Airports' Strict Liquid Rules: What You Can Bring

Airports have strict rules about liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. The restrictions were introduced in 2006 after British authorities foiled a terrorist plot to blow up planes using liquid explosives. The rules vary slightly by country and airport, but generally, liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and must fit into a single, clear, quart-size bag. While some exceptions exist for essential liquids, such as medications and baby formula, most liquids that don't meet these requirements will be confiscated or must be discarded at airport security.

The 3-1-1 rule

• 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per item
• 1 quart-sized, transparent, resealable bag
• 1 bag per passenger

This means you can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. Each liquid item should be in a travel-sized container of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. These containers must fit comfortably into one quart-sized, resealable bag.

The rule has been in effect since 2006, when British security officials thwarted a plot to bomb an aircraft with liquid explosives carried on board. Since then, security agencies around the world have limited the amount of liquid passengers can bring through airport security.

While the 3-1-1 rule applies to most liquids, there are some exceptions. Medications, for instance, are exempt and do not need to fit within the quart-sized bag. Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants or toddlers are also exempt and can exceed the 3.4-ounce limit. It is important to declare these exceptions to a TSA officer at the checkpoint, and you may be asked to test some liquids in front of security agents.

Some airports in Europe have started allowing larger-sized liquids. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, for example, has become the first major airport to outfit all of its security checkpoints with fully operational CT scanners, which can easily scan liquids. However, most airports worldwide continue to enforce the 3-1-1 rule.

Exemptions

While airports are strict about the amount of liquid that can be taken on board a flight, there are some exemptions to the rules. These exemptions are usually for essential medical purposes, dietary requirements, or baby food and milk.

Medication

Medication, including eye drops, insulin, or syringes, is allowed in "reasonable quantities" for your trip. It is best to keep prescriptions in their original containers with your name on the label, though this is not a requirement. These items are screened by X-ray, but may also be tested separately for explosives or other prohibited items.

Baby Food and Milk

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby/toddler food are considered "medically necessary liquids", so more than 3.4 ounces are permitted. Ice packs, freezer packs and other accessories to keep them cool are also acceptable in carry-ons. It is recommended to use clear, translucent containers to expedite screening.

Liquids Purchased at the Airport

Non-alcoholic drinks and other liquid items purchased in terminal shops or eateries can be brought onto your flight. Duty-free liquids will be sealed in a tamper-safe bag before boarding and may be permitted in the cabin or stowed elsewhere on the plane.

Frozen Liquids

Liquids that have been frozen solid are allowed through security. This does not apply to some childcare items, such as ice or gel packs used to transport breast milk or baby food, which will be screened using the same procedures as medically necessary items.

Other Dietary Requirements

Some airports may allow liquids over 100ml if they are for special dietary requirements.

Screening processes

The screening process for liquids at airports has been a source of frustration for travellers for many years. The restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage, commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule, have been in place since 2006 when British authorities foiled a terrorist plot to blow up planes using liquid explosives. While there have been some reports of the rule being relaxed in certain airports, it is still strictly enforced in most parts of the world.

The 3-1-1 rule dictates that liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. All liquid containers must fit into a single, clear, quart-size plastic bag, and each passenger is only allowed one such bag. This rule applies to a wide range of products, including toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, sunscreen, and other similar items. Passengers who bring larger containers of liquids may be asked to discard them or place them in their checked baggage.

However, there are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, are allowed in reasonable quantities and are exempt from the 3.4-ounce restriction. Passengers must declare these items to security officers for inspection, and they may be subject to additional screening. Similarly, breast milk, infant formula, baby food, and toddler drinks are also exempt from the liquid restrictions and can be brought in larger quantities. These items will undergo additional screening to ensure their safety and security.

Another exception to the rule is liquids purchased after passing through security in an airport. In most cases, passengers are allowed to bring non-alcoholic drinks and other liquid items purchased from terminal shops or eateries onto their flights. Duty-free liquids, however, will be sealed in a tamper-safe bag, and there may be restrictions on whether they can be brought into the cabin or need to be stowed elsewhere on the plane. Additionally, frozen liquids are also exempt from the 3.4-ounce restriction. Passengers can bring frozen liquids through security as long as they are frozen solid and do not pose the same security risk as liquids.

While the 3-1-1 rule has been a source of frustration for travellers, there have been recent developments in screening technology that may lead to its relaxation in the future. Airports in Europe, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Shannon Airport in Ireland, have started using computed tomography (CT) scanners, which can create rotatable 3D images and detect explosives and other threats in liquids. As more airports adopt this technology, we may see a relaxation of liquid restrictions, making the screening process more convenient for travellers.

International differences

While the majority of countries have adopted the liquid restrictions set by the US and the EU, there are some exceptions.

In Europe, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has become the first major airport to outfit all its security checkpoints with CT scanners, which can detect liquid explosives. This means that passengers can carry some larger bottles of liquids in their carry-on luggage with the approval of the CT scanners and security staff. However, the airport still recommends that passengers pack liquids in their hold baggage and only bring containers of up to 100ml in a resealable and transparent bag in their hand baggage. A few other airports in the EU, such as Milano Linate in Italy and Shannon International Airport in the Republic of Ireland, have also allowed passengers to carry larger containers of liquids.

In Japan, security screening of passengers is conducted by each airline under the Civil Aeronautics Act. While the typical security screening rules adopted by airlines operating at Narita Airport follow the standard international liquid restrictions, each airline may have its own restrictions.

In Nigeria, liquids and gels are totally banned, regardless of the amount, on departing international flights. They are also entirely banned in carry-on luggage on flights departing from India.

In the Middle East, security officers working in countries with poor diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, have been known to prohibit travelers with Israeli stamps in their passports from entering. When visiting Israel, you can ask the immigration officer not to stamp your passport, and they will usually stamp a separate piece of paper instead.

The future of liquid restrictions

The new technology has already been implemented at a few airports in Europe, including Amsterdam Schiphol, Shannon Airport in Ireland, and Milano Linate in Italy. Shannon Airport, for example, has installed CT scanners that can handle larger trays, allowing cabin bags to be whisked through without passengers having to remove their liquids and electronics.

While the new technology has the potential to revolutionize airport security, there are still challenges to its widespread adoption. The cost of implementing CT scanners is significant, and smaller airports, already struggling post-Covid, may find upgrades difficult. There are also staffing constraints to consider, as the increase in passenger numbers is putting pressure on airports to design more efficient operations.

However, the benefits of CT scanners are clear. In addition to enhancing security, they can also shorten the time passengers spend going through security screening. This, in turn, can improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue for airport shops and restaurants.

Frequently asked questions