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Have you heard of the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carryon luggage? Guidelines fluctuate between airports; read this post to help you understand how it works!
What is the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for Carry-On Luggage?
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As Travel Fashion Girls, our goal is to pack light and travel carry-on only but one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to bring all your toiletries while still following TSA rules. That’s where the 3-1-1 liquids rule comes in.
If you’re flying carry-on only, understanding the 3-1-1 rule is essential. It determines how many liquids you’re allowed to pack and can make or break your airport experience. So, what does it actually mean?
According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration in the USA) explains on their website, liquids in carry-on luggage must follow these guidelines:
Ziploc Quart Carry On Plastic Travel Bags | EzPacking Clear TSA Approved Toiletry Bag
What Does 3-1-1 Mean?
The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule limits liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes in carry-on luggage:
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3 = Maximum 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per item
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1 = 1 quart-sized clear zip-top bag per traveler
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1 = 1 bag per passenger
This rule applies to all liquids, including shampoo, conditioner, face wash, toothpaste, and even makeup items like mascara, lip gloss, and eyelash glue.
Even though the rule has been around for over a decade, travelers still get caught off guard, especially at international airports where enforcement can vary.
I first wrote about this topic on October 5th, 2015, and I was shocked by how many travelers had no idea the rule even existed, despite it being in place for nearly ten years at that point. But honestly, it’s not completely their fault.
The biggest issue is that there isn’t a universal standard for the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Regulations and enforcement differ from country to country, and even from airport to airport. Most places follow it, but every now and then you’ll come across a security checkpoint that barely pays attention to liquid restrictions at all.
Pen-style containers and cylinder soft tubes help you follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule by keeping liquids under 3.4oz/100ml. They’re compact, easy to fill, and perfect for lotions, serums, and other toiletries in your quart-size bag.
Why Travelers Still Struggle
Stansted International in London, England is one of the airports that strictly enforces the 3-1-1 rule. Despite clear signage and constant PA announcements, I watched countless travelers panic as they realized their liquids didn’t meet the requirements. For nearly half an hour in the security line, people were scrambling to squeeze full-size bottles into the quart-size bags provided by airport staff.
Some showed up with gallon-size bags, others tried to sneak in multiple “travel-size” products, and many were completely unaware of the limits, causing delays, stress, and even confiscated items.
The takeaway: plan ahead, pack smart, and make sure every liquid fits in a TSA-approved quart-size bag before you reach the airport.
The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide!
The Kitsch Ultimate Travel Bottles for Toiletries (11pc Set) meet TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule, with leakproof, BPA-free containers under 3.4oz/100ml to keep your carry-on toiletries secure and organized.
Tips for Traveling Carry-On Only
Packing carry-on only can be stress-free when you plan ahead and follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Here’s how to make security smoother and your trip easier:
- Use a quart-size clear Ziploc bag: Store all liquids inside a dedicated toiletry bag for quick access and to prevent spills.
- Downsize products: Skip full-size bottles and decant toiletries into travel containers, leak-proof pods, or single-use packets so you only bring what you’ll actually use.
- Prepare for security screening: Have your laptop or tablet ready, remove belts, jewelry, and jackets if required, and finish or discard beverages before entering the line.
Smart Packing Hacks for the TSA 3-1-1 Rule
- Stick to 3.4 oz / 100 ml per liquid item: This includes shampoo, conditioner, skincare, and even liquid makeup like mascara, lip gloss, and face scrubs.
- Swap liquids for solids: Shampoo and conditioner bars, lotion sticks, toothpaste tablets, and deodorant bars save space and bypass liquid limits entirely.
- Downsize intentionally using reader-approved containers:
- TSA-approved reusable squeeze bottles for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Leak-proof travel pods for creams, serums, and foundation
- Slim pen-style tubes for serums, face wash, and SPF
- Flat refillable toiletry pouches that compress as you use them
- Stackable pill-style containers for powders, balms, and jewelry
- Refillable perfume atomizers for travel-friendly fragrance
Pack smart for space: Use slim packing cubes and organized toiletry bags to make TSA checks quicker and stress-free.
Quick TSA Carry-On Checklist
- Laptop/tablet ready for inspection
- Liquids in a clear quart-size bag
- Remove belts, jewelry, and jackets
- Finish or discard beverages before security
Final Thoughts
Following the 3-1-1 liquids rule doesn’t have to be stressful. By downsizing, using smart containers, and staying organized, you can breeze through security and focus on enjoying your trip.
Travel tip: Automatically follow these rules at every airport, it makes your journey smoother and keeps fellow travelers happy too!
Whether or not security tells you to do the above suggestions, it helps if you just automatically do them as precautions so you’re not caught by surprise. Be a well- informed and prepared traveler by taking efficient measures such as these to make your journey stress-free and more enjoyable.
How do you handle the 3-1-1 liquids rule when traveling carry-on only? Share your best tips in the comments below!
For more Air travel tips, please read:
- Ultimate Toiletries Packing Guide
- Ultimate Guide to Travel Packing Tips
- Best Toiletry Bags for Travel
- Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Item
Hope you found this post on 3-1-1 liquids rule useful. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Silly question, but why is this rule called ‘the 3-1-1 rule’? What does the 3-1-1 represent?
Not a silly question at all! Here’s why:
3 – containers must be 3.4 ounces/100ml or smaller
1 – all containers fit in one quart-sized clear bag
1 – only one such bag per passenger
thanks for this info.
What about vitamins or supplements. Their bottles are large and take up at of space.
can I transfer them to smaller containers.
Hi Elaine, we do have a few reader tips here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/traveling-with-prescription-medications/
But to get the best advice, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and experiences.
Happy travels!
I have found that the 311 bags in Europe are smaller than allowed in the US. At my first security screening in Europe one of the agents and I laughed as we tried to shove as much as we could into the smaller bag. I was already through the screening process so I wasn’t holding anyone up and we were off to the side, he just wanted me to know I needed to go smaller. Grabbed a hand full at my next stop just in case of rips, came in handy, and now I have a few extra at home for my next European adventure.
This website is useful for what you can pack or not pack in carryons and 311.
http://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/cib_home.aspx?search_term=
Can I bring my…through the security checkpoint?
Also I love this website. I have used some of your old school packing lists (back when alls you had was minimalista, essentials . . . lists) and they do work.
I am traveling to London for a MONTH in July, and I really, really need my makeup! I can only take those tiny bottles full of it?? BTW, this is only my second flight ever, the first being 12 years ago, and I have never traveled internationally.
Do these people live under a rock?! I don’t travel a ton ecspecially to Europe but I know this rule! I guess they think try won’t really take their items? Thanks for the info. Always helpful!
Thanks Dana! I was very surprised. I think the inconsistency between airports creates confusion for travelers and we get a bit lazy 🙂
Wow!! I was not clear on the mascara/lip gloss being considered as such. Trying to sort my makeup bag vs the ziploc gets me everytime. Thx
Glad to help 🙂
I always glance at the box of confiscated items at the security checkpoint. Today, at the Lima, Peru airport, we saw several small dumbbells in the box. Yes. Someone was carrying both 2 lb and 3 lb weights in their carryon luggage. The dumbbells were confiscated.
While strength training is great, it just boggles the mind to imagine someone putting dumbbells into their carryon!!!!!
That’s so interesting. I would’ve never thought of them as weapons but it makes sense!
Lol! I was caught at that exact London airport last month and it was a disaster! Although I used travel sized containers, I was definitely guilty of bringing on too many of them so they wouldn’t fit in the quart sized bags offered at the airport. I was very frustrated (even though it was clearly my fault), the airport staff was frustrated, and all the people behind me were frustrated (who can blame them??). Lesson learned! Great tips here! 🙂
Oh no, hope we weren’t in the same line 😉