitted. Before we dig into the guidelines for the quantity of liquid to take on the plane, note that there are different airline liquid restrictions based on the airline you’re boarding.

Keeping the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) liquid rules in mind, pack your carry-on and checked baggage accordingly.

The basic rules for the TSA liquid limit are governed by the TSA, an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency has led down the required rules that are governed for the airplane liquid limit.

These rules set by the TSA will help you get the answers to questions like “How many oz can you take on a plane?”, “What are TSA’s requirements for liquids on a plane” and “Can you bring alcohol on a plane?”.

How many ounces can you take on a plane?

According to TSA liquids rules, each passenger can carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of 3.4 oz. (about 100 mL) or less, inside one quart-sized clear plastic (such as Ziploc) bag in the carry-on bag.

Make sure that the bag is not more than 1 liter in capacity.

TSA Liquids Rule

TSA carry-on liquids 3-1-1 rule goes like this:

“3” – Each liquid must be contained in 3.4 ounces (or less) containers.
“1” – All liquid containers must be inside one clear quart-size bag (about 0.94 liter).
“1” – Each passenger can carry one such quart-sized plastic bag.

Carry-on liquid size must abide by the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Tip:

You can carry water in a collapsible water bottle with a filter, and it can be filled with tap water once you bypass the screening process.
Drink or discard any beverages that are in containers of more than 100 ml before the screening.

Fluids such as juices and toiletries, which we use daily, come under the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Do Note, Aerosols and gels also come under the category of liquids.

Here’s a list of the different items that can be classified as liquids, gels, and aerosols to ease up your packing.

Liquids: perfume, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, oil, vinegar, sauces (e.g., salsa, gravy, etc.), soup, salad dressing, soft drinks, juice, bottled water, canned food with high liquid content (e.g., tuna, etc.), cream, liquor (e.g., wine, beer, etc.).
Aerosols: deodorant, hairspray, sunscreen cream or spray, shaving cream.
Gels: lip gloss, hair styling gel, jam, yogurt, honey, peanut butter, cheese spread, shaving gel, toothpaste, gel-filled tablets (e.g., fish oil tablets).

The liquids, as mentioned above, are TSA-approved items. Apart from these liquids, some fluids are also permitted in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces.

Liquids that excess the 3.4-ounce rule include:

Prescribed medication and OTC drugs (Over-the-Counter medicine).
People with disabilities or medical conditions using liquids or liquid lotions.
Contact lens solution.
Frozen or solid ice.
Medical or cosmetic items with saline.
Medications, baby formula, and breast milk in reasonable quantities.

You need to declare these items to inspect at the airport security checkpoint. The TSA requires you to separate the above-mentioned items. Inform the security officer beforehand. It may be subjected to additional screening.

For stress-free packing, you can also buy travel-size containers or sachets (100 ml) of the daily toiletries you use every day. It would save your time and also avoid you from the lengthy screening process.

Before packing any liquid container, do check if it is adequately sealed, is leak-proof, and the lid is not ajar. Ensure that the container fits comfortably in a quart-size bag or a zip-top bag.

Don’t worry too much about carrying liquids on the plane. Liquids in checked baggage don’t require one to
follow the rules. You can stow liquids as per your requirement.

Fun Fact

How many 100ml slimes can you bring on a plane?

Nowadays, slimes are considered as a stress buster, providing entertainment when stuck in boredom.

If pondering on the question, whether they are permitted on the plane or not? Don’t overthink.

Yes, slime is allowed on an aircraft if one approves the TSA rules and the airline rules you’re boarding.

It is considered a liquid.

So if planning to pack it in a carry-on luggage, keep in mind that the constituency of slime should not be more than 3.4 oz (100 ml).

As you can carry a 1-quart ziplock bag of liquid. So, you may take 10 x (100 ml) slime along with you.

For checked bags, no rules are restricted for slime’s constituency. So, stow slime in the checked bag without worrying about the limitations.

Have Secure & Safe Travels!

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Sachin Suryawanshi

Digital Marketing Consultant

Sachin Suryawanshi is Digital Marketing Consultant at Claim Flights. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. He loves to explore new places and learn new things.