Do all liquids need to be in clear containers?

No, not all liquids need to be in clear containers, but for air travel with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), they must fit into individual containers (3.4 oz/100ml or less) that go into one single, clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, with the bag itself being clear, not necessarily the bottles inside. Using lightly tinted or clear bottles helps security see contents easily, but the main rule is the bag and container size for carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols.

Do I have to put all my liquids in a clear bag?

Yes, for carry-on bags in the U.S. (TSA), all liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag, following the 3-1-1 Rule (3.4 oz/100ml containers, one bag per passenger) to get through screening easily; it's a strict requirement for security.
 

Do I have to put my toothpaste in a plastic bag?

Yes, for carry-on luggage on airplanes, toothpaste (a gel/paste) must be in a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols, and gels, with containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller fitting inside that single bag. If it's in your checked baggage, these rules don't apply, but it's wise to seal it to prevent leaks.
 

What are the TSA liquid rules for 2025?

For 2025, TSA liquid rules remain the 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, fitting in one clear, quart-sized bag per passenger, but advanced CT scanners at some airports mean you might not need to remove liquids from your bag, though some specific items (medications, breast milk) are exempt from size limits, and lithium batteries have separate rules. 

Do liquids need to be in a Ziploc in a checked bag?

Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in one quart-size bag.. You'll need to bring your own quart-size bag, as the TSA does not provide Ziploc bags.

8 Insanely Useful Tips for Packing Liquids for Carry-on Travel

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, toothpaste counts as a liquid, gel, or paste and must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with only one bag per passenger. This rule applies because toothpaste is a cream or gel, similar to lotion, shampoo, or mascara, which can be squeezed or spread.
 

What did TSA just ban from checked luggage?

TSA bans new item from travelers' checked luggage

Cordless curling irons, cordless flat irons and cordless hair straighteners with lithium ion batteries, lithium metal or gas or butane fuel have been banned from checked luggage but can be packed in carry-on bags.

Do pills have to be in original bottles when flying?

For domestic U.S. flights, the TSA doesn't require pills to be in original bottles, so pill organizers are fine, but for international travel, original containers with labels are strongly recommended by the CDC and State Department to avoid issues with customs and varying local laws. While the TSA allows unlimited solid medication in carry-ons, having a doctor's note and keeping meds in original bottles (especially for international trips) provides clear proof of legitimacy and helps with potential questions from officers, particularly for controlled substances. 

Do you still need to put toiletries in a plastic bag in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, you still need to put travel-sized toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes) in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for carry-on luggage due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, though some airports are testing advanced scanners that might ease this, it's not universal, so always be prepared to use the bag. Solid items (like lipstick, powders) and medically necessary liquids have different rules, but the quart-sized bag for liquids remains the standard.
 

How strict is TSA with quart size bags?

The TSA is quite strict about the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, fit into one clear, quart-sized bag, and you only get one such bag per traveler in your carry-on, says the Transportation Security Administration, Quora users, Reddit users and Facebook users, Daily Passport, Cameo College of Essential Beauty, Szoneier, YouTube users, and Rick Steves Travel Forum users. While some travelers report lax enforcement at certain airports, especially with PreCheck, the rule is official, and non-compliant liquids may be confiscated.
 

How many Ziploc bags can I take on a plane?

You can take one quart-sized Ziploc bag for liquids in your carry-on, with each liquid container being 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and all fitting easily in that single bag; for non-liquid items (solids, electronics, etc.), you can use multiple Ziploc bags in your carry-on or checked luggage, but liquids must follow the strict 3-1-1 rule. 

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

(As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container). Spray deodorants are often subject to additional rules. They can be dangerous on planes because they are pressurised containers that might leak or burst under changing cabin pressure.

What cannot go in a checked bag?

You cannot pack explosives, flammable items (like gasoline, lighter fluid, some aerosols), firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), toxic chemicals, and spare lithium batteries in checked bags; other items like valuables, medications, electronics (like vapes/e-cigarettes), and certain liquids/powders are either restricted or better in your carry-on for safety and security.
 

Does lotion have to be in a clear bag?

Yes, you must place your lotion and all other liquids, gels, and aerosols in a single, clear, resealable plastic bag. The bag must be quart-sized or smaller, and all your containers must fit comfortably inside so that it can be sealed completely. This is a non-negotiable rule for carry-on luggage.

Can I bring unopened water through TSA?

No, you generally cannot bring unopened bottles of water over 3.4 ounces (100ml) through TSA checkpoints in your carry-on; they must be emptied, but you can refill them after security, or freeze large bottles solid to get them through, as frozen liquids are allowed, notes Travel + Leisure, Remitly, and BLENDi. Water for babies/toddlers is an exception, with special rules for screening, according to the Familee Travel blog. 

What makeup items are not allowed on planes?

No makeup items are completely banned on planes, but liquids, gels, and aerosols (like liquid foundation, mascara, cream blush) in carry-ons must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less, in one clear quart-sized bag, one bag per person. Sharp items like nail scissors or razors are generally prohibited in carry-ons but allowed in checked bags, while powder makeup is fine in either.
 

Can you take tweezers in hand luggage?

Personal items such as small scissors, spoons, disposable razors, nail clippers and files, tweezers and knitting needles are allowed.

Can I take hand sanitizer on the plane?

Yes, you can bring hand sanitizer on a plane in your carry-on, but it must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, fit in one quart-sized bag with other liquids, and the temporary exception for larger bottles is over, so standard rules apply now. You can pack larger quantities in checked bags, adhering to FAA guidelines for medicinal/toiletry articles (total under 2kg/70oz, individual containers under 500ml/17oz).
 

What happens if I refuse a TSA search?

If you refuse a pat-down, you may not be allowed to fly

Once you've been instructed to receive a pat-down, your only option is to comply. If you refuse, expect to be barred from entering the airport terminal and prevented from boarding your flight.

Do I need a copy of my prescription when flying?

Yes, you should carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's note when flying with medication, especially internationally, as it helps security and customs verify your need for the drugs, though the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn't strictly require it for domestic flights, it expedites screening and is crucial for international travel. Keep all meds in their original containers in your carry-on, declare liquids over 3.4oz, and research destination country laws. 

Can you fly with pills in a Ziploc bag?

Yes, you can fly with pills in a Ziploc bag, but it's highly recommended to keep prescription meds in their original labeled bottles, especially for controlled substances or international travel, to avoid delays and confusion with TSA, though they are generally allowed in carry-on or checked bags without the original bottle. A doctor's note isn't required by TSA but helps for complex meds or crossing borders, and keep them in your personal item for easy access. 

Should I carry a copy of my prescription?

Bring a Copy of Your Prescription and Doctor's Contact Information. When traveling, especially abroad, carry a written prescription or a note from your doctor listing all your current medications, their generic names, and dosages. This documentation can help if: You lose your medications or need to replace them abroad.

What is the most confiscated item at airports?

The Most Frequently Detected Prohibited Items in Airport Baggage Checks

1. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) ...
2. Knives and Sharp Objects. ...
3. Firearms. ...
4. Explosives and Flammable Materials. ...
5. Realistic Replicas and Novelty Items. ...
6. Ammunition. ...
7. Flammable Household Items. ...
8. Restricted Powders.

Can I put my phone charger in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience.