Ruth Haines
The amount of liquid you can take through airport security depends on where you're flying and whether you're checking in luggage. Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100ml or 3.4 fl oz, and they must fit into a single, clear, resealable, plastic bag. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule. Liquids that are over 100ml can be packed in checked luggage, but certain liquids, such as gasoline, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. Some items are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, including baby food and prescribed medication. Duty-free liquids are also exempt from the 100ml rule, as long as they are sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces or 100ml |
| Number of containers | 7-8 |
| Container type | Clear, resealable |
| Bag size | One quart |
| Number of bags | One per passenger |
| Exceptions | Baby food, breast milk, medication, hand sanitizer |
| Duty-free liquids | Allowed if sealed in a STEB |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids must be in 3.4oz/100ml containers
Liquids in carry-on luggage are restricted to containers of 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) in size. This rule, commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule, was established by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance travel safety. The restriction applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols, encompassing items like shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste, hairspray, and even peanut butter.
The 3-1-1 rule breaks down as follows: each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, they must fit into one clear, resealable quart-size bag, and only one bag is permitted per passenger. This restriction also applies to liquids packed in checked luggage. It's important to note that some liquids, such as flammable substances, are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.
While the 3.4-ounce limit is standard, there are exceptions to accommodate specific needs. For instance, passengers traveling with infants are allowed to bring larger amounts of baby food and drinks. Similarly, those with special medical requirements can carry larger quantities of liquid medication, gel, or cream, but they must declare these items to security officers. Additionally, since 2020, travelers have been permitted to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer, though this exception may change in the future.
For duty-free purchases, there is an exception to the liquid volume rules. Passengers on inbound international flights can buy oversized liquids, as long as they remain sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag provided by the retailer. These items must be screened and cleared by TSA officers. It's recommended that liquid medications be clearly labeled to expedite the security screening process.
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Containers must fit in a 1-quart bag
When travelling with liquids, gels, and aerosols, it's important to follow the guidelines set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA's 3-1-1 rule for liquids states that each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller, and they must all fit into one clear, quart-sized bag. This bag should be resealable and only one such bag is permitted per passenger. It's worth noting that the 3.4-ounce limit may be slightly exceeded if the liquid does not fill the container, but the container's marked capacity must not exceed 100 ml.
The one-quart bag helps consolidate all your liquids in one place, making it easy for TSA officers to inspect and clear them. This rule applies to items that are considered liquids by the TSA, including aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This covers a wide range of products, such as shampoo, face wash, sunscreen, toothpaste, hairspray, and even peanut butter. By ensuring your liquids comply with the 3-1-1 rule, you can avoid having them confiscated at airport security.
If you're travelling with prescription medication in its original container, it's considered exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. However, it's advisable to clearly label all medication to expedite the security process. Additionally, if you wish to avoid X-ray screening for your medication, inform the TSA officer, and they will employ alternative security measures.
For those travelling with infants, baby food and drinks are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. Similarly, ice, gel, or freezer packs used to keep breast milk, infant formula, or medically necessary items cool are also exempt. It's important to declare any medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols to security officers, and they may allow larger amounts for your trip.
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Medication rules
For carry-on bags, you must follow the standard liquid restrictions. All liquid medication containers must be no larger than 100 ml. This includes containers that are only partially filled with liquid; for example, a 200 ml bottle that is half-full will not be permitted. These small containers should be placed in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag for easy inspection.
If you have medically necessary liquids that are in containers larger than 100 ml, you are usually allowed to bring them through security. However, you must declare these items to a security officer and present them separately for inspection and possible testing. The testing may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the liquid. If the liquid cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will likely be subjected to a pat-down screening instead, so it is advised to arrive at the airport early.
It is important to keep your medications in their original, clearly labelled packaging or bottles, and to have any necessary documentation, such as a prescription or doctor's note, readily available. If you have any concerns or require assistance during the screening process, you can contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight. They provide additional support for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances.
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Duty-free purchases
It is important to note that duty-free liquids purchased internationally and brought on a connecting flight to the United States have specific requirements. In such cases, the duty-free liquids must be packed in a transparent, secure, and tamper-evident bag, with no signs of tampering. Additionally, the original receipt should be presented, and the purchase must have been made within 48 hours.
For US travellers, duty-free liquid exemptions are limited to inbound international flights, according to the TSA. This means that duty-free liquids purchased outside the US may not be allowed on a connecting domestic flight within the US. It is always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or the airline for the most up-to-date information.
While duty-free liquids are allowed, it is recommended to pack larger quantities of liquids, gels, and aerosols in checked baggage. This is because the final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer, and any item that alarms or cannot be screened may not be permitted in carry-on baggage. Therefore, to avoid any issues, it is generally better to pack larger liquids in checked luggage.
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Exempt liquids
Liquids needed for medical devices or for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions are exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit. These include cleaning solutions for mobility aids, distilled water for CPAP machines, prescription eye drops, liquid medications, hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities, breast milk, and baby formula. Duty-free liquids are also exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit if they were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight. These liquids must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and not show signs of tampering when presented for screening. The original receipt for the purchase must be presented, and the purchase must have been made within 48 hours. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. Additionally, liquids that are completely frozen solid may be brought through security, although enforcement of this rule may vary.
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Frequently asked questions
The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that you can carry no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) per container of liquid.
Larger liquids must be packed in checked luggage.
Yes, there are some exceptions to the rule, including baby food and drinks, ice/gel packs for medical items, and liquid prescriptions. Additionally, duty-free liquids are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule if they are packed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
