Can I bring full-size toothpaste in my carry-on?

No. Toothpaste counts as a gel and must be 3.4 oz or smaller in your carry-on. Full-size toothpaste goes in checked luggage. A travel-size tube lasts 1-2 weeks. Consider toothpaste tablets as a solid alternative.

Does makeup count toward the liquid limit?

Liquid and cream makeup (foundation, concealer, mascara, lip gloss) counts. Powder makeup (blush, eyeshadow, powder foundation) does not count and can go outside the liquids bag. Lipstick is considered solid and doesn't count.

What if my toiletries don't fit in one quart bag?

You're limited to one bag. Either check a bag and put full-size toiletries there, switch to solid alternatives, or plan to buy items at your destination. You cannot use multiple quart bags or a larger bag.

Can I bring hand sanitizer in my carry-on?

Yes, but it must be 3.4 oz or smaller and fit in your liquids bag. During COVID-19, TSA temporarily allowed up to 12 oz, but that exception has ended. Standard 3-1-1 rules now apply.

Do I need to remove my toiletries bag at international airports?

Most countries require it. EU airports, UK, Canada, Australia, and most Asian airports follow similar rules. Some airports have newer scanners that don't require removal, but always be prepared to take it out. Pack it accessibly.

What about prescription medications and liquids?

Medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but must be declared at security. Bring them in original packaging with your name on the label. Liquid medications can exceed 3.4 oz. You may need to present them separately for additional screening.

How to Pack Toiletries for Air Travel

Place liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, all fitting inside a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. Pack this bag at the top of your carry-on for quick TSA access. Full-size toiletries go in checked luggage or can be purchased at your destination.

Get the right bag. Use a clear, quart-sized (roughly 20cm x 20cm) resealable plastic bag. TSA provides them at security, but bring your own to avoid lines. One bag per passenger. Gallon bags are too large and will be rejected.
Check container sizes. Every liquid, gel, cream, paste, or aerosol must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller. The container size matters, not how full it is. A half-empty 6 oz bottle will be confiscated. Look for travel-size products or buy reusable travel bottles and decant from full-size products.
Know what counts as a liquid. Toothpaste, deodorant gel, mascara, lip gloss, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, foundation, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer all count. Solid deodorant sticks, powder makeup, solid soap bars, and solid shampoo bars do not count and can go outside the liquids bag.
Pack strategically. Put your liquids bag at the very top of your carry-on or in an outside pocket. You'll need to remove it and place it separately in a bin at security. Keep it accessible.
Consider alternatives. Switch to solids where possible: bar shampoo and conditioner, solid deodorant, powder toothpaste tablets, bar soap. These don't count toward your liquid limit and save space. For week-long trips, a 3.4 oz bottle of shampoo is often enough.
Pack full-size in checked bags. If checking luggage, put full-size toiletries there. No size restrictions in checked bags. Wrap them in plastic bags in case of leaks from cabin pressure changes.
Plan for arrival. Most destinations have drugstores near airports and hotels. If you're staying more than a week, buying shampoo and toothpaste on arrival is often easier than packing large quantities. Hotels provide basic soap and shampoo.

Can I bring full-size toothpaste in my carry-on?: No. Toothpaste counts as a gel and must be 3.4 oz or smaller in your carry-on. Full-size toothpaste goes in checked luggage. A travel-size tube lasts 1-2 weeks. Consider toothpaste tablets as a solid alternative.
Does makeup count toward the liquid limit?: Liquid and cream makeup (foundation, concealer, mascara, lip gloss) counts. Powder makeup (blush, eyeshadow, powder foundation) does not count and can go outside the liquids bag. Lipstick is considered solid and doesn't count.
What if my toiletries don't fit in one quart bag?: You're limited to one bag. Either check a bag and put full-size toiletries there, switch to solid alternatives, or plan to buy items at your destination. You cannot use multiple quart bags or a larger bag.
Can I bring hand sanitizer in my carry-on?: Yes, but it must be 3.4 oz or smaller and fit in your liquids bag. During COVID-19, TSA temporarily allowed up to 12 oz, but that exception has ended. Standard 3-1-1 rules now apply.
Do I need to remove my toiletries bag at international airports?: Most countries require it. EU airports, UK, Canada, Australia, and most Asian airports follow similar rules. Some airports have newer scanners that don't require removal, but always be prepared to take it out. Pack it accessibly.
What about prescription medications and liquids?: Medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but must be declared at security. Bring them in original packaging with your name on the label. Liquid medications can exceed 3.4 oz. You may need to present them separately for additional screening.