Jazmin Li
Travelling with liquids can be a tricky part of air travel, with many travellers unsure of what they can and cannot bring through airport security. The rules vary depending on the country and airport, but generally, liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted in carry-on luggage as long as they adhere to the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container, placed in a one-quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag. However, there are exceptions for essential medical liquids, baby food or milk, and duty-free liquids. Understanding the regulations can help travellers avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth journey through security screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | Liquids must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. |
| Bag type | Liquids must be placed in a quart-sized, transparent, resealable plastic bag. |
| Bag size | The plastic bag must hold no more than a litre and measure approximately 20cm by 20cm. |
| Bag contents | All liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit comfortably inside the bag and be separated from carry-on baggage. |
| Screening | All liquids will be screened, and any that alarm during screening will require additional screening. |
| Exemptions | Medically necessary liquids, including breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities. |
| Duty-free liquids | Liquids purchased at the airport or on a plane can be carried in a secure, tamper-evident bag with a sealed receipt. |
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What You'll Learn
Containers must be under 100ml
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in carry-on luggage, but they must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule. This means that travellers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Any containers larger than this must be packed in checked baggage.
The 3-1-1 rule was introduced by the TSA in 2006 after British officials foiled a plot to detonate liquid explosives on board international flights headed to the US. The rule applies to liquids, gels, creams, and pastes, and includes items such as toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, and perfume. It is recommended that travellers use solid alternatives to maximise space in their quart-sized bag, such as shampoo bars, sunscreen sticks, and solid perfume.
At most airports, containers must not hold more than 100ml of liquid. This rule applies even if the container is only partially full. Liquids purchased at duty-free are exempt from this rule, as long as they are sealed inside a security bag with the receipt sealed and visible. Additionally, medically necessary liquids such as breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities are exempt from the 100ml rule but must still be screened.
It is important to note that some items are not permitted in carry-on luggage, regardless of their volume. Volatile liquids such as gasoline and other flammable substances are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. It is recommended to not bring these items to the airport at all. Additionally, frozen liquids and items, such as food or ice packs, are generally not allowed in hand luggage, with some exceptions made for baby food, medicines, and dietary requirements.
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Exemptions to the 3-1-1 rule
The 3-1-1 rule limits the amount of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that can be carried in hand luggage through airport security. The rule was introduced in 2006 after British officials stopped a plot to detonate liquid explosives on board international flights headed to the US. However, there are several exemptions to the rule, which are outlined below:
Medications
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. This includes liquid prescription medications such as cough syrups, eye drops, and liquid pain relievers. Medically necessary liquids, such as breast milk, baby formula, and juice for infants or toddlers, are also exempt and do not need to fit within the standard quart-sized bag. It is recommended to declare these items to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection and to carry them in their original packaging.
Ice Packs and Gel Packs for Medical Use
Ice packs and gel packs used to keep medications or other items cool are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.
Duty-Free Purchases
Alcohol or perfume bought within 48 hours at a duty-free shop is exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. However, they must be carried in their original sealed packaging along with the receipt.
Wet Batteries
Batteries containing liquid electrolytes for devices like wheelchairs and medical equipment are permissible without any restrictions.
Biological Samples
Biological samples and scientific materials are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but they must be brought in appropriate containers.
It is important to note that these exemptions only apply to specific liquid items, and anything flammable, sharp, or otherwise banned is still not allowed in carry-on luggage. It is recommended to check the TSA website or mobile app for the latest updates and rules.
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Screening liquids at security
The 3-1-1 rule means that travellers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in their carry-on luggage. This is limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This bag should be placed separately from your carry-on baggage to facilitate the screening process. Liquids that are over 3.4 ounces or 100ml should be packed in checked baggage. Any liquid that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in carry-on luggage.
There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, including breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities, are permitted but must still be screened. It is recommended that travellers bring documentation for these liquids to speed up the screening process. Liquids purchased at duty-free are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but only if they are sealed inside a security bag with the receipt visible and the bag remains unopened until the final destination.
It is important to note that some items are restricted or prohibited from being carried on board an aircraft, including volatile liquids such as gasoline and other flammable substances. These items are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags and should not be brought to the airport.
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Liquids in hand luggage
Container Size and Quantity:
Most airports have restrictions on the size and quantity of liquid containers allowed in hand luggage. Typically, containers holding liquids, gels, creams, or aerosols must not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in volume. These small containers should then be placed inside a single quart-sized (approximately one litre), transparent, resealable plastic bag. This bag should be separate from your carry-on baggage and easily accessible for screening.
Exemptions:
Some liquids are exempt from the above restrictions. These include medically necessary liquids, such as breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities. It is advisable to declare these items to security officers and have supporting documentation readily available to expedite the screening process. Additionally, liquids purchased at duty-free shops at airports or on planes are generally allowed through security if they remain sealed in their original security bags, and the receipts are visible.
Prohibited Items:
Volatile and flammable liquids, such as gasoline, are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags. It is recommended not to bring such substances to the airport at all. Frozen liquids and items, such as ice packs, are also generally not permitted in hand luggage, although there may be exceptions for baby food, medicines, and special dietary requirements. Food items and powders should preferably be placed in hold luggage to reduce delays, as they can obstruct X-ray images.
Packing Tips:
To streamline the screening process, it is advisable to remove the plastic bag containing liquids from your carry-on baggage and place it separately in the screening bin. Additionally, using solid alternatives, such as shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, or stick deodorants, can help maximise space and avoid potential issues with liquid restrictions.
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Liquids in checked baggage
Checked baggage, also known as hold luggage, is the luggage that you check in before you board your flight. There are no restrictions on how many liquids you can pack in your checked baggage, but there are rules about how they should be packed.
Firstly, it is important to know what is classified as a liquid, gel or aerosol by the TSA. This includes drinks and other liquids such as soup, syrups, creams, mascara, lip gloss, toothpaste, hair gel and aerosols. Volatile liquids such as gasoline and other flammable substances are not allowed in checked baggage.
Secondly, liquids should be packed carefully to avoid any leaks which could damage your other belongings. Each liquid item should be sealed in a plastic bag, which is then placed inside your checked baggage. This is particularly important for essential items such as medications.
Finally, it is always worth checking the specific rules of your airline and the airports you are travelling to and from, as these can vary. For example, some airports may require you to pack all liquids in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag.
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Frequently asked questions
The 3-1-1 rule states that passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag. The containers should be travel-sized, with a capacity of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
Volatile liquids, such as gasoline and other flammable substances, are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags. Frozen liquids and items, such as food or ice packs, are also prohibited in hand luggage, with some exceptions for baby food, medicines, and dietary requirements.
Medically necessary liquids, including breast milk, baby formula, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities, are allowed but must be declared and screened.
