Lazar Odonnell
If you're travelling by air, it's important to know the rules about what you can and can't take on board with you. In the years following a 2006 plot to bomb an aircraft with liquid explosives, security agencies around the world have limited the amount of liquid passengers can bring through airport security. This has led to the creation of the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which allows travellers to carry small amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols in their hand luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters |
| Container type | Travel-size |
| Container quantity | One quart-size bag per passenger |
| Screening process | Easier if placed in a small bag separate from carry-on baggage |
| Duty-free liquids | Allowed if purchased internationally, in a secure, tamper-evident bag, with a receipt, and not showing signs of tampering |
| Exceptions | Medications, baby formula, breast milk, baby food and drinks, liquid-filled teethers, biological specimens, non-spillable wet batteries, duty-free items in sealed bags |
What You'll Learn
The 3-1-1 liquids rule
- May carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- Must place these containers in one clear quart-sized bag.
- Is limited to one plastic bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
This rule applies to common travel items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion. It is important to note that any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
There are a few exceptions to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. For instance, duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag are permitted. Additionally, medically necessary liquids, such as prescription medications, are allowed in reasonable quantities but must be declared to security officers for inspection.
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What counts as a liquid
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has created guidelines on what is considered a liquid and what travelers are allowed to bring in their bags. According to the TSA, any substance that is free-flowing or viscous is considered a liquid. This includes liquids, aerosols, pastes, creams, and gels.
Makeup, such as mascara, lip balm, lip gloss, and hand creams, is considered a liquid cosmetic. Other common items that must comply with the liquid rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.
To transport liquids, travelers are advised to use refillable bottles or containers. As per the 3-1-1 rule, liquids must be in bottles with a maximum volume of 3.4 oz (100 ml) and must be packed in a durable, zip-top, quart-sized plastic bag. One bag is allowed for each passenger.
Solid makeup and perfume sticks are a good alternative to liquids and can be easily packed in hand luggage without worrying about container size. For essential liquids, it is recommended to put them in your carry-on bag so that you can easily access them during or after your flight.
To avoid any spillage, double-seal your bottles by wrapping them with plastic bags and taping the bottle caps. Pay extra attention to products like foundation and mascara, as these items can leak easily.
If you are unsure about what is allowed, buying your toiletries and liquids at the airport is a safe option. Items such as toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and perfume can be bought in handy travel-size containers from shops throughout the airport.
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Exceptions to the rule
The 3-1-1 liquids rule, an international guideline created by explosive experts, requires airline passengers to pack their liquids inside 3.4-ounce containers that can fit into one quart-size bag. However, there are exceptions to this rule:
Medication and Medical Necessities
Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities, provided they are declared to security officers. This includes prescription liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as liquid medications and contact lens solutions.
Infant and Child Nourishments
Breast milk, baby formula, and food and drinks for babies and toddlers, including puree pouches, are allowed. Water for babies is also permitted in reasonable quantities. Liquid-filled teethers and liquid-filled freezer packs are also allowed.
Live Fish and Coral in Water
Live fish, coral, and even lobster (permitted by certain airlines) in water are exempt from the liquid rule, provided they are in clear, transparent containers and properly inspected by a TSA officer.
Biological Specimens
Non-infectious specimens in preservative solutions, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, can be carried for scientific research. They must be packed specifically, with up to 30 milliliters of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and no more than one liter in the outer packaging, marked as "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies."
Duty-Free Purchases
Duty-free liquid items purchased at the airport or on board an aircraft are allowed, provided they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) by the cashier.
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Buying liquids at the airport
When travelling on airlines, passengers are typically restricted to carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) in size. These containers must fit into a single quart-sized bag. Any larger liquids must be packed into checked luggage. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule when it comes to buying liquids at the airport.
Duty-Free Liquors
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops at the airport can be taken on board as long as they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB). This applies to items such as liquor and perfume.
Medications and Baby Products
Medically necessary liquids, such as prescription liquids, gels, and aerosols, are allowed in larger quantities. These include prescription medications, liquid medications, contact lens solution, and breast milk/infant formula. It is recommended that prescription liquids are clearly labelled. Medications may be screened visually, with an X-ray machine, or through a vapor analysis.
Liquid-filled teethers, baby food (including puree pouches), and cooling accessories like ice packs for breast milk or formula are also allowed in larger quantities.
Other Exceptions
Other exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule include non-infectious specimens in preservative solutions for scientific research, completely frozen gel ice packs, and live lobsters in spill-proof containers (with airline permission).
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Passengers should be prepared for additional screening procedures if carrying liquids that exceed the standard limit.
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Liquids in checked luggage
When packing liquids in your checked luggage, it is important to follow the relevant guidelines and take certain precautions. Firstly, you must determine which liquids are prohibited on airplanes, regardless of their placement in your luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a list of prohibited liquids on its website, and it is crucial to avoid attempting to bring any of these items on board. Additionally, it is advisable to consult the Federal Aviation Administration's list of hazardous materials to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
After familiarising yourself with the prohibited items, the next step is to ascertain whether the liquid items you intend to bring are permitted at your destination. For instance, if you plan to carry several bottles of wine, there may be restrictions on importing alcoholic beverages into certain U.S. states. It is important to research and understand the specific regulations of your destination to avoid any issues.
When packing liquids, it is essential to use leak-proof containers and carefully secure them to prevent any spills or damage to your clothing and other items in your luggage. Wrapping the tops of bottles or containers with duct tape can help ensure that the caps remain tightly sealed. Additionally, utilising plastic bags, bubble wrap, or cardboard boxes can provide extra protection and containment in case of leaks. It is also recommended to place liquid items in the centre of your suitcase, surrounded by clothing and other soft items, to provide cushioning in case of impact.
While there are no specific volume restrictions for liquids in checked luggage, it is important to ensure that your liquids do not exceed the overall weight limit for your suitcase. It is also worth noting that checked baggage is subject to inspection by baggage security screeners, and they may open your luggage to examine any liquid items more closely. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid packing valuables or prescription medications in your checked baggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) containers or smaller. All liquids must fit into a single, clear quart-size bag, and each passenger can only bring one of these bags in their carry-on luggage.
The 3-1-1 rule is a simple way to remember the liquid requirements: individual liquid containers must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, they must fit into one clear quart-size bag, and each passenger is limited to one bag.
Any liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces or that don't fit in the quart-size bag must be packed in checked baggage.
Yes, the TSA exempts medically necessary liquids, breast milk, infant formula, toddler drinks, and pureed baby food from the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring more than 3.4 ounces of these liquids on board, but they may be subject to additional security screening.
If you have a liquid that doesn't comply with the 3-1-1 rule, you'll need to either pack it in your checked bag or throw it out at airport security.
