Taking your own shampoo when traveling is important
You can bring shampoo in both carry-on and checked baggage, but you can only bring containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on bags. (Shampoo tablets are excluded from the TSA liquid rules.) On the other hand, you can pack large containers of shampoo in your checked bag.
In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling with liquid shampoo in both carry-on and checked baggage, plus tips on powdered and medical shampoo.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- shampoo in carry-on must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, all inside a quart-sized clear bag.
- Full-size bottles are not allowed in carry-on bags; pack them in checked luggage.
- Checked baggage has no size or quantity limits, full bottles are fine.
- Use refillable travel bottles or buy shampoo after security if traveling light.
- Dry shampoo is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags (aerosols ≤ 3.4 oz in carry-on).
- International flights follow the same TSA liquid rules.
- Keep a small bottle in your carry-on and pack full sizes in checked luggage.
What Size Shampoo Can You Bring on a Plane?
According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), you can pack bottles of shampoo that are 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in your carry-on luggage.
If you want to bring more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml in your carry-on bag, you can fill multiple small bottles and place them inside your toiletry bag.
The TSA does not limit the number of bottles you can bring; however, they must fit inside a transparent quart-sized bag.
Here’s what the TSA says about liquids:
“You are permitted to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint, but only in travel-sized bottles that are no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item. Products must be in a small, transparent, quart-sized bag for easy screening. If you have liquids larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, place them inside your checked baggage.”
Can You Bring Shampoo in Carry-On Luggage?
Yes, you can bring shampoo in carry-on luggage, but only in small containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
Because travel-size shampoo can be more expensive, many travelers use refillable travel bottles to transfer shampoo from full-sized bottles or to carry just one container for short trips.
If you’re traveling internationally with carry-on only but don’t want to pack travel-size bottles, you can buy full-sized shampoo after passing the security checkpoint. However, it may cost more than at your local store or online.
This traveler wants the TSA to ease shampoo restrictions in carry-on baggage instead of knives obviously meaning they’d prefer full-sized containers to be allowed.
Can You Bring Shampoo in Checked Luggage?
Can I bring full-size shampoo in my checked baggage?
Yes. According to the TSA, liquids like shampoo or other hair products can be transported in checked baggage in full-sized containers without restrictions. They don’t need to be placed in a transparent ziplock bag.
If you’re going on a long trip, it’s a good idea to pack all your necessary toiletries in your checked bag. Still, keep a few essentials in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost.
How do you bring shampoo on a plane?
I usually fill a travel container (less than 3.4 oz) with shampoo and place it inside my carry-on bag, then pack the rest in my suitcase, which I’ll check in.
Can I Bring Dry Shampoo on a Plane?
Dry shampoos are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked baggage.
A traveler asked the TSA if they could bring dry shampoo in aerosol form in their carry-on.
The TSA customer service team replied that dry shampoo is permitted as long as the bottle is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less.
The bottle in question was 0.75 oz (22 ml) well within the allowed limit.
Can You Take Shampoo on International Flights?
The same rules apply when traveling internationally.
You’ll need to take small amounts of shampoo in your carry-on and pack larger containers in checked baggage.
If you don’t mind buying shampoo at your destination, it can save valuable space in your luggage.
How Much Shampoo Should I Bring on a Trip?
Two travel-size shampoo bottles usually last about two months if used sparingly. However, if you use shampoo daily and generously, an 8 oz / 230 ml bottle might last only a month.
Since the TSA and most airlines don’t allow full-sized shampoo in carry-on luggage, it’s best to pack it in your checked bag.
I usually bring a full-sized 17.9 oz / 530 ml shampoo and conditioner for long trips. If I run out, I just buy replacements at a local store.
How Do I Pack Shampoo for a Flight?
It’s important to pack your shampoo, and liquids in general carefully, especially for long-haul flights.
Using a durable toiletry bag helps protect your items and keeps any spills contained.
Here’s what Nadine takes for a month-long trip and how she organizes her shampoo and other liquids for flights.
Best Travel-Size Shampoos
If you plan to travel frequently, it’s best to choose travel-friendly shampoos before your trip. They’re often better than hotel options and easier to carry in your hand luggage.
Here are some of our top picks for travel-size shampoos that suit a variety of hair types and are easy to pack for your next flight.
Final Thoughts
In short you can bring shampoo on most airplanes, but containers in carry-on baggage must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, packed inside a quart-sized bag.
You can go with travel-size shampoo bottles which is compact, lightweight, and convenient for travel.
You can buy larger bottles after passing security, and you won’t need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule though airport shops can be pricey.
There are no quantity limits in checked baggage.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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