Ruth Haines
When travelling by air, it is important to be aware of the restrictions on what you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, gels, creams, and similar items are subject to strict rules, with containers typically limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less in carry-on bags. These items must also fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable bag. Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams may be exempt from these restrictions, but they should be removed from your carry-on for separate screening. It is also worth noting that some items, such as glass, food, and sporting equipment, have specific regulations that should be considered when packing your carry-on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size limit | 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Container type | Travel-sized |
| Container number | 1 quart-sized bag per passenger |
| Container contents | Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, pastes |
| Container inspection | Required for containers larger than 3.4 ounces |
| Medication | Allowed, but must be declared and screened |
| Medication container size | No limit, but must be "medically necessary" |
| Medication container type | No requirement for plastic zip-top bag |
| Screening | Separate from other belongings |
| Food | Solid food allowed in carry-on and checked baggage |
| Alcoholic beverages | Allowed in checked baggage only |
| Duty-free alcohol | Allowed in carry-on, must follow rules |
| Glass items | Allowed if safely wrapped and fits in carry-on |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels, creams, and makeup
Makeup typically doesn't count towards your liquid allowance because most makeup items are in powder or solid form. Liquid foundations are usually under 3.4 ounces, so they can be included in your quart-sized bag.
Some liquids are exempt from these restrictions. Medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams can exceed 3.4 ounces and be carried in your carry-on, but they must be removed from your luggage and screened separately. Additionally, COVID-19 test kits are permitted without restrictions in carry-on and checked baggage. Gel and ice packs are also allowed if they are needed to treat an injury or to refrigerate baby food and medical supplies. Distilled water for CPAP devices is exempt from liquid restrictions.
You can bring solid food in both carry-on and checked baggage. Duty-free alcohol is allowed in carry-on baggage, but you must follow specific rules. For other alcoholic beverages, you can pack them in checked baggage if the percentage of alcohol by volume is 70% (140 proof) or less, and the quantity does not exceed five litres per person for alcoholic beverages between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume. Alcoholic drinks containing 24% alcohol or less are not subject to quantity limitations.
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Medication and prescription creams
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and other similar substances are restricted to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. They must all fit into a quart-sized bag and be sealed inside. This is often referred to as "The 3-1-1 Rule". Any larger containers must be packed in checked baggage.
If your medication is essential and exceeds the liquid allowance, you should contact the airport or airline beforehand to understand their specific procedures. Some airports may allow larger amounts of medication if it is deemed necessary for your trip and properly declared. Additionally, medical equipment is screened separately from other items.
It is worth noting that duty-free liquids purchased internationally and in secure, tamper-evident bags are allowed in carry-on luggage when travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. However, these must be packed in a transparent bag and show no signs of tampering.
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Food and drinks
When it comes to food and drinks that can be carried on a plane, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stringent rules for liquids. The 3-1-1 rule applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols, allowing containers of up to 3.4 ounces that fit in a single one-quart bag. This includes mini alcohol bottles, which are allowed in carry-ons as long as they adhere to the volume limit. However, alcohol over 140-proof is prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. It is also illegal to consume personal alcohol on the plane—only alcohol served by flight attendants is permitted for consumption.
Food items that fall under the "'gel'" category, such as creamy dips, spreads, jellies, jams, salsa, creamy cheese, dips, peanut butter, and honey, must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. These items can be placed in checked luggage without volume restrictions. Freezing liquids or semi-solid foods, like yogurt, is a workaround to bring larger quantities on board. However, partially melted or slushy drinks that do not meet the 3-1-1 requirements will be confiscated by TSA.
Solid foods, including cooked foods without liquids, breads, cakes, cookies, baked goods, chocolates, hard cheese, frozen seafood, and fresh eggs, are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Fresh fruits and vegetables are permitted within the continental United States, but their dried forms are more universally acceptable. Breast milk, baby food, and juice for infants and toddlers are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and can be brought on board. Additionally, coffee beans, loose tea leaves, and dry tea sachets are classified as dry goods and can be packed without restriction.
It is important to note that even if a food item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or confiscation if it triggers security concerns, appears tampered with, or poses risks. The final decision on whether a food or drink item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Checking the latest regulations and guidelines from official sources, such as the TSA, is recommended to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date rules.
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Glass items
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, spreads, butters, and anything else with liquid-like properties are limited to 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less in any carry-on bags/luggage. They must all fit into a quart-sized bag and be able to seal it. This is often referred to as "The 3-1-1 Rule".
Now, regarding glass items, you may be surprised to learn that you can pack them in your carry-on luggage. Glass items, including glass picture frames, are allowed in carry-on bags. The key considerations are safe wrapping and ensuring that the item fits within your carry-on. Carry-on luggage is generally safer for glass and other delicate items, as checked baggage may be handled roughly.
- Wrap glass items securely to prevent breakage during travel.
- You can use clothing to wrap glass items and provide some protection.
- Bubble wrap offers more protection but takes up more space.
- For glasses and bottles, fill them with paper or small, soft items of clothing, then wrap them in two or three layers of paper before enclosing them in clothing.
- Snow globes are subject to carry-on liquid rules and must fit into your quart-sized bag along with other liquid containers. Larger snow globes should be checked-in, or they may be confiscated under liquid regulations.
- The final decision on whether a glass item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
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Vaping devices
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes are permitted in carry-on luggage when travelling by air, but they must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). These items must fit into a single quart-sized bag, separate from your carry-on baggage, in accordance with the 3-1-1 Rule. Any larger containers should be placed in checked baggage.
Now, for vaping devices, they are considered dangerous goods due to their lithium batteries, which pose a risk of smoke, fire, and extreme heat. As such, they are restricted when it comes to air travel. Here are the specific instructions and regulations for carrying vaping devices:
- Vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes, are permitted in carry-on baggage only. They must not be placed in checked luggage.
- Each lithium-ion battery in the device must not exceed a Watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100 Wh.
- For lithium metal batteries, the lithium content must not be more than 2 grams.
- Take measures to prevent the accidental activation of the heating element of the device during transportation. Refer to FAA regulations for guidance on effective measures.
- Do not use or charge vaping devices on the aircraft.
- Check with your airline regarding any limitations on the number of devices allowed for personal use.
- The final decision on whether a vaping device is permitted rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take creams in your carry-on luggage, but they must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml). All liquid items must fit in a clear, quart-sized bag.
Medically necessary creams are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule. You may bring them in your carry-on, but they must be removed from your bag and screened separately.
Yes, solid food items can be brought in both carry-on and checked baggage. Non-solid food items are subject to the same liquid restrictions as other liquids.
