San Francisco International Airport liquids and security rules
Flying from San Francisco? Here is what San Francisco International Airport states about liquids and electronics in hand luggage.
100 ml limit
SFO applies the national TSA 3-1-1 rule: liquid containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, all in one quart-sized clear resealable bag per passenger. Take the bag and your laptop out of your carry-on in standard lanes; every SFO checkpoint also offers TSA PreCheck, Priority and CLEAR lanes.
| Liquid container limit | 100 ml limit |
| Clear plastic bag needed | Yes |
| Liquids can stay in your bag | Not stated |
| Laptops can stay in your bag | No |
What this means at San Francisco International Airport
- SFO's Check In & Security page states no liquid limit of its own and links to 'TSA Security Guidance for Travelers' and the TSA prohibited items list: https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/flight-info/check-in-security
- Screening at SFO is carried out by Covenant Aviation Security, 'a private company under contract with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)', under TSA's Screening Partnership Program - the rules are identical to TSA's.
- SFO states: 'In addition to the general lanes, all security checkpoints offer TSA PreCheck, Priority Line and CLEAR lanes.'
- Passengers may enter through any checkpoint in any terminal with a valid same-day boarding pass; all gates are accessible from any checkpoint.
- Baggage carts are not permitted through the security checkpoints (SFO).
- SFO does not mention CT or 3-D scanners, so whether liquids may stay in the bag at any SFO lane is not stated.
- TSA PreCheck travellers do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.
- Arriving international passengers connecting onward must clear the federal inspection process and re-clear security, so buy duty-free liquids with that in mind.
Source: Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule | Transportation Security Administration. Checked 20 September 2026.
Security rules are set by the airport, but your bag size is set by your airline. Check your bag against every airline here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take liquids over 100 ml through San Francisco International Airport?
No. Containers must be 100 ml or smaller.
Do I need a clear plastic bag at San Francisco International Airport?
Yes, liquids must go in a clear resealable bag.