Jazmin Li
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about the amount of liquid that can be taken on a plane. Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes are all considered the same under these rules. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that passengers are only allowed to carry liquids in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. All of these containers must fit into a clear, quart-sized bag. While there is no limit to the number of 1.8-ounce bottles you can bring on a plane, they must all fit into a single quart-sized bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less |
| Container type | Travel-sized |
| Container material | Plastic |
| Container transparency | Clear/translucent |
| Container sealability | Must be sealable |
| Bag size | Quart-sized |
| Bag type | Clear, resealable plastic |
| Bag quantity | One per passenger |
| Liquid quantity | Approximately 7-8 containers |
| Liquid type | Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, etc. |
| Exemptions | Duty-free liquids, medications, baby formula, frozen liquids |
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What You'll Learn
- The 3-1-1 rule: Liquids must be in 3.4 oz containers, inside a 1-quart bag
- Screening: Liquids that alarm during screening will require additional checks
- Medication: Medically necessary items are exempt from the rule
- Duty-free: Liquids bought at the airport can be brought on board in STEBs
- Frozen liquids: Frozen-solid items are allowed through TSA checkpoints
The 3-1-1 rule: Liquids must be in 3.4 oz containers, inside a 1-quart bag
The 3-1-1 rule is an international guideline that governs how airline passengers can transport liquids in their carry-on luggage. The rule was created by explosive experts after a plot to blow up planes flying from the UK to the US was thwarted.
The rule states that liquids must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (or 100 ml) each ("3"). These containers must be placed inside one clear, quart-sized, plastic bag ("1"). Each passenger is only allowed to carry one such bag ("1"). This means that you can carry as much liquid as can fit inside 3.4-ounce containers that collectively fit inside one quart-sized bag.
The rule applies to liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This includes common travel items such as shampoo, face wash, sunscreen, toothpaste, and hairspray. It also applies to alcoholic beverages, which are allowed as long as they are less than 3.4 ounces and do not exceed 70% alcohol content.
It is important to note that any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on bag. TSA recommends packing liquids that are over 3.4 ounces in your checked baggage.
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Screening: Liquids that alarm during screening will require additional checks
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are subject to screening at the airport. The general rule is that these substances must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a quart-sized bag for screening. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that is over 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked baggage.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in your carry-on bag if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag and do not show signs of tampering. Additionally, certain medically necessary items, such as gel ice packs, breast milk, and baby formula, are allowed in reasonable quantities and may be screened separately.
During the screening process, if a liquid alarms the security system, it will require additional checks. This may include a pat-down procedure or alternative testing methods. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. It is recommended to follow the guidelines and cooperate with the officers to facilitate the screening process.
It is important to note that the screening process may vary depending on the airport and the country. Passengers should always check with their local airport and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most up-to-date and specific guidelines.
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Medication: Medically necessary items are exempt from the rule
Liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers exceeding 3.4 ounces (or 100 ml) must be packed in checked baggage. However, medication and other medically necessary items are exempt from this rule. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed the standard limit of 3.4 ounces. This includes gel ice packs, breast milk, and IV bags, pumps, syringes, and other medical accessories. Food, drinks, and purees for babies and toddlers are also permitted and fall under the "medically necessary" category. It is important to note that these items may need to be separated from carry-on bags for proper screening, and any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening or may not be permitted.
While the TSA provides guidelines for what is generally allowed, the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. It is always advisable to plan ahead and follow packing guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience. Additionally, certain items, even if permitted, may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if they trigger an alarm during the screening process.
It is worth noting that duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in secure, tamper-evident bags may be allowed in carry-on baggage when traveling to the United States with a connecting flight. However, these bags must not show any signs of tampering and must be screened and cleared by TSA officers.
To expedite the screening process, the TSA suggests using clear and translucent bottles, as they can be easily screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners. While not required, this practice can help streamline the security process. It is also recommended to separate powder-like substances exceeding 12 ounces for separate screening.
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Duty-free: Liquids bought at the airport can be brought on board in STEBs
Liquids in carry-on luggage must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule: all liquids, gels, creams, and pastes must be in 3.4-ounce (100ml) containers or smaller, inside a clear, quart-size bag. This rule was created by explosive experts and is an international guideline.
However, an exception to this rule is duty-free liquids bought at the airport, which can be brought on board in Secure Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs). STEBs are transparent, secure, and tamper-proof bags provided by the retailer. The contents must be screened and cleared, and the bag must not show signs of tampering. This exception only applies to duty-free liquids purchased internationally when travelling to the US with a connecting flight.
For example, a passenger flying from Cancún, Mexico, to Baltimore, Maryland, via Atlanta, could purchase duty-free items at Cancún International Airport and take them on their person to Atlanta in a carry-on bag. However, once they clear customs in Atlanta, any liquid, gel, or aerosol items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces would need to be placed in checked baggage before boarding the flight to Baltimore.
It is important to note that duty-free liquids bought at the airport are only exempt from the 3-1-1 rule during the international leg of the trip. When changing planes in the US, any liquid duty-free items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be placed in checked baggage.
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Frozen liquids: Frozen-solid items are allowed through TSA checkpoints
Frozen liquids are permitted through TSA checkpoints as long as they are completely frozen when presented for screening. Partially melted or slushy frozen liquids are considered under the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which states that liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. This rule also applies to any liquid that has settled at the bottom of a container with a frozen liquid item.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule, also known as the Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) rule, allows travellers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on baggage. These liquids must be in travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening. Liquids that are packed in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml must be placed in checked baggage.
There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag may be allowed in carry-on baggage for travellers with connecting flights to the United States. Medically necessary gel ice packs are also permitted in reasonable quantities, regardless of whether they are melted or slushy. Additionally, IV bags, pumps, syringes, and other medical supplies are allowed.
To expedite the screening process, the TSA recommends that liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, as they can be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners. However, this is not a requirement, and alternative testing methods can be requested. It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
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Frequently asked questions
The 3-1-1 rule, also known as the 3-3-1 rule, is a regulation that states travellers can carry containers of liquid, gel, cream or paste no larger than 3.4oz or 100ml. All 3.4oz containers must fit into a clear one-quart bag.
Liquids, gels, creams and pastes over 3.4oz must be packed in your checked baggage. An exception to this rule is duty-free liquids, which can be brought onto the plane in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
As long as each bottle is 3.4oz or less, you can bring as many as will fit in a one-quart bag. This is usually around seven or eight bottles.
