Sachin Walls
A travel hack went viral on TikTok, suggesting that travellers freeze liquids before reaching the airport to carry them through security. This has been confirmed by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which allows frozen liquid items through checkpoints as long as they are frozen solid. This is because ice is considered a solid, whereas water is considered a liquid. However, travellers outside of the US should check what the policy is in the country they're departing from, as regulations vary. For example, in Australia, a frozen water bottle would not be permitted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frozen liquids allowed through security | Yes, as long as they are frozen solid |
| Partially melted frozen liquids | Must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements |
| Exceptions | Medications, infant and child nourishment |
| Exceptions for Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) | Gel and ice packs, non-solid foods |
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What You'll Learn
- Frozen liquids are allowed if frozen solid
- Partially melted frozen liquids must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements
- Medication and infant/child nourishment are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule
- Frozen liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities for children
- Frozen liquids are a workaround to the no-liquids rule for children
Frozen liquids are allowed if frozen solid
Frozen liquids are allowed through airport security as long as they are frozen solid. This means that if you wish to carry larger amounts of liquids onto a plane, you can freeze them before reaching the airport and take them through security. However, it is important to note that this only applies if the frozen liquids are completely frozen solid. If the frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet the standard liquid requirements for carry-on items. This rule applies to all liquids, gels, and aerosols that can be spread, spilled, pumped, or poured.
It is worth noting that this hack only works with liquids that can be frozen solid. Many of the liquids that travellers typically want to bring through airport security, such as shampoo and toothpaste, cannot be frozen. Additionally, most airports provide water fountains where passengers can fill up their water bottles for free after passing through security, making the process of freezing water beforehand potentially more effort than it is worth.
For travellers who require gel ice packs for medical reasons, these are allowed through airport security regardless of their physical state of matter. This means that gel ice packs can be brought through security whether they are frozen solid, melted, or slushy. However, it is important to notify the TSA officer at the checkpoint for inspection.
While frozen liquids that are completely solid are allowed through airport security, it is important to consider the time it may take to get through security. If travellers do not have expedited security clearance, they may end up waiting in line for an extended period, causing their frozen items to melt. In such cases, melted liquids would have to be discarded before boarding the plane. Therefore, travellers may want to consider the practicality of bringing frozen liquids onto a plane, as it may be more convenient to fill up water bottles or purchase drinks after passing through security.
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Partially melted frozen liquids must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements
Frozen liquid items are allowed through airport security as long as they are completely frozen solid when presented for screening. This is because frozen liquids are considered solids and are therefore not subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
However, if a frozen liquid item is partially melted, slushy, or has any liquid at the bottom of the container, it is then considered a liquid and must meet the standard 3-1-1 liquids requirements. The 3-1-1 rule states that all liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and must fit into a single quart-sized bag. This rule was implemented in 2006 after a plot by al-Qaeda operatives to set off bombs on planes using liquid explosives was foiled.
There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities are allowed but must be declared and inspected by TSA officers. Breast milk is also allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. Additionally, frozen liquid items such as ice are permitted in quantities of 3.4 ounces or 100ml, as stated by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).
It is important to note that the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. It is recommended to check with your airline for their specific policies and to be prepared to follow the 3-1-1 rule for partially melted frozen liquids to avoid any issues during security screening.
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Medication and infant/child nourishment are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule
The 3-1-1 rule, created by explosive experts, requires airline passengers to pack liquids inside 3.4-ounce containers into one clear quart-size bag. While the rule applies to most liquids, medications and infant/child nourishment are exempt.
Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. However, you should declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Liquid medications that are not prescriptions are limited to 3.4 ounces.
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. These items are considered medically necessary liquids, and the child does not need to be present or traveling with you for the exception to apply. You will need to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items.
Breast milk cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, regardless of the presence of breast milk. However, gel ice packs must remain frozen solid at the time of screening.
While frozen liquids are allowed through TSA checkpoints in greater quantities if they are frozen solid, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements if they are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container.
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Frozen liquids are allowed in reasonable quantities for children
Frozen liquids are allowed at airport security checkpoints as long as they are frozen solid. If they are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet the 3-1-1 liquids requirements. This rule applies to all frozen liquids, including water.
When it comes to children, there are some exceptions to the standard liquid restrictions. Water for babies and young children is allowed in "reasonable quantities" to mix formula and for hydration. "Toddler drinks" such as milk or juice are also permitted. These liquids should be declared to TSA officials and removed from carry-on luggage for separate screening.
In addition to water, breast milk, baby formula, and baby food purees are also allowed in reasonable quantities and are considered "medically necessary." These liquids are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, and the child does not need to be present for the exception. To expedite the screening process, TSA suggests using clear or translucent bottles so they can be scanned easily.
Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols for adults are also allowed in reasonable quantities, exceeding 3.4 ounces. This includes liquid, gel, and aerosol medications, as well as gel ice packs to keep medications cool. These items should be declared to TSA officials and may undergo additional screenings.
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Frozen liquids are a workaround to the no-liquids rule for children
Frozen liquids are allowed through airport security as long as they are frozen solid. This means that frozen liquids can be a workaround to the no-liquids rule for children. Liquids that are partially melted, slushy, or have liquid at the bottom of the container must meet the standard 3-1-1 liquids requirements. Therefore, if you want to bring a beverage for your child from home, you can freeze it before reaching the airport and take it through security.
However, it is important to note that this workaround might not always be practical. Frozen drinks will start melting if you have to wait a long time to get through security, and they will have to be thrown out. Additionally, most airports have water fountains where you can fill up your water bottle for free on the other side of security.
It is also worth mentioning that this workaround might not be necessary, as certain liquids for children are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage. These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag and can be screened separately from other belongings.
Overall, while frozen liquids can technically be used as a workaround to the no-liquids rule for children, there are alternative options to consider, and the practicality of this method may vary depending on individual circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, frozen liquids are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid. If they are partially melted, slushy, or have liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet the standard 3-1-1 liquids requirements.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule states that travellers can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are less than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters and can all fit into a single quart-sized bag.
Yes, the TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage, but these need to be declared to officers at the security checkpoint for inspection.
