TSA liquids rule 2026 - what you can take through US airport security
Updated 7 November 2026 TSA rules and 30 US airports
Flying to the US or connecting through an American airport? Security there is run by the TSA, and its rules differ from Europe in a few important ways. The biggest one: there is no US airport where you can take a 2-litre bottle through security. The 3.4 oz limit applies everywhere, even at the newest scanners.
Here is everything to know before the checkpoint: the 3-1-1 rule, what CT scanners change, whether TSA PreCheck is worth it, and what to do with duty-free on a connecting flight.
Key points
- Liquids up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, all in one clear quart-sized bag.
- At CT scanner lanes your laptop and liquids stay in your bag - but the 3.4 oz limit stays the same.
- Duty-free on a connection: sealed retailer bag, receipt and bought within 48 hours.
The 3-1-1 rule
Each number in 3-1-1 is one rule:
- 3 - each container holds 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. The size of the container counts, not how much is left inside.
- 1 - all containers go in one clear, resealable quart-sized bag.
- 1 - one bag per passenger.
Gels, creams, pastes, aerosols and liquid-like food such as yogurt, sauces or peanut butter count too. Anything in a bigger container belongs in your checked bag.
CT scanners in the US
Many US airports now have computed tomography (CT) scanners - the same kind that let some European airports allow 2-litre bottles. TSA uses them differently: at a CT lane your laptop, tablet and liquids bag can stay in your carry-on, but the 3.4 oz per-container limit does not change. Newark Liberty has CT scanners at every checkpoint.
Flying back to Europe?
The rules depend on the airport where you go through security. Some European airports allow liquids up to 2 litres, but in the US you still need to stick to 3.4 oz.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a paid trusted-traveller program for faster screening. With PreCheck:
- electronics and 3-1-1 liquids stay in your bag,
- shoes, belts and light jackets stay on,
- you use a separate, usually shorter lane.
It costs $85 or less for five years, and you apply through an authorized provider such as CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos.
Connecting flights and duty-free
If you fly into the US from abroad and connect to another flight, you clear immigration and customs, recheck your bag and go through TSA security again. Duty-free liquids bought abroad can go through in your carry-on if:
- they were bought internationally and you are travelling to the US with a connecting flight,
- they are in a clear, tamper-evident bag sealed by the retailer, with no signs of tampering,
- you have the original receipt and bought them within the last 48 hours.
TSA still recommends packing them in your checked bag when you can - for example when you collect your suitcase after customs.
Medications and baby food
Medications you need for the trip and food and drink for children are exceptions to 3-1-1, even in larger containers. Declare them at the checkpoint and place them separately - they may be screened further.
Laptops and tablets: in a separate bin in standard lanes; they stay in your bag at CT lanes and with TSA PreCheck.
US airports
The same 3.4 oz limit applies at every US airport. Tap an airport to see how to get to town, lounges and more.
Frequently asked questions
How much liquid can I take in my carry-on in the US?
Up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per container. All containers must fit in one clear quart-sized bag. Anything larger goes in checked baggage.
Are there US airports without the 3.4 oz limit?
No. Unlike some airports in Europe, US airports keep the 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit even at checkpoints with new CT scanners. The scanners only mean your laptop and liquids bag can stay in your carry-on.
Do I have to take my laptop out at US security?
In a standard lane, yes - your laptop and liquids bag go in a separate bin. At CT scanner lanes and with TSA PreCheck they stay in your bag.
Can I bring duty-free alcohol on a connecting flight in the US?
Yes, if it was bought internationally, it is in a sealed, tamper-evident bag from the retailer, you have the original receipt and it was bought within the last 48 hours. TSA still recommends moving it to checked baggage when you can.
How much does TSA PreCheck cost?
$85 or less for five years. You apply through an authorized provider such as CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos.
Do medications and baby formula count towards the limit?
No. Medications and food and drink for children are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule - declare them at the checkpoint, as they may be screened separately.
Source: Transportation Security Administration (tsa.gov). Wersja polska
The rules of every airport on your way - in the app, offline too
Download