Carry-On Liquid Success: Packing Tips & Must-Have Items
Packing carry-on liquids can be challenging. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you fit essential toiletries in a one-quart bag. Master the art of selecting and packing your carry-on toiletries, and travel lighter with confidence.
Key Takeaways: Packing Toiletries for Carry-On Luggage
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The TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule
According to the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.
Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.”
What kind of bag should I use to pack toiletries in my carry-on luggage?
For packing toiletries in a carry-on, use a clear bag no larger than one quart. While many “TSA-approved” bags are available online and in stores, some may seem larger than the limit. To avoid potential issues at security, a 1-quart Ziploc bag is a safe choice.
PRO TIP: Consider getting TSA Pre-check or Global Entry (which comes with TSA Pre-check eligibility) so that you can go through security without pulling your liquids bag out of your carry-on luggage.
Get the perfect packing list template
Want a simple printable packing list template? Just print it out and fill it out so you don’t forget anything you want to take on your trip. Get the blank printable packing list in the Plan, Ready, Go Etsy shop.
Looking for a digital packing list you can use on your computer or mobile device? The packing list spreadsheet includes two tabs to help you track everything you need to pack plus all of the things you want to buy before your trip. The packing list is pre-filled for a one-week trip and is fully editable so you can start from scratch or use the existing list as your starting point.
Get the packing list template spreadsheet in the Plan, Ready, Go Etsy shop.
Tips for packing liquids in carry-on luggage
Packing all liquid toiletries in a quart bag can be tricky, but with the right strategies, it’s feasible. Here are tips to optimize liquid packing in your carry-on bag.
Cut your skin care regimen down to just the essentials
Cleanser, toner/liquid exfoliator, facial moisturizer. When packing carry-on liquids, that’s all you need throughout your trip unless you’re traveling for longer than a week. If you have room in your liquids bag after you’ve put in everything else that you need to take, then that’s the time to add in things like spot treatments or overnight masks.
To trim your skin care liquids even further, use facial cleansing cloths instead of packing liquid, gel or cream cleanser, or face wash. I never travel without these dry cloths that I buy on Amazon and activate with water. That way I can travel with the exact amount I need. They never dry out like the moist towelette ones.
Tip: use a digital and editable packing list to stay organized and make quick adjustments to your list as you pack for your trip.
Cut your hair care regimen down to the bare essentials
Only take what you absolutely need to care for your hair on your trip. For you, that might be just shampoo and hairspray.
If you’re staying in a hotel, you can minimize the toiletries you pack in your carry-on by using the products the hotel provides. Or try a shampoo bar and leave shampoo out of your liquid toiletries bag altogether.
Use your trip to use up the last of your toiletries
I love to set aside my last bit of eyeliner or a sample of a skin care product for a specific trip coming up. Then I take those with me on my trip and just throw them out before I come home.
When you travel carry-on only, every bit of space you make for yourself (especially on a return trip when you might have souvenirs to bring back) can help.
Replace as many liquid toiletries as you can with solids (or powders that travel well)
There are a lot of liquid toiletries that you can replace with solid-form versions like solid deodorants, solid shampoos, etc. They don’t need to be packed in your 1-quart liquids bag, which will free up space for you.
You’ll save so much space in your carry-on liquids bag.
Share toiletry space with your travel partner
If you have a travel partner who uses very little in the way of liquid toiletries use him or her as your “mule” to get a few extra things on the plane. My husband’s liquids bag often holds shampoo, toothpaste, and antibacterial ointment. That’s it. So, he usually also takes my shampoo and we share the toothpaste. Now that’s love!
Buy toiletries at your destination
If you’re going to be traveling long-term you might opt to wait until you reach your destination to purchase some toiletries or over-the-counter liquid medications.
For example, if you’re planning to spend several weeks in one place (or road-tripping at your destination) you could wait until you arrive to purchase things like shampoo, toothpaste, or sunscreen that you know you will use daily (or multiple times per day).
Toiletries and travel size liquids packing list ideas for carry-on travel
Use this list as a starting place for packing toiletries when traveling carry-on only. You can easily customize it for your own needs and how you like to travel. I like to minimize my toiletries as much as possible and go low maintenance for hair and makeup on my travels.
Keep track of everything you’re packing with these blank printable packing lists.
You can purchase travel sizes of your favorite products or get some reusable travel-sized containers of various sizes so that you can just take with you a bit of your full-size products from home.
- This “Amazon’s Choice” set comes with many different kinds of containers in different sizes.
- These bottles are also really popular on Amazon.
Skincare products
- Cleanse with these dry cloths you activate with water. They’re perfect for traveling light.
- I swear by this day moisturizer with SPF 30.
- And I never travel without my travel-size bottle of this liquid exfoliant.
Hair care products
- To cut down on liquids you could try this solid shampoo bar.
- This solid conditioner on Amazon gets great reviews.
- I also usually take a small hairspray with me. I pick up travel-size versions of my favorites at the drugstore.
Makeup
Face makeup
- I like to travel with a long-lasting concealer or foundation/concealer combo. This concealer is my favorite.
- To cut down on the quantity of liquids you pack in your carry-on, you might want to try a powder mineral foundation like this one.
Eye makeup
- I prefer to keep it simple here. I like to pack a good affordable eyebrow pencil with a clear eyebrow gel like this one.
- Then perhaps try an eyeliner like this one.
- A good tubing mascara like this one will help prevent smudges.
- If taking an eyeshadow, consider using a retractable eyeshadow stick. It’s less likely to break up during travel like a traditional powder eyeshadow.
Lips
- Keep it simple with a flattering lip gloss like this.
- Or perhaps even just use lip balm. I never travel without it, especially on those long, dry flights.
Miscellaneous toiletries and liquids
- Travel is the perfect excuse to use up those little toothpaste and floss samples you get from your regular dental checkups.
- Hand sanitizer
Packing carry-on liquids FAQs
The TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule can be confusing when it comes to which specific items apply and which don’t. It’s important to remember and follow the TSA liquid rules for everyone’s safety and so you can get through the checkpoint without delay.
What is the 3-1-1 rule for flying with liquids?
The 3-1-1 rule refers to the TSA’s regulation that allows passengers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. Each container within the bag must be 3.4 oz. (100 milliliters) or less.
Can I use any bag for my carry-on liquids?
While there are many “TSA-approved” clear toiletry bag options available, it’s recommended to use a clear bag no larger than one quart to avoid any discrepancies at security checkpoints. A 1-quart Ziploc bag is a commonly used and reliable option.
Are there any exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids?
Yes, there are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids. These exemptions include medications and nourishment for babies and toddlers such as breast milk and formula.
The bottom line
Figuring out how to pack toiletries when traveling carry-on only can be a challenge…and it can also be highly personal. What works for one person may not work for you.
You also might find that you enjoy the challenge of packing for longer and longer trips with a minimal number of toiletries. And certainly, with all the solid toiletries options available, you should be able to get any liquids you need into that 1-quart Ziploc bag.
Related articles about traveling carry-on only
- What to Take on a Flight (in Your Carry-on)
- How to pack a suitcase to maximize space
- Travel Essentials for Women
- The Best Tips for Packing Light and Traveling Carry-on Only
- How to Pack Light for a One-week Trip
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Tide pens may be confiscated by TSA. I have had them take mine if it is easily visible in the bag. I think because of the chlorine? Also know that toothpaste is sold by WEIGHT, not VOLUME. I found out my brand new 4oz bottle of toothpaste was really 3 oz of “liquid” when I emptied the entire 4oz bottle into a 3oz container. I called the manufacturer (thinking I was ripped off) and learned about the weight thing. TSA apparently did not learn the difference between weight & liquid volume (I called and asked) when they were in elementary school science. But they said “their agents are trained to know the size”. So now I cut off the 4oz part on the label and they have never questioned it. (but you know they would if it SAID “4oz”)
I’m surprised you have had Tide to Go confiscated. I’ve flown with them for YEARS (the tiny sample or travel size ones) and no airport security has even looked cross-eyed at them. The main ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. That’s an interesting factoid about toothpaste. I’ve only ever flown with the small travel size tubes, so I’ve never unto this. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Darcy, loved reading your helpful articles. In one article you mentioned a Columbia rain jacket which I cannot find and I want to order it this week for an upcoming trip. Would you please tell me which Columbia rain jacket it is?
Hi, Valerie. I recommend the Columbia Arcadia II. I bought mine directly from the Columbia website. https://www.columbia.com/p/womens-arcadia-ii-rain-jacket-1534111.html.
Have a great trip!
I use contact lens cases for some of my lotions and moisturizers. I had an abundance of them leftover from the days when I wore contacts, so I began using them for travel. They are small, but can easily hold a week’s worth of moisturizer. Use different colored cases for different products, or label each one if you are afraid you won’t remember what is in each case.
That’s a great idea. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you for these great tips! Traveling to India and trying to wrap my brain around what to do for 20 hours and how to pack our carry ons just in case our luggage gets lost!
You’re so welcome! Have a wonderful trip.
Thank you Darcy. Traveling internationally for the first time. Of the sites I’ve read, yours was the most helpful regarding liquid carryons. Thanks again
Joyce
Thanks so much for your kind words! I wrote this post because back when I went on my first international trip I also had trouble finding the information I needed to help me pack my liquids for carry-on only travel.