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The amount of liquid you can bring through airport security is restricted to containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), a regulation commonly called the 3-1-1 rule. This rule was created by explosive experts after a thwarted plot to explode planes flying from the UK to the US. All 3.4-ounce containers must fit into a clear one-quart bag, and only one bag is allowed per passenger. Liquids that do not meet these limitations will be confiscated. Medication, baby formula, breast milk, and hand sanitiser are exempt from this rule. Liquids purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft are also exempt from this rule, as long as they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less |
| Container type | Travel-sized |
| Total liquid volume | Fit in a quart-sized bag |
| Bag type | Clear, resealable plastic |
| Number of bags | One per person |
| Exemptions | Medication, baby formula, breast milk, duty-free liquids |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids must be in a clear, quart-sized bag
Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes are all subject to the same restrictions. These items must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (or 100ml). This rule is known as the 3-1-1 rule, with the first 3 referring to the 3.4-ounce limit. All containers must fit into a single clear quart-sized bag. This is the first 1 in the 3-1-1 rule. Only one bag is permitted per passenger, which is the second 1.
The average plastic resealable quart-sized bag is 7” by 8”. You can use a standard clear toiletry bag or a Ziploc bag. The TSA does not endorse any particular type of bag, but it must be clear and approximately the right size.
Any liquids that do not meet these limitations will be confiscated and will not be permitted through security. If you have liquids stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if the container is only partially full, you cannot bring them through security.
There are some exemptions to the liquids rule. You are allowed to bring full-sized bottles of hand sanitiser (up to 12 ounces) in your carry-on bag. Medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels are also exempt, as well as the ice or gel packs needed to keep them cool. Baby formula and breast milk are also exempt, and you can bring freezer packs to keep these items cool.
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Containers must be 3.4oz or 100ml
Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes are only allowed in hand luggage in containers with a maximum capacity of 3.4 ounces (100ml). This rule applies to each individual container. Any containers larger than this must be packed in checked baggage.
The total volume of liquids carried onboard must fit in a single quart-sized (or smaller) clear plastic bag. This equates to roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers per bag. Liquids that do not meet these limitations will be confiscated.
The 3-1-1 rule, as it is commonly known, applies to food too. This means that any food that counts as a liquid, gel, or paste must be under 3.4 ounces or packed in checked baggage.
There are some exemptions to the rule. Medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels are allowed through security, as are ice or gel packs to keep medication cool. Baby formula and breast milk are also exempt, and freezer packs are allowed to keep these items cool. During the coronavirus pandemic, travelers were allowed to bring up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in their carry-on bags.
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Medication is exempt
When travelling by air, the amount of liquid you can bring is restricted. Liquids, in this case, include aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized bag. Liquids that are purchased from duty-free shops are exempt from this rule, provided they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag and were purchased within 48 hours.
However, medication is exempt from the above restrictions. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities, but they must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. It is recommended that you keep your medication separate from your other liquids, in a quart-sized bag, to facilitate the screening process.
The rules regarding liquids at airports are in place for security reasons. Any liquid, gel, or aerosol that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on baggage. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules and declare any medication you are carrying.
It is worth noting that different airports may have slightly different interpretations of the rules, and some may be stricter than others. For example, one source mentions that Albuquerque (ABQ) airport has a reputation for being particularly strict in its enforcement of the rules.
In conclusion, while there are strict limits on the amount of liquid you can take through airport security, medication is exempt from these restrictions. It is important to declare any medication you are carrying and to follow any instructions from TSA officers.
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Liquids purchased at duty-free are exempt
Liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml. These containers must fit into a single quart-sized bag. Any liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed in checked baggage.
However, liquids purchased at duty-free shops are exempt from these rules. Duty-free refers to the ability to purchase items without paying import, sales, value-added, or other taxes. These shops are usually found in international airports, sea terminals, onboard cruise ships, or during international airline flights.
Duty-free liquids are allowed on carry-on bags if they were purchased internationally and the passenger is travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. These liquids must be in a secure, tamper-evident bag and should not show signs of tampering. The original receipt for the liquids should be presented, and the purchase should have been made within 48 hours.
For U.S. residents returning to the country, duty-free exemptions range from $200 to $1,600 worth of goods. Any purchases above this amount may be subject to a flat duty rate. For example, alcohol is dutiable at 3%, plus any Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) that is due. It is important to fill out a U.S. Customs form and retain receipts for any purchases made abroad.
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Liquids over 3.4oz must be in checked baggage
Liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 ounces or 100ml need to be packed in your checked baggage. This is because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags to be in containers of 3.4 fluid ounces (100ml) or smaller. This rule was introduced in 2006 after British officials stopped a plot to detonate liquid explosives on board international flights headed to the U.S.
If you are carrying more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in a single container, even if it's water, you will have to discard it before entering security. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Medically necessary liquids, including breast milk and baby formula, should be declared to an officer at the checkpoint and will be permitted. Other exempt liquids include prescription eye drops, liquid medications, and hydration or nutritional supplements for chronic conditions or disabilities. Liquids needed for medical devices, such as cleaning solutions for mobility aids or distilled water for CPAP machines, can also bypass the 3.4-ounce limit.
If you are traveling with duty-free liquids purchased internationally, they must be packaged in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer. The bag cannot show any signs of tampering and must have been purchased within the past 48 hours. You can also bring liquids through security if they are completely frozen solid, although this rule is subject to the discretion of the security officer.
It is recommended that you pack all non-essential liquid toiletries, such as full-size shampoo and face wash, in your checked luggage. Only keep the essential liquid items, such as hand sanitizer, lip balm, and medications, in your carry-on inside a TSA-approved quart-size bag.
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Frequently asked questions
You can bring as many 3.4oz containers of liquid in a carry-on as you can fit in a quart-sized bag. Only one bag is allowed per passenger.
Liquids include aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. This means that items such as toothpaste, hairspray, sunscreen, shampoo, face wash, and hand cream are all considered liquids.
Medication, baby formula, breast milk, and hand sanitiser are exempt from the liquid rule. You can bring these items in larger quantities, but you should still notify a TSA agent when you go through security.
