Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows shampoo on planes, but in carry-on it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: bottles up to 3.4 oz (100 ml) inside your 1 quart-sized bag.
✅ Full-size shampoo bottles are only allowed in checked baggage.
✈️ Solid shampoo bars are allowed in any size in both carry-on and checked.
Details
- Carry-on (liquid shampoo):
- Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
- All liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit in a single quart-sized resealable bag.
- Checked luggage:
- Any size shampoo bottles permitted.
- Wrap bottles in plastic or use leak-proof travel bottles to prevent spills.
- Solid shampoo bars:
- Not subject to liquids rule.
- Unlimited in both carry-on and checked bags.
- Aerosol/dry shampoo:
- Travel-size aerosols ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on.
- Larger aerosol cans only allowed in checked bags (typically max 18 oz / 500 ml per container, 70 oz total).
TSA Shampoo Rules Summary
| Shampoo Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid shampoo ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (in liquids bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Liquid shampoo > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Shampoo bars (solid) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Dry shampoo (aerosol ≤ 3.4 oz) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Dry shampoo (aerosol > 3.4 oz) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Bottle size matters, not fill level: A half-full 6 oz bottle still counts as 6 oz → not allowed in carry-on.
- ✈️ Leaky bottles: Pressure changes can cause leaks; use travel bottles or seal in plastic.
- ✈️ Aerosol caps required: TSA requires caps on aerosols to prevent accidental spraying.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquids rule, but confirm before travel.