What is the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule anyway?

Packing toiletries (or other liquids) in your carry on or personal bag? Remember the magic number: 3-1-1. You can technically bring as many liquids as you’d like in your checked luggage (just make sure it's within the airline's weight limits - usually 50 lbs). The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule is for carry-on luggage only or whatever you plan to bring onto the plane.

Note: The Liquids Rule includes aerosols, gels, creams and pastes (aside from liquids). Any item (not just toiletries) that is considered a 'liquid' must be packed in your quart size bag. So if you're bringing a spread, dip, creamy cheese, moisturizer, etc. in your carry on, make sure that they're under 3.4 oz (if not, pack them in your checked bag instead). 

Basically, it means:

⍟ 3 = Refers to the maximum size container (for liquids) you can bring in your carry-on bag. You're only allowed to bring 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) containers. Liquids containers smaller than 3.4 ounces are okay but anything larger must be packed in your checked luggage instead. You may bring multiple 3 ounce containers, as long as they fit inside a quart size bag. 

⍟ 1 = Refers to the maximum number of quart-sized clear bags you can bring. You are only allowed to bring one quart-sized (dimensions: 7” x 8”) bag where you’ll store all your 3.4 ounces liquid containers.

⍟ 1 = Refers to the maximum number of persons per quart size bag. Each person flying may only carry up to 1 quart size bag.  

Now that we’ve broken it down for you, packing is a pretty simple task.

Here's what you’ll need:

✓ A few 3.4 ounce (or smaller) liquid bottles

✓ 1 Quart Size Bag

Instead of using an old, flimsy plastic bag we’ll introduce you to our super cute (and very handy) product called The Extra Small Cube.

The Quart Size Bag by EzPacking

If you don’t want to be called out by airport security, it’s important to abide by the TSA rules. This includes separating your electronics into airport bins and getting rid of any liquids over the three ounce limit. You’ll also need an easy to use, clear toiletry bag that follows the rules but is still cute. We recommend our airport friendly Quart Size Bag. Below are some of its main features and why it’s the best clear toiletry bag for your carry on!

 Features of EzPacking’s Clear Toiletry Bag

✓ Quart size - The TSA rules specifically say that 3-1-1 Liquids Bags cannot be larger than quart size (7” x 8” inches). Our clear toiletry bag is just under quart size - 6 inches in length by 6 inches in width. Don’t let its compact size fool you, you can store many items inside it. Typical customers can fit between 9 to 14 items inside! 

✓ Clear, see-through design -  It’s transparent on all sides (except the back) and has safe zippers all the way around. TSA agents can easily see what’s inside without having to open the packing cube! The thicker plastic ensures that items won’t poke holes through the bag over time.

✓ Easy but durable double zippers - Our clear toiletry bag is super durable and has intact zippers. Did we mention there are double zippers for extra safety and functionality? While not 100% waterproof, we call our packing cubes “splash resistant” because they help mitigate and prevent spills. P.S. If you’re really a smart packer, you would have ALL your clothes and valuables packed in EzPacking cubes to prevent damage to them in your suitcase. Checkout the whole EzPacking Set here.  

✓ Longer lasting - Let’s be real, how many times will you be able to use that ziplock bag? And what if your hair cream pokes a hole in the bag and there’s chaos? EzPacking’s quart size bag is a way more reliable option. Other toiletry bags are more prone to ruptures and tears due to their thin and meshy material. The EzPacking clear toiletry bag is made from both durable cordura and vinyl. It’s longer lasting and holds it shape while still being flexible.  

✓ Wipe to clean - Toiletry items like lotions and creams almost always leave residues, even if you remember to keep the cap tightly closed. With the EzPacking clear toiletry bag, you can simply wipe off this residue with a warm washcloth or wash the whole cube under water and let it air dry. It’ll be as good as new again! Mesh-based toiletry bags simply won’t give you this capability.

What Items are Allowed in My Clear Quart Size Bag?

Okay, so now you’re all set with a TSA Quart Size Bag and ready for some vacay time. But which liquids are allowed in your carry-on luggage and which are not?  

Liquids ALLOWED in Your Quart Size Bag:

✓ Shampoo, dry shampoo, conditioner and body wash

✓ Toothpaste and mouthwash

✓ Lotion, moisturizers and creams

✓ Liquid foundation, liquid eyeliner or mascara

✓ Aerosol sprays for the body like perfume, deodorant, hair spray or shaving cream

Important! Exceptions to the TSA Liquids Rule:

There are certain exceptions to the TSA rule and you may qualify for one of them. If you need to bring special medications and medical accessories or if you’re a mother who is breastfeeding, read below for more details on what you are allowed to bring through airport security.

✓ Medications / Accessories - Click here to see if your special medications or medical accessories are permitted through security.

✓ Breastfeeding Mothers - Formula, breast milk, and juice for Infants...these items are allowed through security in reasonable quantities (more than 3.4 ounces per bottle). We advise you to remove these items from your carry-on and inform the TSA officer of the items that are above 3.4 ounces. They will most likely screen these items separately and they may be screened by an X-ray. As long as you inform the staff of these special items beforehand, you should be good to go!

Pro Tip: When traveling through airport security with these items, give yourself an extra 20 minutes just in case screening takes longer than planned. Read more details here!

Other Items that are ALLOWED in Your Carry On:

✓ Nail clippers

✓ Tweezers

✓ Bobby pins

✓ Disposable razors

✓ Pencil sharpener (for eyeliner)

✓ Safety pins

✓ Scissors (if packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point)

✓ Hand Sanitizer (up to 12 ounces per passenger) - In light of recent events, the TSA is currently allowing 1 liquid hand sanitizer (up to 12 ounces) per passenger in their carry on. However, it needs to be screened separately so make sure that you remove it from your quart size bag.

Liquids NOT ALLOWED in Your Carry On:

✗ Aerosol sprays that aren’t meant for body care like flammable sprays and self-defense sprays

✗ Flammable liquids or gels

✗ Vaping liquids

✗ Alcohol that is more than 70%

Not sure if your items are allowed in your carry on or checked bag?

Use this TSA search tool to find out!

Our Favorite Packing Tips for a Smoother TSA Experience

Aside from packing a TSA Approved Quart Size Bag, there are a couple of things you can do to streamline the screening process at the airport. These tips will help you step up your packing game for a hassle-free strut through TSA security: 

1. Pack a ready to go 'Travel Toiletry Bag' - If you travel a lot, why not keep your travel toiletries packed and ready to go all the time? This one tip can be a serious lifesaver. Create your own 'Travel Toiletry Bag' with all your favorite toiletries (or makeup) especially items that can be hard to find overseas. Then keep it somewhere you can easily access on the go (like a bathroom drawer)! 

Pro Tip: After a trip, check your toiletries bag for items that need to be refilled or replenished like lotion, cotton swabs and pads.

2. Samples are your best friends - You can basically get FREE samples of anything - shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, makeup, etc. Save these trial size products for your next trip! They're usually under 3.4 oz and comes in disposable containers which can be super handy when you're traveling.  

3. Bring versatile products - Yup, double duty is the name of the game. Pack products that have multiple uses like a lip and cheek tint or a full coverage foundation instead of bringing an extra concealer, etc. 

4. Go for solid alternatives - Is the TSA Liquids Rule too limiting for you? You can find solid versions of toiletries like shampoo, sunscreen, face wash and even mouthwash. These solid alternatives don't have to go into your quart size bag (you can use a different color cube for your other toiletries that aren't considered liquids). 

5. Make smart swaps - Are you a skincare junkie? It's okay! If you can't live without your arsenal of skin products, you've got to make a bit of compromise. Leave the excess hair products at home, so you can make room for your skin care essentials (or vice versa!).

Complying with the TSA rules for bringing liquids in your carry-on bag is a must.

Always remember the 3-1-1 rule!

Also, remember to get yourself the best Quart Size Bag ever (and maybe one for each member of the family).

EzPacking’s Clear Quart Size Toiletry Bag will do wonders for you!

If you want some more airport or flying tips, click here.

Safe Travels everyone!