You can bring liquids in containers of up to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each in your carry-on luggage, and all these containers must fit into one clear, resealable quart-size (about 1 liter) bag. This is known as the TSA 3-1-1 rule in the US and is widely followed internationally
. However, starting in 2025, some airports, especially in the UK, have introduced advanced 3D scanning technology that allows passengers to carry liquids in containers up to 2 liters total without having to remove them from their bags. This means you can bring larger quantities of liquids in your hand luggage at these airports, but the 100ml container limit still applies in many places
. Exceptions to these rules include:
- Duty-free liquids purchased after security, which can exceed 100ml if kept in a sealed tamper-evident bag with a receipt
- Essential medications, baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants, which can exceed the 3.4-ounce limit but must be declared at security
If you want to bring liquids larger than 3.4 ounces outside these exceptions, they must be packed in checked baggage where no liquid limits apply
. In summary:
- Standard carry-on liquid container size limit: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
- All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
- Some airports now allow up to 2 liters total in hand luggage due to new scanning tech (mostly UK airports)
- Duty-free, medications, and baby liquids have exemptions
- Larger quantities must go in checked luggage
This ensures compliance with current airport security regulations and smooth passage through security checkpoints.
