Last checked: November 14, 2026. Every fact on this page comes from the official sources listed at the bottom.
Not legal advice. This page is a plain-language summary of official rules for general information. Rules change and individual situations differ. Always confirm with the official source linked below before you travel.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule
You may bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. Each item must be in a travel-sized container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Anything larger goes in your checked bag. An item that alarms needs extra screening.
| Item | Carry-on rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Toiletries and other liquids | 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container, all in one quart-sized bag | Larger containers go in checked baggage |
| Medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols | Allowed in larger, reasonable quantities for your trip | Declare them to the TSA officer and take them out for separate screening |
| Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food (including puree pouches) | Allowed over 3.4 oz | Tell the officer at the start and take them out for separate screening; ice and gel packs are allowed too |
| Duty-free liquids, flying into the US with a connection | Allowed over 3.4 oz only if sealed by the retailer in a tamper-evident bag, with the receipt, bought within 48 hours | TSA recommends packing them in checked baggage anyway |
Shoes, jackets and kids
- On July 8, 2025, DHS announced that passengers at domestic airports can keep their shoes on through TSA screening.
- Children 12 and under can keep shoes, light jackets and headwear on. Children are not separated from their parent or guardian.
- In TSA PreCheck lanes, you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, light jackets or belts.
- For any item, the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Batteries and power banks (FAA)
| Battery | Rule |
|---|---|
| Spare lithium batteries, power banks and phone charging cases | Carry-on bags only. If your carry-on is checked at the gate, take them out and keep them with you. |
| Lithium ion batteries up to 100 watt hours | Allowed; this covers nearly all personal devices. |
| Larger lithium ion batteries, 101 to 160 watt hours | Up to two spares per person, with airline approval. |
| Damaged or recalled batteries | Not allowed on board unless removed or made safe. |
Airlines can set stricter limits on power banks and batteries than the FAA. Check your airline before you fly.
Official sources
- TSA: Liquids, Aerosols and Gels Rule
- TSA: Traveling with Children
- TSA: Disabilities and Medical Conditions (PreCheck lanes, medically necessary liquids)
- TSA press release, July 8, 2025: DHS to End Shoes-Off Travel Policy
- FAA PackSafe: Lithium Batteries
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