It’s not a crime to want to have fresh breath wherever you go! That means keeping your favorite mouthwash close by—even if you’re stepping on a plane.
You may be able to find mouthwash at your destination, but it may be in a bottle far too large to take back. Or your final destination may be a remote backcountry location—perfect to unplug and relax in peace and tranquility … but not perfect for stocking up on toiletries. Many off-the-beaten-path destinations lack access to the usual convenience stores, so having your preferred products with you is key for a comfortable trip.
It makes sense to want to include your favorite mouthwash in your traveling toiletries kit. But can you even bring mouthwash on a plane? Airlines and the TSA are notoriously sensitive about what people bring on planes, and for good reason. Post-9/11 aviation rules have made passengers more sensitive than ever about what they pack in their bags, especially liquids.
What Travel Rules Apply? Can You Take Mouthwash on a Plane?
The best-known rule regarding the transportation of liquids on airplanes is also one of the least-understood. It’s called the “3/1/1” rule, and it has been imposed by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Other countries have different rules, but if you want to board a plane in the US, 3/1/1 applies.
The rules break down as follows:
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3 = Maximum 3.4 ounce container size. This gets shortened to “3,” and many people think three fluid ounces is the limit. But the rule is actually 100 milliliters, which converts to 3.4 ounces. These could be bottles, canisters, pouches … any container, as long as the maximum capacity is 100 mL.
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1 = Maximum one zipper-sealed baggie. Each passenger only gets one ziplock baggie full of 3.4-ounce containers. All the containers you bring, including mouthwash, have to fit inside that baggie.
- 1 = Maximum baggie size of one quart. The baggie must have a capacity no larger than one quart. It doesn’t matter if you fill this baggie with a mix of liquids, or stuff it entirely with one-ounce pouches of mouthwash—as long as it’s less than one quart, you can bring it.
The Story Behind This Airport Rule
The TSA implemented this rule in 2006 after an attempted bombing of a commercial airliner in the UK. The assailants tried to blend a sports drink and other ingredients into an explosive cocktail. Studies showed that limiting individual liquid quantities to 100 mL or less would prevent hypothetical future attackers from blending an effective liquid cocktail and endangering the flight.
This plot, uncovered just in time, led to major changes in airport security worldwide. As a result, the 3-1-1 rule was introduced, limiting liquids to 100 mL per container and requiring all liquids to fit in a single quart-sized bag. This measure was designed to prevent potential liquid explosives from being smuggled onto flights. Since then, it has become a staple of air travel security, shaping how we pack and prepare for flights today.
It’s important to note that the 3/1/1 rule only applies to carry-on luggage. You can put as much liquid as you want, in any size container, in checked luggage. Just be careful—you don’t want a big mouthwash bottle to break and soak the rest of your luggage when a baggage handler tosses your suitcase roughly into the plane’s storage compartment. To avoid potential leaks, consider sealing your mouthwash in a plastic bag or using a protective travel case.
Do Rules Against Alcohol Prohibit Bringing Mouthwash On a Plane?
Some antiseptic mouthwash contains alcohol. Among its other fun qualities, alcohol is a powerful disinfectant. It can be very effective at killing the kind of bacteria, fungus, and oral flora that cause bad breath. But you may have heard through the grapevine that you are not allowed to bring alcohol onto a plane.
"There is actually no law that prevents you from bringing alcohol on a plane."
You can even bring bottles of alcohol in your carry-on bag—as long as it conforms with the 3-1-1 rule (3.4-ounce bottles or less, and they have to fit in your one-quart plastic zipper-seal baggie along with your other liquids). This includes miniature bottles of liquor or wine, which are commonly sold in travel-sized formats. Many travelers take advantage of this to enjoy a small drink or as a souvenir from their trip.
So why do people think this is the case? The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) prohibits airline passengers from consuming their own alcoholic beverages on the plane. Consuming alcoholic beverages served and/or sold by the flight attendant is fine. Bringing a one-ounce bottle of vodka on the plane is also fine, as long as it fits in your one-quart baggie. But try to pour that vodka into your orange juice and drink it mid-flight, and you’re actually breaking a Federal law. This rule is in place to ensure passengers' safety and prevent disruptive behavior on flights.
How does this apply to mouthwash containing alcohol? Not much. Mouthwash isn’t an alcoholic beverage. Even if it contains alcohol, it isn’t a beverage. The distinction lies in the intended use of the product. While alcohol-based mouthwash can freshen your breath, it isn’t meant for consumption like a cocktail or wine. So, if your in-flight meal leaves a bad taste in your mouth, you can grab a one-ounce pouch of mouthwash from your carry-on baggie of liquids, duck over to the lavatory, crack open the pouch, and freshen up your breath … without violating any Federal laws. It’s a simple and safe way to maintain your oral hygiene while flying.
Despite what would seem to be some stumbling blocks, it is actually not illegal or difficult to bring mouthwash on a commercial jetliner. Just follow the same rules you would follow with any other liquid, and you’ll enjoy fresh breath for your entire trip! Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, packing a small, travel-sized bottle or pouch of mouthwash is simple and convenient. Remember to double-check the size limitations and place it in your quart-sized bag with other liquids. With just a little preparation, you can ensure that your oral hygiene routine stays intact, no matter how long the flight.
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