Clear Security Without Opening Your Bag
TSA 3-1-1 (and ICAO equivalents worldwide) require liquids to be in 100 ml containers inside a 1-liter clear zip bag. It's the #1 thing first-time international travelers trip on. Pack silicone bottles in a clear quart bag and you'll sail through screening.
What to Check Before Buying
1. Container size — labeled 100 ml or less The printed container size is what matters, not the fill level. A half-full 150 ml bottle still fails. Check the label.
2. Silicone vs. plastic
- Silicone: squeezable, leak-resistant.
- Plastic: durable but can crack if dropped.
Silicone wins for cabin pressure changes.
3. Clear quart bag — 20 × 20 cm max One zip-top bag, 20 × 20 cm or smaller. Oversized pouches get pulled. Carry the quart bag separately from your toiletry kit.
4. Solid shampoo and soap Solid forms are not counted as liquids — free space in your quart bag for toner, lotion, etc.
Picks by Price Range
Carry-On vs Checked
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo / body wash ≤ 100 ml | OK (quart bag) | OK |
| Shampoo / body wash > 100 ml | No | OK |
| Solid shampoo / bar soap | OK | OK |
| Hand sanitizer ≤ 100 ml | OK | OK |
| Toothpaste ≤ 100 ml | OK (quart bag) | OK |
| Electric razor | OK | OK |
| Disposable razor (not double-edge blades) | OK | OK |
| Nail polish / remover | No | Limited qty |
See our full prohibited carry-on list.
FAQ
Q. Are there limits on checked liquids? No volume limit on most items in checked bags. Flammables (perfume, nail polish) have quantity caps.
Q. Can I just use hotel amenities? For short trips, sure. Sensitive skin types should bring their own products — hotel shampoos often cause scalp reactions late in a trip.
Q. What about lip balm and deodorant? Solid and cream types aren't liquids. Roll-on and spray deodorant must be under 100 ml.
Q. Menstrual products? No restrictions in carry-on or checked. Brand availability varies by country — pack extras.
Pair With Packing Cubes
A toiletry pouch fits best in an outer cube pocket. See packing cubes and the liquids rule tool.
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