We know you have a lot of questions about what you can and can’t bring on a plane.
Here’s a definitive answer to the question: what size toothpaste can you take on a plane?
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The 3-1-1 Rule
The 3-1-1 Rule for liquids in containers that hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These containers must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. Only one item per bag. The bag may be placed in a carry-on bag or in your checked bag.
What is the 3-1-1 Rule?
The 3-1-1 Rule, applied to liquids in containers that hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item, means that these items must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. The bag may be placed in a carry-on bag or in your checked bag.
Here’s what you can bring in your carry-on and checked baggage, by the item:
Gels, Creams and Pastes
Includes items like shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothpaste, lip balm and make-up.
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container
One (1) quart-sized bag per passenger
Liquids
Includes items like water, soda, juice and perfume.
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container
One (1) quart-sized bag per passenger
Aerosols
Includes spray deodorant, hairspray and spray sunscreen.
3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container
One (1) quart-sized bag per passenger
What are the exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule?
There are a few liquids that are exceptions to the 3-1-1 Rule. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of these items in your carry-on and checked baggage. These items include:
-Baby formula
-Breast milk
-Juice for medical purposes
-Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition
-Lotion
-Personal lubricant
Sanitizer
Sauce
Snow globes
How to Pack Your Toothpaste
You’re probably wondering how much toothpaste you can bring on a plane. The TSA has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids in containers that hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. These containers must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. Only one item per bag. You’re allowed one bag per passenger.
Option 1: Checked Baggage
You can pack toothpaste in checked baggage or carry-on baggage.
If you are packing toothpaste in checked baggage, any size tube is permitted. There are no quantity restrictions for liquids, gels and aerosolables in checked baggage.
If you are packing toothpaste in carry-on baggage, it must be in a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. All liquids, gels and aerosolables must be placed in a single, clear, quart-sized bag. Only one item per bag. The bag may be placed in a carry-on bag or in your checked bag.
Option 2: Carry-On Baggage
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. All liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes must be placed in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Only one item per bag. The bag may be placed in a carry-on bag or in your checked bag.
Tips for Flying with Toothpaste
You can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, pastes, and lotions 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. All liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, pastes, and lotions must be placed in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Only one item per bag. The bag may be placed in a carry-on bag or in your checked bag.
Bring an Extra Toothbrush
While you may not be able to bring a full-sized tube of toothpaste on the plane, you can pack a travel-sized toothbrush in your carry-on bag. This way, if your toothpaste runs out or if you forget to pack it, you’ll still have a way to brush your teeth.
To make sure your toothbrush doesn’t take up too much space in your bag, look for a collapsible or folding toothbrush. These types of toothbrushes can be easily tucked into a small corner of your bag, and they won’t take up much space when they’re not in use.
If you’re really trying to save space in your bag, you can also find toothbrushes that come with their own travel case. This way, you won’t have to worry about packing an extra case for your toothbrush and it’ll be one less thing to keep track of while you’re traveling.
Use a TSA-Approved Lock
TSA locks are combination or keyed locks that have been tested by the Transportation Security Administration to meet their standards for safety and security. That means that the TSA has a master key that can open the lock so that they can inspect your bag if necessary, but it also means that the lock cannot be easily picked or broken by someone who is not authorized to open it.