According to TSA rules and regulations, you can bring mouthwash on a plane, packed in both your carry on and checked bags. But if packed in your carry-on, your mouthwash should not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
This is because of the 3-1-1 rule that prohibits passengers from packing any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on that exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
These items must also be packed in a clear, resealable bag that is no larger than 32oz. in size.
The TSA say that “medically necessary” liquids, including mouthwash, are allowed to be packed in your carry-on in containers that exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
While a prescription or doctor’s note isn’t required, it’s unlikely that if you attempt to bring a larger bottle of mouthwash from a popular brand like Listerine or Colgate through airport security, a TSA officer will let it through.
In other words, if your large bottle of mouthwash isn’t medically necessary, don’t try to bring it in your carry-on because you won’t be able to get it through, and it will be confiscated.
Bringing Mouthwash on International Flights
Regardless if you’re flying domestically or internationally, the same rules apply.
So, if you pack mouthwash in your carry-on, the bottle must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
Mouthwash must also be placed in a clear, resealable bag if you pack it in your carry-on.
How to Pack Mouthwash for Flying
There are a few basic rules to follow when packing mouthwash for your next flight.
As mouthwash is a liquid, place it inside your liquids bag, which should be clear, resealable, and no larger than 32oz.
Make sure your liquids bag is easily accessible because you will need to take it out to be screened.
If you are flying with prescription mouthwash that is in a container that is larger than 3.4oz/100ml, inform a TSA officer and place it in a separate bin for screening.
If packing mouthwash in your checked bag, make sure that you protect it from breakage by placing it inside a toiletries bag in the middle of your suitcase and wrapped inside soft items.
An Alternative to Liquid Mouthwash
The 3-1-1 rule can be frustrating to deal with, especially when it comes to mouthwash.
This is because, sure, you can buy a travel-sized bottle of mouthwash, but that will last you a few days to a week at most.
You can always buy several of these mini bottles, but then they’ll take up space in your liquids bag, which can affect the other items you want to bring.
An alternative to this is buying mouthwash tablets, like these, as they don’t need to be placed in your liquids bag and there are no quantity limits for how many you can bring.
You can pack your electric toothbrush in both your carry on bags and checked bags, but if it contains a lithium-ion battery, it is preferable if you pack it in your carry-on baggage.
You are allowed to bring dental floss, toothpicks, and other small dental instruments that are under 7 inches in length on a plane in both your carry-on bag and checked bags.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
