That One Liter Plastic Bag
For Airport Carry-on Luggage

Do You Really Know What You Can Take?

One liter plastic bag? I can hear some U.S. readers now... What size is that?

About the same as a one quart bag, and you are fine with either a one quart or one liter bag. We use the terms interchangeably here on the website, and we use either size when we travel.

Remember it’s one a QUART zip-top plastic bag in the United States, but it's a one LITER plastic bag in most of the rest of the world. You need to know this for airport security. It's so much easier when you really know what you're allowed.

Security regulations for this have been in effect for several years now, and with ongoing terrorist threats, the rules are not going to be loosened anytime soon... if fact, from time to time they become more stringent.

So what do you have to do to carry your shampoo and toothpaste in a carry on bag?

Let's go over the basics here....

What type of bag or container can you carry them in?

You don't have too many options here. No cute little plastic carrying case. What you need is mandated.

√ You must use a clear, zip-top plastic bag.

Yes, those plastic bags are sold by several companies, and they come in a variety of sizes. You can get bags sold by specialty companies, or one quart bags that come in some new suitcases, or you can just use the zip top one liter plastic bags (or quart bags) that are sold in grocery stores.

Can you choose the size that works best for you? No...

√ You must use a bag that is one liter or one quart in size.... not one of those two liter or gallon size bags loosely filled....

If your bottle or tube fits in that small bag, can you take it? Not unless they're the right size.

√ Your containers (that's right... the containers themselves!) must be 100 ml or 3.4 oz ... or less.

Can you take a half full 6 oz (or 200ml) container? No...

√ You must use small containers that only hold 3.4 oz or 100 ml when full.

3 ounces (oz) is approximately equal to 90 milliliter (ml), but the rule in countries that use metric is that you can carry 100 ml bottles. In the U.S. if you have 100 ml bottles, they will usually be allowed. That's 3.4 oz and the TSA says 3.4 oz on their site now.

So if all of your items don't fit in one bag, can you use a second plastic bag? No...

√ You must use only one bag per traveler.

If you are traveling with a friend or loved one, you can "share the space" in the two bags the two of you will be carrying. We tell you about how we pack our one quart plastic bags for the two of us.

In most countries, you may take lipstick and chap sticks outside of the plastic bag, some places you can't. (I am always prepared to pop them into the plastic bag if necessary, but I prefer have them handy.)

When packing medications, you may carry larger amounts of necessary medications, and they don't have to go into your one liter plastic bag, but you must declare them at security. As of this writing, things like eye drops and sterile solution are included. Baby foods may also be carried if declared.

Be prepared for the rules to change when there are terrorist attempts. You may run into different rules at different airports... and the rules can change depending on your destination. What you carried on last time may no longer be allowed. We've seen this happen recently, and it will probably happen in the future.

If you can't live without larger amounts of liquids, creams and gels, then check your luggage. You can carry as much as you want and not worry about that one liter plastic bag.

Yes, it can be frustrating, and yes, it may try your patience, but there is no use fighting it. Pack your carry-on liquids, creams and gels in a one liter plastic bag (or one quart plastic bag) for now and remember how much fun you're going to have on your holiday.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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