Understanding the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport is essential for a hassle-free security experience in 2025. Whether you’re flying out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) for business or vacation, knowing container sizes, bag requirements, exceptions for medications and baby formula, plus smart packing strategies will help you breeze through TSA checkpoints faster and avoid delays.
What Is the TSA Liquid Limit at Logan Airport?
The TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport follows the federal 3-1-1 rule: each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), all fitting into one quart-sized clear plastic bag. This rule applies to all security checkpoints at Boston Logan’s Terminals A, B, C, and E, ensuring consistent screening standards across the airport.
Key Takeaway: At Logan Airport, TSA enforces the 3-1-1 rule—3.4 oz containers, 1 quart-sized bag, 1 bag per passenger—for all carry-on liquids.
Understanding Boston Airport Liquid Rules: The 3-1-1 Rule Explained
Boston Logan Airport liquid restrictions mirror TSA’s nationwide 3-1-1 policy, designed to streamline security while maintaining safety. Here’s exactly what travelers need to know about liquids, gels, and aerosols when flying from BOS in 2025.
Container Size Requirements
Each individual container must hold 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. This applies to all liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols including:
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothpaste and mouthwash
- Makeup, foundation, and mascara
- Hand sanitizer and lotion
- Hair gel, mousse, and spray
- Perfume and cologne
- Contact lens solution
- Liquid medications (with exceptions—see below)
The container size matters more than the amount of liquid inside. Even if your 6-ounce shampoo bottle is only half full, TSA will confiscate it at Logan Airport security checkpoints.
Bag Requirements at Boston Logan
All your 3.4-ounce containers must fit comfortably inside a single, clear, quart-sized (1 liter) resealable plastic bag. TSA agents at Logan Airport terminals strictly enforce this requirement. The bag must be:
- Transparent: Clear plastic so contents are visible
- Quart-sized: Approximately 7″ x 8″ (standard freezer bag size)
- Resealable: Zip-top closure preferred
- One per passenger: No combining bags or carrying multiples
Pro tip: Purchase TSA-approved toiletry bags designed specifically for the 3-1-1 rule—they’re sized perfectly and clearly labeled, making security screening at Logan Airport faster.
Quantity Limits Per Passenger
Each traveler may carry only one quart-sized bag of liquids through Logan Airport security. Families traveling together cannot pool their liquids into shared bags—each passenger (including children with their own boarding passes) gets one bag.
Key Takeaway: Boston Logan liquid restrictions limit travelers to 3.4 oz containers inside one quart-sized clear bag per person, strictly enforced at all BOS security checkpoints.
Exceptions to the TSA Liquid Limit at Logan Airport
While the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport applies to most carry-on items, federal regulations allow important exceptions for medical necessities, baby care items, and special dietary needs. Understanding these exemptions can save you time and stress at BOS security checkpoints.
Medications and Medical Liquids
Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule at Logan Airport. You may carry:
- Liquid prescription medications in any reasonable quantity
- Over-the-counter liquid medicines (cough syrup, pain relievers, etc.)
- Eye drops and saline solution
- Liquid nutrition or dietary supplements
- Insulin and diabetes-related supplies
Important: You must declare all medical liquids to TSA officers at the Logan Airport security checkpoint before screening begins. Keep medications in their original labeled containers when possible, and carry prescriptions or doctor’s notes for controlled substances.
Baby Formula, Breast Milk, and Infant Care
Parents and caregivers traveling through Boston Logan with infants or toddlers may bring unlimited reasonable quantities of:
- Baby formula (liquid, gel, or powder)
- Breast milk and pumped milk
- Toddler drinks and pouches
- Water for mixing formula
- Baby food (purees and liquids)
These items do not need to fit in your quart-sized bag and are not subject to the 3.4-ounce limit. However, you must declare them at the checkpoint and they will undergo separate screening. TSA may test liquids or ask you to open containers. You don’t need to be traveling with your child to carry breast milk through Logan Airport security.
Special Dietary and Medical Nutrition
Passengers with specific dietary requirements may carry exempt liquids including:
- Liquid nutritional supplements (Ensure, Boost, etc.)
- Juice for diabetic passengers
- Gel packs for medical cooling purposes
- Liquid diet meal replacements
Always inform TSA officers at Logan Airport about these items before screening and be prepared to explain their medical necessity.
Key Takeaway: Logan Airport liquid policy exempts medications, baby formula, and medical nutrition from the 3-1-1 rule, but you must declare all exempt items to TSA before screening.
Do You Need to Follow the TSA Liquid Limit
at Logan Airport?
Navigate TSA liquid exceptions with this simple flowchart
What type of liquid are you carrying?
(Shampoo, lotion, toothpaste)
3.4 oz containers in
one quart-sized bag
(Liquid medicines, eye drops)
Declare to TSA officer
at security checkpoint
(Formula, breast milk, baby food)
Declare separately
Child need not be present
(Water, coffee, juice, soda)
OR bring empty reusable bottle
(fill at water fountains)
Need More Logan Airport Tips?
Visit AirportParkingBoston.com for comprehensive Boston Logan travel guides
How to Pack Liquids for Logan Airport Security
Strategic packing can dramatically reduce your wait time at Boston Logan TSA checkpoints. Follow these expert tips to comply with the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport while maximizing convenience.
Pre-Pack Your Liquids Bag at Home
Never wait until you reach Logan Airport to organize your liquids. Assemble your quart-sized bag before leaving home:
- Choose travel-sized containers: Buy 3.4 oz bottles or reusable silicone travel containers
- Label everything: Mark each container with contents to speed inspection
- Test the fit: Ensure your bag closes easily without forcing
- Leave room: Don’t overstuff—TSA agents need to see contents clearly
- Double-bag if needed: Place your liquids bag inside another bag to prevent leaks in your carry-on
Position for Quick Access
At Boston Logan security checkpoints, you’ll need to remove your liquids bag from your carry-on and place it in a separate bin. Make this process faster by:
- Keeping it on top: Place your liquids bag in the top compartment or outside pocket of your carry-on
- Using a bright bag: Choose a colored or labeled TSA-approved bag so you can spot it quickly
- Avoiding deep pockets: Don’t bury liquids under clothing or electronics
- Preparing early: Have your bag ready to pull out as you approach the checkpoint
Declare Exceptions Immediately
If you’re carrying exempt liquids (medications, baby formula, or medical nutrition), alert the TSA officer before screening begins. This prevents confusion and speeds up the process:
- State clearly: “I have medication/formula that exceeds 3.4 ounces”
- Keep exempt items separate from your 3-1-1 bag
- Have documentation ready (prescriptions, doctor’s notes)
- Be patient—exempt liquids require additional screening time
Consider Checked Baggage for Large Liquids
If you need full-sized toiletries or specialty liquids, pack them in checked luggage to avoid Boston Logan liquid restrictions entirely. Checked bags have no liquid limits (though airline weight restrictions apply). This strategy works best for:
- Extended trips requiring more toiletries
- Travelers bringing gifts like wine or specialty foods
- Families needing multiple bottles of baby formula
- Passengers with extensive skincare routines
Key Takeaway: Pack your liquids bag at home, keep it accessible at the top of your carry-on, and immediately declare any exempt items to TSA officers for the fastest Logan Airport security experience.
Common TSA Liquid Limit Questions at Logan Airport
Travelers frequently have specific questions about the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport. Here are detailed answers to the most common concerns when flying through BOS in 2025.
Can I Bring Coffee or Water Through Logan Airport Security?
No—beverages purchased before security must be discarded at Logan Airport TSA checkpoints, regardless of container size. However, you may:
- Bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at water fountains past security
- Purchase drinks after clearing security at terminal shops and restaurants
- Carry frozen beverages if they’re completely solid when screened (no liquid or slush)
Logan Airport has water bottle filling stations in all terminals past security, making it easy to stay hydrated without paying premium prices.
What About Duty-Free Liquids at Boston Logan?
Duty-free liquids purchased after security at Logan Airport or on international flights are allowed in carry-on bags, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces. Requirements include:
- Items must remain in original sealed, tamper-evident bags
- Receipt must be visible inside the bag
- Purchase must be made within 48 hours of travel
- If you have a connecting flight, check with your airline about restrictions
For domestic connections, you may need to recheck duty-free liquids or risk confiscation at subsequent security checkpoints.
Are Solid Toiletries Subject to Boston Airport Liquid Rules?
No—solid toiletries are not subject to the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport. You can pack unlimited quantities of:
- Bar soap and solid shampoo bars
- Solid deodorant (but not gel or roll-on)
- Powder makeup and pressed compacts
- Solid lip balm (chapstick-style)
- Toothpaste tablets or powder
Switching to solid alternatives can eliminate your need for a liquids bag entirely, streamlining your Logan Airport security experience.
What Happens If I Forget the Rules?
If you arrive at Logan Airport security with prohibited liquids, TSA officers will:
- Confiscate non-compliant items—you won’t get them back
- Offer disposal—surrender items voluntarily to avoid delays
- Allow repacking—in some cases, you may return to check-in to add items to checked luggage
Boston Logan Airport does not offer mailing services for confiscated items, so plan ahead to avoid losing expensive toiletries or specialty products.
Key Takeaway: Empty bottles are allowed through Logan security, duty-free liquids need sealed bags with receipts, solid toiletries bypass the 3-1-1 rule entirely, and non-compliant items will be confiscated without return.
Logan Airport Terminal-Specific Tips for TSA Liquid Screening
While the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport remains consistent across all terminals, each of Boston Logan’s four terminals (A, B, C, and E) has unique security checkpoint layouts that affect screening speed and convenience.
Terminal A: Delta Hub
Terminal A serves Delta and WestJet passengers with two security checkpoints. Expect moderate to heavy traffic during morning departure waves (5:00 AM–8:00 AM). Tips for faster screening:
- Use the upper-level checkpoint for shorter lines
- TSA PreCheck lanes available—enroll to keep liquids in your bag
- Water bottle filling stations located past security near Gate A10
Terminal B: American Airlines & Southwest
Terminal B handles American, Southwest, and several international carriers. It features Boston Logan’s busiest security checkpoints with standard and TSA PreCheck lanes. Best practices:
- Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights, 2+ hours for international
- Have your liquids bag ready—lines move quickly but are often long
- Post-security amenities include restaurants and shops where you can purchase beverages
Terminal C: JetBlue Focus City
Terminal C exclusively serves JetBlue with efficient, modern security technology. Features include:
- Automated screening lanes that speed up bin processing
- Clear signage for liquids bag removal
- TSA PreCheck and CLEAR enrollment options
- Multiple water fountains and bottle-filling stations past security
Terminal E: International Gateway
Terminal E serves all international flights with the most stringent security protocols. International travelers should know:
- Additional screening for liquids on certain international routes
- Duty-free shopping available after security—purchases exempt from 3-1-1 rule
- Connecting international passengers may face re-screening at some destinations
- Arrive 3 hours before international departures to allow time for customs and security
Key Takeaway: All Logan Airport terminals enforce identical TSA liquid limits, but Terminal E requires extra time for international screening, while Terminal C offers the fastest automated security lanes.
TSA PreCheck and the TSA Liquid Limit at Logan Airport
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck dramatically changes your experience with the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport. This trusted traveler program offers significant convenience benefits for frequent flyers departing from BOS.
How TSA PreCheck Changes Liquid Rules
TSA PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening at Logan Airport with these liquid-related benefits:
- Keep liquids in your bag: No need to remove your quart-sized bag from carry-on luggage
- 3-1-1 rule still applies: You must still comply with container size limits
- Faster screening: PreCheck lanes at Logan average 5 minutes vs. 15–30 minutes in standard lanes
- Keep shoes and belts on: Less unpacking overall speeds your entire checkpoint experience
Enrolling in TSA PreCheck for Logan Airport
Boston-area travelers can enroll at multiple TSA PreCheck enrollment centers:
- Cost: $78–$85 for 5-year membership
- Process: Online application + in-person appointment (10 minutes)
- Approval time: 3–5 days average, up to 60 days maximum
- Locations: Logan Airport Terminal A, downtown Boston, Cambridge, and suburban enrollment centers
Your Known Traveler Number (KTN) works at 200+ U.S. airports, making it valuable for all travelers flying more than twice annually.
CLEAR + TSA PreCheck at Boston Logan
For maximum speed, combine TSA PreCheck with CLEAR biometric screening:
- CLEAR pods: Available in Terminals A, B, C, and E at Logan Airport
- Biometric verification: Fingerprint or iris scan replaces ID check
- Skip the line: CLEAR escorts you directly to TSA PreCheck screening
- Combined cost: $189/year CLEAR + $78 PreCheck = total security optimization
Key Takeaway: TSA PreCheck members at Logan Airport keep liquids in bags during screening but must still follow the 3.4 oz container limit, reducing checkpoint time to under 5 minutes on average.
What to Do If TSA Confiscates Your Liquids at Logan Airport
If TSA officers identify non-compliant liquids during screening at Boston Logan, you have several options to avoid losing valuable items while still complying with the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport.
Immediate Options at Security
When TSA flags oversized or improperly packed liquids:
- Voluntary surrender: Allow TSA to dispose of the item (fastest option)
- Return to check-in: Exit security, add items to checked luggage, and re-screen (time-consuming)
- Transfer to travel companion: If someone is seeing you off, give them items to take home
- Consolidate containers: In rare cases, TSA may allow you to combine liquids into compliant containers
Logan Airport does not provide mailing services or storage lockers for confiscated items, so plan accordingly.
Prevention Strategies
Avoid confiscation by double-checking your bag before reaching Logan Airport security:
- Empty all pockets and compartments for forgotten liquids
- Check for common oversights: full water bottles, large sunscreen, forgotten perfume samples
- Review your 3-1-1 bag to ensure all containers are 3.4 oz or smaller
- Pack expensive or irreplaceable liquids in checked luggage
Key Takeaway: TSA will confiscate non-compliant liquids at Logan Airport without refund or storage options, so verify your 3-1-1 compliance before entering security to avoid losing valuable items.
Pack Smart
TSA Liquid Limit at Logan Airport Checklist
TIME-SAVING TIP
Frequently Asked Questions: TSA Liquid Limit at Logan Airport
What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids at Boston Logan Airport?
The TSA 3-1-1 rule limits carry-on liquids to containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-sized clear plastic bag, with one bag per passenger. This rule applies at all Logan Airport security checkpoints in Terminals A, B, C, and E.
Can I bring a full-size water bottle through Logan Airport security?
No, you cannot bring filled water bottles through TSA security at Logan Airport. However, you may carry an empty reusable bottle and fill it at water fountains or bottle-filling stations located past security in all terminals.
Are medications exempt from Boston airport liquid restrictions?
Yes, prescription and over-the-counter liquid medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule at Logan Airport. You must declare them to TSA officers before screening and keep them in original labeled containers when possible.
How much baby formula can I bring through Logan Airport TSA?
Parents may bring unlimited reasonable quantities of baby formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks through Logan Airport security. These items are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit but must be declared and screened separately.
What happens if I forget about liquids in my carry-on at Boston Logan?
TSA will confiscate non-compliant liquids at Logan Airport checkpoints. You may voluntarily surrender items, return to check-in to add them to checked luggage, or give them to someone outside security. Logan does not offer mailing or storage services.
Does TSA PreCheck change liquid rules at Logan Airport?
TSA PreCheck members can keep their quart-sized liquids bag inside their carry-on during screening at Logan Airport, but the 3.4-ounce container limit still applies. PreCheck reduces average security wait times to under 5 minutes.
Can I buy liquids after security at Boston Logan?
Yes, beverages and liquids purchased after passing through Logan Airport security can be carried on your flight without restriction. Duty-free liquids must remain in sealed, tamper-evident bags with receipts for connecting flights.
Are solid deodorants and lip balms subject to Logan Airport liquid limits?
No, solid toiletries including stick deodorants, bar soap, and solid lip balms are not subject to the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport. Only gels, liquids, creams, and aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 rule.
Official TSA Resources
For the most current information about carry-on restrictions:
- TSA Liquids Rule: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/liquids-rule
- TSA “What Can I Bring?” Tool: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
- Massport Logan Airport: https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/
Travel Smarter from Logan Airport in 2025
Understanding the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport ensures smooth security screening and stress-free travel from Boston. Remember the 3-1-1 rule—3.4-ounce containers, one quart-sized bag, one bag per passenger—and pack strategically to minimize checkpoint delays. Declare medications and baby formula, consider TSA PreCheck for expedited screening, and arrive with your liquids bag easily accessible.
Whether you’re departing from Terminal A, B, C, or E, following these Boston Logan liquid restrictions will get you through security faster and on your way to your destination. And don’t forget: after clearing security, take advantage of convenient off-site parking options near Logan Airport that offer shuttle service, competitive rates, and hassle-free reservations for your next trip.
Safe travels—and may the TSA liquid limit at Logan Airport never slow you down again!