Tsa Rules: Travel-Size Liquids Allowed?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. This means each passenger may carry these items in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, which must be placed in a separate bin for screening. While the rule has been relaxed in some European airports, it is still in effect in the US.

The 3-1-1 liquids rule

• Liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (roughly 100ml) (that's the "3")
• All containers must be placed in one clear, quart-size plastic bag ("1")
• Each passenger is only allowed one such plastic bag ("1")

This rule applies to liquids, gels and aerosol products, including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, sunscreen, and lotion. It is important to note that liquid products larger than 3.4 ounces must be placed in a checked bag.

There are a few exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities, but they must be declared to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Breast milk, baby formula, and food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also allowed and are considered medically necessary liquids. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag are also permitted in carry-on bags.

Exemptions to the rule

The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and must fit inside a quart-size bag. However, there are some exemptions to this rule:

Medication and Contact Lens Solution

Medication that has been prescribed specifically for you is perhaps the most common item that qualifies as an exception. It is recommended that medication is clearly labelled and transported in clear and translucent bottles. TSA may screen medication visually, with an x-ray machine, or through a vapor analysis. If you would like to ensure that medication is not opened or x-rayed, inform a TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid.

Liquid medications that are not prescriptions and contact lens solutions are limited to 3.4 ounces, but TSA does allow larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, as long as they are declared to security officers first.

Breast Milk, Baby Formula, and Toddler Food and Drinks

Breast milk and baby formula are categorised as "medically necessary liquids" by the TSA. They are allowed in reasonable quantities, and the child does not need to be present for the exception. The TSA suggests using clear and translucent bottles so they can be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners, but this is not required.

Baby and toddler food and drinks, including puree pouches and water in reasonable quantities, are also allowed.

Live Fish, Coral, and Lobster

Live fish, coral, and lobster are allowed in water, as long as they are in clear, transparent containers and properly inspected by a TSA officer.

Biological Specimens

Non-infectious specimens in preservative solutions, such as formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, are allowed for scientific research. They must be packed specifically, with up to 30ml of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and no more than one litre in the outer packaging, marked as "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies."

Non-spillable Wet Batteries

Certain portable electronic devices may require non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolytes, such as gel cells or absorbed glass mats. These are allowed as long as the equipment is protected against accidental activation or evolution of heat, and the battery's voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours.

Duty-Free Purchased Items

Duty-free liquid items purchased at the airport or on board an aircraft are allowed as long as they are sealed by the cashier in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB).

Screening and security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. This means that each passenger may carry liquids in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size , clear, plastic, zip-top bag for their liquids, and all liquids must fit inside this bag. This bag should be placed in the front pocket of your carry-on bag for easy access during screening.

The 3-1-1 rule is a simple way to remember the following:

• Individual liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller
• They must fit into one clear, quart-size bag
• Only one bag is allowed per passenger

Any liquids that do not comply with the 3-1-1 rule must be packed into checked baggage. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, breast milk, infant formula, toddler drinks, and pureed baby food are exempt from the rule. Passengers can bring more than 3.4 ounces of these liquids on board but may have to undergo additional security screening. It is recommended that passengers inform a TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process if they are carrying these items. These liquids will typically be screened by X-ray, but TSA officers may test them separately for explosives or prohibited items.

Liquids that have been purchased after passing through security in an airport are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. In domestic U.S. airports, non-alcoholic drinks and other liquid items purchased in terminal shops can be brought onto your flight. Duty-free liquids will be sealed in a tamper-safe bag before boarding and may be permitted in the cabin or stowed elsewhere on the plane.

Buying liquids at the airport

If you're unsure about what liquids you can bring through airport security, the easiest option is to buy your toiletries and other liquids at the airport. This way, you can be sure that what you're buying complies with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which states that any liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in travel-size containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. These items must be placed in a quart-sized plastic bag.

Airport shops sell items such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and perfume in these handy travel-size containers. By buying your liquids at the airport, you can avoid the hassle of trying to determine whether your liquids comply with TSA guidelines and the risk of having to surrender non-compliant items at security.

Additionally, if you're travelling with a baby or toddler, you're allowed to bring containers larger than 3.4 ounces of baby/toddler food, breast milk, and formula cooling accessories. Live lobster in water is also permitted, provided it's allowed by the airline and packed in a spill-proof container.

For medical necessities, the TSA allows larger amounts of liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities, but these must be declared to security officers first. Prescription liquids, prescription aerosols, liquids associated with nebulizers, cooling accessories, and contact lens solution are all permitted in larger quantities.

It's important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. So, if you're travelling with any liquid items, it's a good idea to keep your carry-on bag organized to facilitate a smooth screening process.

Packing tips

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols. This means each passenger may carry liquids in their carry-on luggage, following these three rules:

• Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less
• All liquids must fit inside one quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
• Only one bag of liquids per passenger is allowed

This rule applies to common travel items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.

If you are packing liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces, these must be packed in your checked baggage. However, there are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule for certain liquids, as outlined below.

Medically necessary liquids, such as prescription medications and contact lens solution, are allowed in larger quantities, but you must declare them to security officers first. Breast milk, baby formula, and food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and are considered "medically necessary liquids".

Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport are permitted if they are sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

When packing liquids in your carry-on bag, consider the following tips:

• Decant your liquids into leakproof travel-size containers.
• Pack solid versions of products, such as stick perfumes or shampoo bars, which are not subject to the liquid restrictions.
• Buy liquids like mouthwash or body lotion at your final destination to avoid potential spills in your luggage.
• Prepare for spills by wrapping a small hand towel around your quart-size bag.
• Pack your liquids bag in an easily accessible place, such as an external compartment or the top of your carry-on bag, to speed up the TSA screening process.
• Check TSA's "What Can I Bring?" list for specific items to ensure you are compliant with the regulations.

Frequently asked questions