Travelers seeking an update on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liquid rules for 2026 should know that the federal standard has not changed.
TSA still requires passengers to follow the familiar 3-1-1 rule for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on bags. Under that rule, each container must hold no more than 3.4 ounces, and all of those containers must fit inside one quart-size bag per traveler. TSA’s current liquids guidance, travel tips, and recent 2026 travel advisories all continue to point back to that same requirement, which remains the core rule at airport checkpoints across the United States.
The confusion comes from the fact that screening can look different at some airports. TSA says newer computed tomography scanners are changing how some carry-on bags are screened, and in certain lanes, travelers may be able to leave travel-size liquids inside their bags. That shift affects the checkpoint process, but it does not change the liquid limit. For passengers packing toiletries, cosmetics, drinks, and food items, the rule remains clear: if a liquid or gel container is over 3.4 ounces and does not qualify for an exception, it belongs in checked baggage.
What Travelers Can Carry Through Security Under TSA Exceptions
While the main TSA liquid rules remain in place, the agency does allow several important exceptions. TSA says passengers may bring medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags, as long as they declare them to officers for inspection. That guidance applies to liquid medications and other medical necessities needed during the trip. TSA’s medical screening guidance and medication pages both continue to describe those larger medically necessary items as allowed in reasonable quantities.
TSA also provides broader flexibility for passengers traveling with infants and young children. The agency says formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby or toddler food may exceed the standard 3.4-ounce limit in carry-on bags and do not need to fit inside the quart-size liquids bag. TSA also says cooling accessories used to keep those items at the proper temperature, including ice packs and freezer packs, are allowed. Current TSA guidance further notes that breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid and can be brought through security even when a child is not present.
There is also a limited exception for some international duty-free liquids. TSA notes that certain duty-free items exceeding the normal liquid limit may pass through screening if purchased internationally, packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag, and accompanied by proof of purchase that meets TSA’s requirements. This is a narrow exception and should not be read as a broader change to the standard carry-on liquid rule.
Why Some Passengers Think TSA Liquid Rules Changed
Many travelers think TSA’s liquid rules have changed as the airport experience evolves. TSA’s computed tomography program is expanding to more checkpoints, and the agency says the goal of that technology is to allow passengers to keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids inside their bags during screening. TSA and airport-specific announcements have described CT-equipped lanes as allowing travel-size liquids to remain packed in carry-on bags, which can make the screening process feel easier and more modern.
Even so, those updates reflect new checkpoint technology, not a new national policy on liquid size limits. TSA liquid rules still limit standard carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces per container inside one quart-size bag, and that remains the rule passengers should follow before heading to the airport.
Larger toiletries, beverages, and gel-like foods should go in checked baggage unless they fall under a medical, child-related, or duty-free exception recognized by TSA. Travelers who want to avoid delays should check TSA’s official liquids guidance before flying and pay close attention to how the agency classifies common products, especially food, medication, and baby items.
