For everyday liquid toiletries at a U.S. airport checkpoint, use containers holding no more than 3.4 fluid ounces (100 mL) each, packed together in one clear, quart-size, zip-top bag per traveler. Check container capacity, not just how much product remains.

This beginner checklist takes about 15 minutes of active packing. It covers ordinary toiletries, not every restricted item or exception. Check the current rules for your departure, connection and return airports before traveling.

Hero image: AI-generated generic packing illustration, not an actual product photograph or a security approval.

What you need

One clear, quart-size, resealable zip-top bag per traveler
Everyday toiletries in containers with a labeled capacity of 100 mL / 3.4 fl oz or less
Your carry-on bag and current guidance for each airport on your itinerary

Steps

Gather only the toiletries you need
Set out your everyday products before packing. Shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, gels and creams belong in the liquids group. Keep a toothbrush and other non-liquid basics outside this small bag so they do not take up its limited space.
Do not assume a small container makes every product permissible. Check unfamiliar products, aerosols and sharp grooming tools separately against your airline and airport rules.
Check every container capacity
Read the size on each bottle, jar or tube. For these ordinary toiletries, each container must be 100 mL / 3.4 fl oz or smaller. A 250 mL shampoo bottle with only a little shampoo left is still too large.
Set oversized products aside. Use a suitable smaller package, leave the item at home, or check whether it is allowed in checked baggage. Do not move an item to checked luggage without checking its specific restrictions.
AI-generated illustration: container capacity matters for ordinary liquid toiletries. Other item restrictions and medical or child-nourishment exceptions still apply.
Fit everything into one clear bag
Close each cap and place the eligible toiletries together in your quart-size bag. Its zipper should close fully without forcing it. If it will not close, remove nonessential items or choose smaller containers; a second liquids bag is not the ordinary allowance.
You can use a suitable bag you already own. This checklist does not require a specialty travel kit.
Separate items that need exception guidance
Medically necessary liquids and certain infant or child nourishment have separate screening provisions. Do not discard essential supplies just to make them fit this ordinary-toiletries checklist. Review the current exception guidance before departure and declare qualifying items to the officer as required.
Keep those items easy to identify separately. A cosmetic product is not automatically exempt because it is important to your routine.
Keep the bag reachable and follow checkpoint instructions
Place the liquids bag where you can remove it without unpacking everything. At security, follow the officer and lane instructions about taking it out for screening. A correctly packed bag may still need additional inspection.
Quick troubleshooting and FAQs
Does toothpaste count? Yes. Treat it as a paste in the liquids bag.
Can I use two bags because my bottles are tiny? The ordinary allowance is one quart-size bag per traveler.
Will this work at every airport overseas? Do not assume so. Check every airport where you will pass through security, including your return trip.
Sources and next step
Guidance checked October 30, 2026: SEA Airport: liquids and screening exceptions; Delta: container sizes and checkpoint handling; JetBlue: liquids, bag closure and restricted items. Recheck current official guidance close to departure.
Before leaving home, you can also download an offline map for your trip.