New TSA Rules: 11 Liquids You Can Now Carry On in Any Size

For nearly 20 years, U.S. flyers have been stuck squeezing shampoo into tiny travel bottles and tossing water bottles at TSA checkpoints. But that’s starting to change — big time.

Thanks to powerful new CT scanners rolling out at major airports, the TSA is relaxing its infamous 3.4-ounce liquid rule for a list of 11 specific items. That means for the first time in two decades, you can travel with full-sized versions of these liquids and gels — no zip-log bag required.

Important: Not every airport has adopted these changes yet. Always check the TSA website or the myTSA app before you pack, as rules can vary by location and may change at any time.

Why the Rule Existed in the First Place

The original liquid ban was never about convenience. It was a direct response to a 2006 terror plot involving liquid explosives. The 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit was based on the amount that could cause cabin damage if detonated. But technology has finally caught up.

The Game-Changer: New CT Scanners

New computed tomography (CT) scanners — similar to those used in hospitals — are being installed at the country’s busiest airports, including:

• Atlanta (ATL)
• John F. Kennedy (JFK)
• Los Angeles (LAX)

These scanners provide TSA agents with detailed, rotatable 3D images of your bag’s contents, allowing them to screen for threats more accurately and quickly.

The 11 Items You Can Now Bring in Any Size

Here’s the updated list of TSA-approved liquids you can carry in full-size containers (if the airport has the new scanners):

1. 1. Over-the-counter medications
2. Prescription medications (gel, liquid, or aerosol)
3. Ice packs or gel packs for medically necessary items
4. Food and drink for infants and toddlers
5. Wet batteries
6. Live fish transported in water
7. Biological specimens
8. Breast milk or baby formula
9. Liquid-filled teethers
10. Duty-free items in tamper-evident bags
11. Fresh eggs

Yes — even fresh eggs made the list.

And more could be on the way. If all goes according to plan, you’ll soon be able to pack full-size shampoo, perfume, sunscreen, and body wash as well.

The Rollout Timeline

The list is expected to grow through 2025 as CT scanners continue to be installed nationwide. But not every airport has the new scanners yet — so don’t toss those travel-sized bottles just yet.

Pro Tips Before You Pack

• Check your airport’s website before you fly to see if CT scanners are in use.
• Use the myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature.
• Ask @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger for quick answers.
• Text “Travel” to 275-872 for TSA info via SMS.

And TSA’s Maryland director, Christopher Murgia, offers this advice:

“Start with an empty bag. If you pack from scratch, you’re less likely to accidentally bring something prohibited.”

A Smoother Travel Experience

Beyond expanding what you can bring, CT scanners also reduce how often TSA has to dig through your bag, speeding up the whole process. So while the full rollout will take time — especially internationally — U.S. air travel is finally moving toward a less frustrating future.

Pack smart. Check your airport. And soon, you might just be flying with your favorite full-size shampoo bottle again.