Some airports testing new CT scanners may allow larger liquids, but the 3-1-1 rule still applies at most US checkpoints
A confused traveler posted on Reddit’s r/travel in January 2026: “I read online that TSA is changing liquid rules this year. I packed full-size toiletries thinking the 3-1-1 rule was gone, then got everything confiscated at security. What’s actually happening?” This confusion stems from widespread misunderstanding about TSA liquid policy changes that affect only select airports with new technology, while the vast majority of US security checkpoints continue enforcing the traditional 3.4-ounce limit that’s been standard since 2006.
The reality is more nuanced than headlines suggest. While TSA is testing relaxed restrictions at certain airports equipped with advanced CT scanners, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated potential future changes in July 2025, the baseline 3-1-1 rule remains fully enforced at most US airports throughout 2026.
The Current 3-1-1 Rule (Still Active in 2026)
The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule remains the standard nationwide policy for carry-on screening. The rule breaks down as follows: containers must hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, all liquid containers must fit into 1 quart-sized clear resealable plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed 1 bag of liquids.
This regulation applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes. Common items travelers forget count as liquids include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, makeup, hair gel, deodorant (gel or spray), peanut butter, jam, salsa and dips, liquid medications over 3.4oz without documentation, and beverages of any kind.
The measurement refers to container size, not the amount of liquid inside. A half-empty 6-ounce shampoo bottle fails TSA screening even though it contains less than 3.4 ounces of actual liquid—the container capacity determines compliance. This distinction catches travelers who assume partially-filled bottles pass inspection.
TSA officers require passengers to remove the quart-sized liquids bag from carry-ons during screening and place it in a separate bin for X-ray inspection. Leaving liquids inside bags triggers manual searches that slow security lines and increase chances of additional screening.
What Actually Changed in 2025-2026
TSA began deploying Computed Tomography (CT) scanners at select major airports starting in 2023, with expanded rollout through 2025-2026. These advanced scanners create detailed 3D images of bag contents, allowing security officers to detect threats more effectively than traditional 2D X-ray machines. The enhanced detection capability theoretically eliminates the need for strict liquid restrictions that were originally implemented to prevent liquid explosive threats.
At airports equipped with CT scanners, TSA exempted 11 specific items from the 3-1-1 rule. These exemptions include baby formula and breast milk (any quantity), medications in liquid form (with documentation), hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (temporary COVID-19 accommodation), contact lens solution, and other medical necessities. However, these exemptions apply only at CT-scanner-equipped checkpoints, not universally across all airports.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated in July 2025 that TSA was “reevaluating the liquids policy” and that “the next big announcement may be on the size of liquids allowed.” This comment sparked widespread speculation that the 3-1-1 rule would be eliminated or substantially relaxed in 2026. However, as of January 2026, no official nationwide policy change has been implemented beyond the limited exemptions at CT-equipped airports.
The confusion intensifies because international airports adopted different standards. Several UK airports including Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, and Luton allow liquids up to 2 liters (67 ounces) at CT-scanner checkpoints. European airports with new 3D scanners implemented similar relaxations. US travelers reading about these international changes mistakenly assume the policies apply to American airports as well.
Which US Airports Have Relaxed Liquid Rules
Major hub airports received priority for CT scanner deployment, creating a patchwork of liquid policies across the country. Airports confirmed to have CT scanner checkpoints with potential exemptions include Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), New York’s JFK, Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and several others.
However, even at these airports, not all security checkpoints have CT scanners. A traveler might pass through an older checkpoint at ATL without CT technology, requiring full 3-1-1 compliance despite the airport having CT scanners at other checkpoints. The inconsistency within single airports creates significant confusion.
Most regional and secondary airports continue using traditional X-ray machines and strictly enforce 3-1-1 rules with no exemptions. Travelers departing from or connecting through smaller airports should assume standard liquid restrictions apply regardless of news about relaxed policies at major hubs.
TSA provides no comprehensive public list of which specific checkpoints at which airports currently operate CT scanners. This information gap forces travelers to either comply with traditional 3-1-1 rules universally or risk confiscation by assuming their airport has newer technology.
Reddit Travelers Report Inconsistent Enforcement
The r/travel and r/TSA communities document wildly inconsistent liquid rule enforcement across different airports and even within the same airport on different days. One traveler reported: “I flew through LAX with 6oz bottles in December 2025 after reading about CT scanners. They pulled my bag and made me throw out everything over 3.4oz. When I mentioned the new rules, the agent said that checkpoint didn’t have CT scanners yet.”
Another Reddit user shared: “JFK let me through with full-size toiletries at Terminal 4 with no questions. Two weeks later at the same airport, Terminal 1 confiscated everything. The agent said only certain checkpoints have the exemption and there’s no way for passengers to know which ones.” This unpredictability creates significant frustration and wasted products for travelers attempting to navigate unclear policies.
International connections cause additional complications. A r/travel member explained: “I flew domestically through Atlanta with full-size liquids and they were fine. Connected through London Heathrow on my way to Italy, and they confiscated everything because EU security didn’t recognize US exemptions.” Even when US airports allow larger liquids at CT checkpoints, international destinations may not accept those items on connecting flights.
Some travelers report that even at confirmed CT-scanner checkpoints, certain TSA officers still enforce traditional 3-1-1 rules out of habit or inconsistent training. One Reddit poster noted: “The scanner said ‘CT’ on it but the agent still made me remove my liquids bag and questioned why I had 8oz bottles. It felt like the officers hadn’t been told about the new policy even though the equipment was there.”
Items Exempt From 3-1-1 Rule (Nationwide)
Certain liquid items qualify for exemptions from the 3-1-1 rule at all US airports regardless of scanner technology. These longstanding exceptions include reasonable quantities of baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers (parents need not be traveling with the child to carry these items, though officers may ask to test liquids).
Medications in liquid form exceeding 3.4 ounces are permitted when medically necessary. TSA recommends—but doesn’t require—carrying documentation such as prescription labels or doctor’s notes. Officers may ask to inspect medications and might request opening containers, though they cannot force passengers to take medications or demonstrate medical conditions.
Duty-free liquids purchased after security screening or on international flights entering the US can exceed 3.4 ounces if sealed in tamper-evident bags with receipts showing purchase within 48 hours. These items must remain sealed until final destination when entering the US from abroad.
Ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs are permitted if completely frozen solid when presented for screening. If partially melted or slushy, they count against the 3-1-1 allowance. This exemption helps parents traveling with perishable foods for children and people with medical needs requiring temperature-controlled items.
Countries With Relaxed Liquid Restrictions
Several international jurisdictions substantially relaxed or eliminated liquid restrictions at airports with advanced CT scanning technology. Understanding these international policies helps travelers plan connection strategies and manage expectations.
The United Kingdom allows passengers to carry liquids in containers up to 2 liters at airports with CT scanners including Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Luton, Newcastle, Southend, Teesside, and Cardiff. Passengers at these airports also needn’t remove laptops or electronics from bags during screening. However, the UK temporarily reimposed 100ml limits at some airports in 2024-2025 when screening issues emerged, creating additional confusion.
European Union airports with C3 or 3D CT scanners permit liquids up to 2 liters and allow electronics to remain in bags. Major EU hubs including Amsterdam Schiphol, Munich, and others installed this technology, though implementation timelines vary by airport and sometimes by terminal within airports.
Australia and New Zealand maintain traditional 100ml restrictions at most airports despite testing relaxed policies at select locations. Asian airports vary significantly—some maintain strict enforcement while others with advanced screening allow larger quantities.
For US travelers visiting these destinations, the key consideration is return travel through US airports. Even if outbound international airports allow larger liquids, return flights through most US checkpoints require 3-1-1 compliance, forcing disposal of products purchased abroad unless they qualify for duty-free exemptions.
Solid Alternatives to Bypass Liquid Restrictions
Experienced travelers adapt to liquid restrictions by substituting solid alternatives that don’t count against the 3-1-1 allowance. These products eliminate liquid compliance concerns while often reducing weight and space in luggage compared to traditional bottled toiletries.
Bar shampoo and conditioner replace liquid bottles with solid soap-like bars. Multiple brands including Lush, Ethique, and various Amazon options offer these products. A single bar typically lasts 50-80 washes, equivalent to two or three 8-ounce bottles, while weighing just 2-3 ounces. Bar shampoos work particularly well for travelers comparing lightweight packing strategies with premium luggage brands like Samsonite vs Thule.
Toothpaste tablets provide solid alternatives to traditional toothpaste tubes. Users chew tablets to create foam then brush normally. Brands like Bite and Lush offer these in compact containers holding 60-120 tablets. They’re TSA-compliant, lighter than tubes, and eliminate liquid concerns entirely.
Solid deodorants (traditional stick deodorants, not gels or sprays) don’t count as liquids. Travelers sometimes mistake gel deodorants for solids—TSA classifies gels as liquids requiring 3-1-1 compliance. Traditional solid stick deodorants of any size are permitted without restriction.
Powder cosmetics replace liquid foundations, concealers, and other makeup. While not identical to liquid products, pressed powder alternatives avoid liquid restrictions while serving similar functions. Makeup wipes and solid perfume sticks offer additional ways to reduce carry-on liquids.
Bar soap for body washing, dry shampoo powder, and solid lotion bars round out comprehensive solid toiletry kits that eliminate nearly all liquid products from carry-on bags. The r/onebag community extensively documents these alternatives as essential for minimalist travel.
Strategic Packing for 3-1-1 Compliance
Maximize your quart-sized bag by using travel-sized containers filled from larger bottles at home rather than purchasing expensive pre-filled travel products. Empty TSA-compliant bottles cost $5-$10 for sets of six on Amazon, and refilling from full-size products saves money while reducing waste.
Prioritize multi-use products that serve multiple functions. Coconut oil works as moisturizer, hair conditioner, makeup remover, and shaving cream. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap functions as shampoo, body wash, and even laundry detergent. Consolidating multiple products into one multi-use item maximizes space in your liquids bag.
Place your liquids bag in an easily accessible part of your carry-on for quick removal at security. Many modern backpacks include dedicated TSA-compliant pockets for liquids bags. Keeping liquids separate from other items speeds security screening and reduces chances of repacking errors that leave behind confiscated items.
Consider checking a bag if you need substantial liquid products for extended trips. While this involves baggage fees, travelers using airline credit cards offering free checked bags can transport full-size toiletries without cost or 3-1-1 limitations. For trips longer than one week, checking bags often makes more sense than managing minimal liquid allowances.
Purchase liquids at your destination rather than transporting from home. Most hotels provide basic toiletries, and pharmacies worldwide sell travel-size products. This strategy works particularly well for common items like shampoo and lotion that need not be specific brands.
What TSA Officers Look For
TSA officers primarily verify container sizes rather than liquid quantities. The 3.4-ounce limit refers to container capacity, so even nearly-empty large bottles fail screening. Officers use container markings—printed ounce measurements on bottles—to determine compliance rather than measuring actual liquid volume.
The quart-sized bag requirement is strictly enforced. Gallon bags, sandwich bags, or multiple quart bags all violate policy. TSA provides specific dimension guidance: the bag should be approximately 7″ x 8″ with approximately 1-quart capacity. The bag must be clear plastic and resealable—ziplock style closures qualify while tied grocery bags don’t.
Officers watch for concealment attempts where travelers hide oversized liquid containers deep in bags hoping they won’t be found. Modern X-ray and CT scanners easily detect liquids regardless of placement, and discovered concealment attempts trigger additional screening including bag searches and passenger pat-downs.
Containers packed with obvious non-compliance signals—bottles visibly larger than 3.4oz, liquids not in the designated quart bag, multiple bags of liquids—will be pulled aside. Officers must manually inspect these bags, which delays screening and often results in disposal of non-compliant items. Having to surrender expensive products at security frustrates travelers who didn’t properly prepare.
Future of TSA Liquid Rules
Industry observers expect gradual elimination of the 3-1-1 rule as CT scanner deployment reaches critical mass across US airports. However, the timeline remains uncertain—TSA has not announced target dates for complete rollout, and funding limitations slow scanner installation at smaller airports.
Secretary Noem’s July 2025 comments indicated willingness to relax restrictions, but actual policy changes require careful evaluation of security implications, coordination across thousands of checkpoints, and officer retraining. Even after technology permits larger liquids, TSA must ensure consistent enforcement and maintain security efficacy.
Some security experts predict tiered systems where major hubs with CT scanners allow larger liquids while regional airports maintain 3-1-1 rules indefinitely due to cost constraints preventing technology upgrades. This would create permanent policy fragmentation requiring travelers to know their specific airport’s rules rather than following universal standards.
International alignment remains important for seamless global travel. If US airports maintain 3-1-1 while European airports allow 2 liters, connecting passengers face confusion and confiscation at transfer points. Harmonizing international liquid policies requires coordination among multiple national security agencies and international aviation authorities—a slow diplomatic process.
Frequently Asked Questions About TSA Liquid Rules in 2026
Did TSA change the 3-1-1 liquids rule in 2026?
No nationwide change occurred. The 3-1-1 rule (3.4oz containers, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per passenger) remains standard at most US airports. Select airports with new CT scanners offer limited exemptions for certain items, but this affects only a small percentage of checkpoints.
Which airports allow larger liquids in carry-ons?
Major hubs like Atlanta, LAX, and JFK have some CT-scanner checkpoints with potential exemptions, but not all checkpoints at these airports have the technology. Most regional airports strictly enforce 3-1-1 rules. TSA doesn’t publish which specific checkpoints allow larger liquids.
Can I bring full-size toiletries if my airport has CT scanners?
Not reliably. Even at airports with CT scanners, not all checkpoints have the technology, and enforcement remains inconsistent. Unless you’re certain your specific checkpoint allows larger liquids, comply with 3-1-1 rules to avoid confiscation.
Do liquid rules apply to international flights?
Yes, and possibly more strictly. US domestic flights follow US TSA rules, but connecting through international airports subjects you to that country’s security policies. Even if a US airport allows larger liquids, international connections may confiscate them if they exceed local limits.
Traveler’s Checklist: Managing TSA Liquid Rules in 2026
- Assume 3-1-1 applies at your airport unless you’ve confirmed specific checkpoint exemptions
- Use 3.4oz travel containers and one quart-sized clear resealable bag for liquids
- Switch to solid alternatives like bar shampoo, toothpaste tablets, and stick deodorant
- Pack liquids bag in accessible location for quick removal during security screening
- Check medications are documented if exceeding 3.4oz and qualifying for medical exemption
- Purchase at destination rather than transporting toiletries when possible
- Consider checked bags for trips requiring substantial liquid products
- Verify international rules when connecting through foreign airports that may differ from US policies
The 3-1-1 rule remains firmly in place across most of the United States in 2026 despite hopes for relaxation and limited exceptions at select airports. Travelers who assume widespread policy changes risk confiscation and security delays. Until TSA announces clear, universal policy modifications with specific implementation dates, the safest approach remains full 3-1-1 compliance using travel-size containers, solid alternatives, or checked baggage for larger liquid quantities.