Yes, with limits. But only 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller containers in your carry-on quart bag; TSA's current page no longer lists the pandemic-era 12 oz allowance. In checked bags each container can be up to 17 fl oz (500 ml).
TSA's current Hand Sanitizers page limits carry-on hand sanitizer to travel-size containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less under the 3-1-1 rule. The 12 oz exception TSA introduced in 2020 is not on the current page.
Allowed in checked bags as an FAA restricted toiletry: each container no more than 0.5 kg (18 oz) or 500 ml (17 fl oz), all restricted toiletries together no more than 2 kg (70 oz) or 2 L (68 fl oz) per person, and spray nozzles capped.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Carry-on: 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, in your quart-size bag
- Checked: max 0.5 kg (18 oz) / 500 ml (17 fl oz) per container
- Checked total for restricted toiletries: 2 kg (70 oz) / 2 L (68 fl oz) per person
- Spray sanitizer: nozzle must be capped
Packing tips
- Older articles still mention a 12 oz sanitizer exception; TSA's live item page now shows 3.4 oz, so don't rely on the larger allowance.
- Sanitizing wipes are a handy alternative that don't take up quart-bag space.
- Large pump bottles of alcohol gel over 17 fl oz (500 ml) can't go in checked bags either; decant or buy at your destination.
Outside the US
- UKGels are on GOV.UK's liquids list, limited to 100 ml per container at most UK airports (some allow up to 2 litres). Source
- EUGels must be 100 ml or less per container in one transparent bag of up to 1 litre. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Does TSA still allow 12 oz of hand sanitizer?
TSA's current Hand Sanitizers page lists only 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller containers for carry-ons and does not mention the 12 oz exception, so plan on the standard limit.
Can I put a big bottle of hand sanitizer in my checked bag?
Only up to 500 ml (17 fl oz) per container, within a 2 L (68 fl oz) per-person total for restricted toiletries.