Do toiletries have to be in a clear bag?

Yes, for carry-on bags, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes (LAGs) to be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, all fitting into a single, clear, quart-sized, sealable bag (the 3-1-1 Rule). While the bag itself doesn't have to be perfectly clear or a specific brand, it must be transparent and allow security officers to easily see the containers inside for efficient screening, or you may face additional checks.

Can I put my toiletries in a non-clear bag?

Each passenger can carry liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes up to 3.4 ounces, or 100 milliliters, per container. These must be in a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag. This is where a clear toiletry bag becomes essential. It not only meets TSA requirements but also simplifies the security process.

Do toiletries have to be in a clear bag in a suitcase?

Using a transparent bag for liquids

If the airport asks you to put liquids in a separate bag: containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.

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.
 

Does deodorant need to be in clear bag carry-on?

If you're packing them in your carry-on, they must be packed in a clear quart-sized bag and be 3.4 ounces or less.

The New Approach to Packing Toiletries in Your Carry-on Bag (effortless)

Does stick deodorant need to be in a quart size bag?

No, solid stick deodorant does not need to be in a quart-sized bag for carry-on luggage because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers it a solid, not a liquid, allowing it in any size in both carry-on and checked bags without restriction. Only spray, gel, cream, or roll-on deodorants are subject to the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces or less in a single quart bag).
 

Is toothpaste considered a liquid?

Yes, for air travel purposes, toothpaste is considered a liquid, gel, or paste (LAG) and must follow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 rule in carry-on bags, meaning it must be in containers 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fitting into one clear, quart-sized bag. While technically a viscous paste, it's grouped with gels and liquids for security screening, so tubes larger than 3.4 oz must go in checked luggage.
 

Do I have to use a Ziploc bag for an airplane?

Yes, for U.S. domestic flights and many international ones, you must put liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in a single, clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag (like a Ziploc) for carry-on screening, with containers 3.4 oz (100ml) or smaller, but some newer airport scanners allow you to keep them in your bag. While a Ziploc is standard, some airports might have slightly different requirements, so having a clear toiletry bag that fits the size and is easily accessible is key, but the quart-sized Ziploc is the safest bet for hassle-free security. 

Do I still need to put liquids in a clear bag in 2025?

Yes, for the most part, you still need to put liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag for carry-on screening in 2025, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz/100ml containers in one bag per person), but some airports with new CT scanners might let you keep them in your bag; exceptions exist for medicine, baby items, and duty-free purchases, so always follow officer instructions. 

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 the quart size bag have to be a ziploc bag?

Here's a copy of TSA regulations about what you can and can't put in your carry on before you go through security. Basically, any liquids (water), aerosols, gels, creams and pastes (the peanut butter on crackers) must be in a 3.4 ounce or less container. All of the containers have to be in a 1 quart, clear ziplock bag.

Does everything in a carry-on have to be in a clear bag?

Technically yes, although TSA often doesn't enforce... but it's beneficial to comply regardless just in case. Depends on the airport. I always do just in case, but if the airport has the newer x-ray machines you don't have to take anything out of your bag.

What toiletries are not allowed on an airplane?

You can't bring full-sized liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml) in your carry-on, and some dangerous items like flammable sprays, high-proof alcohol (over 70%), or toxic chemicals are banned entirely, even in checked bags, though most toiletries are fine if they follow the 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person) in carry-ons, or are in reasonable quantities with protective caps in checked 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. 

Can I bring a gallon Ziploc bag on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a gallon Ziploc bag on a plane, but only a quart-sized bag (about the size of a sandwich bag) is allowed through security for liquids, gels, and aerosols (LAGs) in your carry-on, so you'd need to put your items in smaller, travel-sized containers (3.4oz/100ml or less) and fit them into that specific quart bag, or put the gallon bag's contents in checked luggage. The gallon bag itself is fine for organizing other items or keeping wet things separate, but for the checkpoint, it's the quart-sized bag for liquids that counts. 

Can I take full size shampoo in my suitcase?

Yes, you can bring full bottles of shampoo in your checked suitcase, as the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule (3.4oz/100ml limit) only applies to carry-ons. Just be sure to pack them securely in sealed plastic bags to prevent leaks from cabin pressure changes, as large containers can burst and make a mess.
 

Does deodorant need to go in a clear bag TSA?

Yes, if it's gel, cream, or spray, deodorant must go in your clear, quart-sized bag and be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, following the TSA's 3-1-1 rule; however, solid stick deodorant is generally fine in any size in your carry-on without needing the liquids bag. 

Does mascara count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) considers mascara a liquid or gel, even though it seems thick, falling under the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags, meaning it must be in a container 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller and fit in a single, clear, quart-sized bag with other liquids. This rule applies to other creamy makeup like foundation, concealer, and cream blush, as well as gels and pastes that could potentially leak or spill, requiring them to be packed with your other toiletries.
 

Can I take tweezers in hand luggage?

Yes, you can generally take tweezers in your hand luggage, as they are usually permitted by security agencies like the TSA, but the final decision rests with the security officer; pointed-tip tweezers might be flagged, so blunt-tip or standard ones are safer for carry-on, while pointed ones are better in checked bags to avoid confiscation. 

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 bring a bag full of snacks on a plane?

Yes, you can bring a bag of snacks on a plane in your carry-on or checked luggage, but solid foods (chips, crackers, fruit, bars) are easy, while liquids, gels, and creamy spreads (yogurt, hummus, peanut butter, dips) must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule (containers 3.4 oz/100ml or less in a quart-sized bag) for carry-ons, or go in checked bags. Always pack snacks like crackers, dried fruit, and nuts in your carry-on for easy screening, and remember TSA officers have the final say on all items.
 

Does TSA actually care about quart size bags?

Yes, the TSA is strict about the quart-size bag rule (3-1-1) for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-ons, requiring all containers 3.4oz (100ml) or less to fit into one clear, quart-sized bag per passenger, though enforcement can vary by airport and if you have TSA PreCheck. It's a literal rule: one bag, all liquids must fit inside, and items over 3.4oz must go in checked bags.
 

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.

Is nail polish considered a liquid?

Yes, nail polish is considered a liquid, gel, or aerosol by travel security (like TSA) and must follow the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on bags (3.4oz/100ml containers in a clear bag), due to its liquid nature and flammable chemical makeup, requiring careful packing in checked bags or following strict carry-on limits. 

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.