Lois Larson
The amount of liquid allowed onboard an aircraft varies by country and airport. In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the amount of liquid carried onboard to 3.4 ounces (100ml) per container. This rule, commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule, applies to liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes. All 3.4-ounce containers must fit into a single, quart-sized, clear, ziplock bag. Liquids purchased at duty-free shops are exempt from this rule if they are packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Medication is also exempt from the TSA fluid limit, while non-prescription medication falls under the 3-1-1 rule.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum volume per container | 3.4 fl oz or 100 ml |
| Maximum total volume | All containers must fit in a 1-quart bag |
| Container type | Clear, secure, tamper-evident bags |
| Container quantity | One bag per passenger |
| Container contents | Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes |
| Container screening | Containers may be visually checked or sent through X-ray |
| Medication | Prescription medication is exempt from the volume limit |
| Duty-free liquids | Allowed if purchased internationally and sealed in a STEB |
| Powders | Should be packed in checked baggage |
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What You'll Learn
The 3-1-1 rule
The first '3' in the 3-1-1 rule refers to the volume of liquid allowed per container: 3.4 fluid ounces or 100 milliliters. The next '1' means that all containers must be placed inside a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. The final '1' indicates that each passenger is only allowed one such bag. All liquids that don't meet these limitations will be confiscated and won't be allowed through security.
Any liquid, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening. Liquids purchased after passing the TSA checkpoint are allowed on the plane, as are blenders (without blades), alcoholic beverages under 3.4 ounces and 70% alcohol content, baby food, and canned foods.
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Medication
Prescription medication is allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces, but it must be clearly labeled. Medication may be screened visually, with an X-ray machine, or with a vapor analysis. It may also be tested for traces of explosives. Medication that is not prescription and is not in liquid form is subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Breast milk, baby formula, baby food, and drinks for babies and toddlers are allowed and fall into the "medically necessary" category. Water for babies is also allowed in "reasonable quantities." Gel ice and freezer packs are permitted if they are frozen solid. Medically necessary gel ice packs are allowed even if they are melted or slushy.
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Screening
The TSA's 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 luggage through the security checkpoint. This includes travel-sized containers that hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item. This rule applies to various substances, including liquids, creams, gels, and pastes, which are defined as such even if they are typically considered solids or gases.
To facilitate a smooth screening process, passengers are advised to place these small containers into a single clear quart-sized bag and separate them from their carry-on baggage. This allows for easy inspection and reduces the likelihood of additional screening. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during the screening process will require further examination and may be subject to additional security measures.
It is important to note that duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit for carry-on baggage when travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. However, these items must not show any signs of tampering and must be screened and cleared by TSA officers. Passengers are advised to declare and present such items for inspection to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Additionally, prescription medications are exempt from the TSA fluid limit, while non-prescription medications fall under the 3-1-1 rule. It is recommended to clearly label all medications and keep them in a separate quart-sized bag to facilitate a smoother security screening process. Passengers may also request alternative screening methods for infant or toddler food and drinks if they prefer not to have them x-rayed.
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Duty-free
The TSA's 3-1-1 policy, introduced in 2006, mandates that liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 fluid ounces (100 millilitres) or smaller. These containers must fit into a single, clear, quart-size bag, with only one bag allowed per passenger. This rule applies to water bottles, sunscreens, skincare, perfumes, and other similar items.
For duty-free liquids, there is an exception to the 3.4-ounce limit. Travellers can purchase duty-free liquid items, such as perfume or liquor, at a duty-free shop outside the US and place them in their carry-on baggage for the international leg of their trip. These liquids must be packaged in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and must not show any signs of tampering when presented for TSA screening. Additionally, the purchase must have been made within the last 48 hours, and it is recommended to keep the receipt handy.
However, if travellers have a connecting flight in the US, any duty-free liquid, gel, or aerosol items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be placed in checked baggage before boarding. Similar conditions apply in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is important to note that volatile liquids, such as gasoline and other flammable substances, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
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Liquids over 3.4 oz
Liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml must be packed in checked baggage. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
If you are travelling with medications or children, you are allowed to bring liquids over 3.4 oz in your carry-on. Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are considered essential items and are exempt from the TSA liquid limit rule. These items will undergo additional screening to ensure their security and safety. It is recommended that they are in bottles rather than bags or pouches so that they can go through the Bottle Liquid Scanner, which can differentiate liquid explosives from common liquids.
Another exception to the rule is duty-free liquids. You may carry duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags (STEBs) that are more than 3.4 oz in your carry-on bag if the liquids were purchased internationally and you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. The liquids must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and must not show signs of tampering when presented for TSA screening. Additionally, you must have the receipt handy to prove that you bought the items within the past 48 hours.
It is important to note that any liquid, regardless of its size, that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
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Frequently asked questions
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids in your carry-on luggage. Each liquid container should not exceed 3.4 ounces (100ml).
Medications do not follow the 3-1-1 rule. Prescription medication is exempt from the TSA fluid limit, but non-prescription medications do fall under the rule.
Yes, liquids purchased at the airport are considered "safe" and can be brought back in your carry-on luggage. Duty-free liquids bought internationally can be brought on your flight to the US if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
Any liquids that do not meet the TSA requirements will be thrown away or confiscated. It is recommended that you pack liquids over 3.4 oz in your checked baggage.
