Do you still have to take liquids out of your carry-on?

Yes. In standard TSA screening lanes in the United States, you still need to remove your quart-size 3-1-1 liquids bag from your carry-on and place it in a bin. TSA’s current materials direct travelers in standard lanes to take out the 3-1-1 bag, while the liquids rule itself remains in effect for carry-ons: containers must be 3.4 oz/100 ml or less, all fitting in one quart-size, clear, resealable bag (TSA Travel Checklist; TSA Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule).

What TSA requires right now

• 3-1-1 rule: travel-size containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all inside one quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; one bag per passenger (TSA Travel Checklist; Liquids Rule).
• At the checkpoint (standard screening): remove your 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in a bin for X-ray screening (TSA Travel Checklist).
• Anything over 3.4 oz/100 ml should go in checked baggage unless it qualifies for an exemption (Liquids Rule).

Important exceptions and special cases

TSA lists specific exemptions to the size limit, but these items may receive extra screening at the checkpoint:

• Medications: Liquid, gel, or aerosol medications are exempt from the 3.4 oz limit but can be subject to additional screening (Liquids Rule).
• Infant and child nourishments: Items such as breast milk or formula are exempt from the size limit and may also be screened separately (Liquids Rule).
• Inbound international duty-free in STEBs: If you bought liquids abroad and are connecting in the U.S., larger containers can be carried on only if they are in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the original receipt from within 48 hours, and they pass screening. If an item alarms or can’t be screened, it won’t be permitted in your carry-on. TSA recommends packing larger liquids in checked bags despite this allowance (Liquids Rule).

Note: Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening (Liquids Rule).

What about TSA PreCheck and newer scanners?

San Diego International Airport’s current PreCheck guidance says eligible travellers may keep liquids in their bags. This differs from the standard-lane checklist; procedures can also vary by airport and equipment. The liquids size limit still applies. Follow posted instructions and officer guidance. Keep your 3-1-1 bag accessible so you can remove it quickly if asked (TSA Travel Checklist).

This guide describes US TSA screening. Check the departure and any transfer airport’s own rules for other countries, and follow the instructions in the lane you actually use.

How to pack and move through the line smoothly

• Put your 3-1-1 bag where you can reach it fast. TSA recommends placing it in the front pocket of your carry-on for accessibility (TSA Travel Checklist).
• Group items in layers (shoes, clothes, electronics) to make re-packing easier after screening (TSA Travel Checklist).
• Pack full-size liquids in checked luggage unless they fall under an exemption (Liquids Rule).

Example: a weekend trip carry-on

Before you leave, transfer shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and sunscreen into containers marked 3.4 oz/100 ml or smaller. Place all of them in a single quart-size, clear, zip-top bag. Stow that bag in your carry-on’s front pocket. At the checkpoint in a standard lane, remove the 3-1-1 bag and place it in a bin. If you’re connecting from an international flight with duty-free liquids in a sealed STEB and a receipt from the past 48 hours, present the sealed bag for screening; be prepared that it must clear screening or it won’t be allowed in your carry-on (Liquids Rule).

Put this into practice

Check the departure airport’s current instructions shortly before packing and again at screening. Separate your liquids plan from the airline’s bag allowance; one does not determine the other.

Carry-on liquids: quick pre-checkpoint list

• Move all liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes into one quart-size clear zip-top bag
• Confirm every container in the bag is 3.4 oz/100 ml or less (unless it’s an allowed exemption)
• Place the bag in your carry-on’s front pocket so you can remove it in the standard lane
• If carrying exempt items (medicine, infant nourishment), keep them separate and ready to declare for screening
• For inbound duty-free liquids, keep items sealed in the STEB with the receipt from the last 48 hours

FAQ

Do I need a special clear bag?
TSA references a quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag and limits you to one per passenger (TSA Travel Checklist).

Does the 3-1-1 rule still apply everywhere in the U.S.?
Yes, the liquids rule remains in effect for carry-ons nationwide. Pack larger liquids in checked baggage unless an exemption applies (Liquids Rule).

What happens if my liquid alarms during screening?
It will require additional screening, and if it cannot be cleared, it will not be permitted in your carry-on (Liquids Rule).

Related reading from Cabin & Carry:

• Does toothpaste count as a liquid for carry-ons? A practical guide
• How to pack toiletries and makeup for travel