Quick Answer
✅ Yes. Toothpaste is allowed on planes, but in carry-on it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: tubes must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger toothpaste tubes can only go in checked baggage.
Details
- Carry-on (toothpaste):
- Toothpaste is considered a gel under TSA rules.
- Each tube must be ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
- All liquid/gel toiletries must fit inside one quart-sized resealable bag.
- Checked luggage:
- Any size toothpaste tube allowed.
- Pack inside a toiletry bag or wrap to prevent leaks.
- Solid toothpaste tablets/powder:
- Not subject to liquids rule.
- Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
TSA Toothpaste Rules Summary
| Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (in liquids bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Toothpaste > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Toothpaste tablets/powder | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Tube size, not contents: Even if a large tube is mostly empty, it still counts as its labeled size.
- ✈️ Travel-size hack: Buy 1 oz or 2 oz tubes — they pass TSA easily.
- ✈️ Solid alternatives: Toothpaste tablets avoid liquid limits and are travel-friendly.
- ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same 100 ml liquids rule.