Ruth Haines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about the amount of liquid allowed in carry-on luggage. The TSA's 3-1-1 rule states that passengers can carry containers of liquid, each no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml), in a clear one-quart bag. This rule also applies to gels, creams, and pastes. Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are exempt from this rule, as well as baby formula, breast milk, and baby food. Liquids purchased at duty-free shops can be brought on board if they are sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag (STEB).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size limit | 3.4 ounces (100ml) |
| Container type | Liquids, gels, creams, pastes, aerosols |
| Container quantity | Approximately 7-8 containers |
| Container bag type | Quart-sized, clear, resealable |
| Container bag quantity | 1 bag per passenger |
| Medication | Allowed in larger quantities, may be subject to additional screening |
| Baby items | Exempt from liquid limit, subject to additional screening |
| Duty-free liquids | Allowed if sealed in a STEB bag |
| Frozen liquids | Allowed, e.g. frozen water bottles |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, gels, creams, and pastes are allowed in 3.4 oz containers
Liquids, gels, creams, and pastes are permitted in carry-on luggage, but only in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less in volume. This rule, commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule, allows travellers to bring several small containers of liquids, gels, creams, and pastes on board as long as they all fit in a clear, one-quart bag. Only one bag per passenger is permitted.
The 3-1-1 rule was implemented in 2006 after security services in the UK, the US, and Pakistan foiled an attempt by al-Qaeda operatives to detonate bombs on airplanes using liquid explosives. The rule is designed to prevent dangerous liquids from being smuggled onto planes in plastic drink bottles.
Liquids that are required for medical reasons may be exempt from the 3-1-1 rule, but they may be subject to additional screening procedures, such as x-ray or vapor analysis. Medications in liquid or gel form are limited to 3.4 ounces unless a larger amount is deemed medically necessary.
Liquids purchased at duty-free shops after passing through security can be brought on board as long as they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. This exemption also applies to inbound international flights for liquids purchased at duty-free shops outside the US. However, the final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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Medication is exempt from the 3.4 oz rule
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. However, you must inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening, which could include being asked to open the container for a vapor analysis. Medication can also be brought in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
Liquid prescription medications, such as cough syrups, are exempt from the TSA 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary saline solutions will also be exempt from the 3-1-1 rule but will undergo additional screening. It is highly recommended that you place medication in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are considered essential items for the health and well-being of babies, infants, and toddlers and are exempt from the TSA liquid limit. Diabetic passengers are allowed to travel with a juice box or other liquid over 3.4 oz. Disinfecting wipes, baby wipes, makeup wipes, and any other kind of wet wipes can be packed in your carry-on bag as they contain liquid but are themselves solid.
If you are traveling with medical equipment or supplies, they will need to undergo separate screening. If your insulin pump or glucose monitor is attached to your body, the device is subject to additional screening, including visual inspection. You may be required to conduct a self-pat-down of the device, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
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Baby food and milk are allowed in carry-ons
Baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag, as they are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, regardless of the presence of breast milk.
It is important to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items in excess of 3.4 ounces. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from your other belongings. TSA officers may need to test the liquids for explosives or prohibited items. Although not required, it is recommended to use clear, translucent bottles for formula and breast milk, as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may not be able to be screened by Bottle Liquid Scanners.
If you do not want formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, or baby/toddler food to be X-rayed or opened, inform the TSA officer, and additional steps will be taken to resolve alarms. You or your traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include Advanced Imaging Technology screening and additional screening of other carry-on property.
It is important to note that prescription wet pet food does not count as an exception to the TSA liquid rule, even for service animals. In general, liquid medications that are not prescriptions and contact lens solutions should be limited to 3.4 ounces, but larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities.
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Duty-free liquids are allowed if sealed
If you're travelling with liquids, it's important to know the rules and restrictions around what you can take on board an aircraft. Most countries have restrictions on liquid volumes in carry-on luggage, with containers generally limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. These small containers should be placed in a quart-sized ziplock bag, separate from your other carry-on items, to facilitate the screening process.
Any liquids over 3.4 ounces should be packed in your checked baggage. This includes duty-free liquids, which, despite being sealed, are not exempt from these rules. However, there are some exceptions to this. If you are travelling to the United States, duty-free liquids purchased internationally may be allowed in your carry-on baggage if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag and do not show signs of tampering. It is important to note that these bags must be transparent, and the items inside must be screened and cleared.
For US travellers, this exception only applies to inbound international flights. If you have a connecting flight within the US, your duty-free liquids will not be permitted through security checkpoints. This is because they will not be in an ICAO-approved tamper-evident bag. In this case, you will need to place them in your checked baggage.
It is worth noting that some countries have stricter rules than others. For example, Japan does not allow duty-free liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces to pass through the security re-check process. Similarly, some US airports, such as Albuquerque, have been described as particularly strict when it comes to enforcing liquid restrictions.
To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you pack all liquids, including duty-free items, in your checked baggage. This ensures you comply with the varying regulations across different countries and airports.
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Frozen liquids are allowed through TSA
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted through the TSA checkpoint in carry-on luggage, but only in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. These containers must fit inside a quart-sized bag. Any liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage.
Frozen liquid items are allowed through the TSA checkpoint as long as they are completely frozen solid when presented for screening. This includes ice, frozen water bottles, and gel ice and freezer packs. Partially melted or slushy frozen liquids, or those with liquid at the bottom of the container, are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids requirements. Medically necessary gel ice packs are exempt from this rule and are allowed in reasonable quantities, regardless of their physical state.
Liquid medications and contact lens solutions are also limited to 3.4 ounces, but larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are permitted in reasonable quantities for your trip. Medication may be screened visually, with an x-ray machine, or with a vapor analysis. If you would like to avoid having medication opened or x-rayed, inform the TSA officer, and additional screening procedures will be carried out.
Duty-free liquids purchased at the airport or on board an aircraft are exempt from the liquid volume rules, as long as they are sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to 3.4oz or 100ml per item. All 3.4oz containers must fit into a clear quart-sized bag.
Yes, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are exempt from the liquid limit rule. Medication is also allowed in larger quantities if it is deemed medically necessary.
Yes, as long as they are sealed in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
Yes, frozen liquids are allowed through security and are not subject to the liquid limit rule.
