Can I Take Duty-Free Liquids on a Connecting Flight to the US?
The short answer
Sometimes. TSA says duty-free liquids over 3.4 oz (100 ml) can go in carry-on if bought internationally and you connect to a US-bound flight, sealed by the retailer in a transparent tamper-evident bag, with the original receipt, bought within 48 hours.
TSA's conditions
TSA lists all of these conditions for inbound international flights. All must apply.
- The liquids were bought internationally and you are connecting to a US-bound flight.
- They are in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag sealed by the retailer, with no signs of tampering at screening.
- The original receipt is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.
What still happens at screening
Items inside these bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or cannot be screened is not allowed in carry-on. TSA recommends packing all over-limit liquids in checked baggage, even when they are in a tamper-evident bag.
If you do not have the sealed bag
TSA says liquids over 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage. The standard rule is that carry-on liquids are limited to containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per item.
Different airports, different rules
The TSA page describes the US side of the rule. Security at your connecting airport, for example in the UK or EU, is set by that country's authorities and may differ, so check with your airline or the airport. Rules change, so confirm on the official TSA page.
Rules and fees change, so check the official page linked below before you travel.
Sources: TSA: Liquids, aerosols and gels rule. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the 48 hour window?
TSA says the purchase must have been made within 48 hours and the original receipt must be present.
Can I open the bag?
The TSA page requires no signs of tampering at screening, so keep the bag sealed.
Does this apply to flights not going to the US?
The TSA page covers connections to a US-bound flight. Other routes follow other countries' rules.
Is checked baggage safer?
TSA recommends packing all over-limit liquids in checked baggage, even with a tamper-evident bag.
What is the normal liquid limit?
TSA says 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item in a quart-sized bag.