Lois Larson
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage. These rules, known as the 3-1-1 rule, state that passengers can only bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. This rule applies to water bottles, which must be discarded or drunk before going through security. However, there are exceptions for certain items, such as baby formula, medication, and frozen liquids, which can be brought through security in larger quantities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces or 100 ml |
| Container type | Clear, quart-sized bag |
| Exceptions | Medication, baby formula, breast milk, live fish, gel ice and freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, syringes, other medical supplies |
| Duty-free liquids | Must be in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag with a receipt showing purchase within 48 hours |
| Frozen liquids | Allowed if frozen solid, otherwise must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements |
| Water availability | Water can be purchased at the gate |
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What You'll Learn
The 3-1-1 rule: liquids under 3.4 oz/100ml allowed
The 3-1-1 rule allows travellers to bring liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in their carry-on luggage, provided they meet certain criteria. The rule states that travellers are permitted to carry a quart-sized, clear bag containing items in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. This regulation applies to all liquids, including water, and related items such as gels, creams, and aerosols. Any liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100ml must be packed in checked baggage.
It is important to note that this rule applies to duty-free liquids as well. For duty-free liquids to be allowed in carry-on luggage, they must be in a transparent, secure, and tamper-evident bag, with no signs of tampering. Additionally, travellers must have the original receipt, which should indicate that the purchase was made within 48 hours.
The 3-1-1 rule is designed to enhance security and facilitate the screening process at airports. By limiting the amount of liquid allowed in carry-on luggage, security personnel can more effectively screen for potential threats. This rule also encourages travellers to pack their liquids efficiently and reduces the risk of spills or leaks during transport.
While the 3-1-1 rule sets a standard for liquid quantities, it is essential to be aware of other restrictions. Any liquid, regardless of its volume, that cannot be screened or alarms during screening, will not be permitted in carry-on luggage. This includes liquids that are not adequately contained or those that are deemed unsafe for air travel.
To comply with the 3-1-1 rule, travellers should ensure that their liquids are in containers that meet the specified volume restrictions. Transferring liquids to smaller containers can help stay within the allowed limit. It is also recommended to use a clear, quart-sized bag to hold these liquids, making it easier for security personnel to inspect and approve their carry-on items.
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Frozen liquids: must be solid, not slushy
Frozen liquids are allowed through airport security, but they must be completely frozen solid when presented for screening. If the frozen liquid item is partially melted, slushy, or has any liquid at the bottom of the container, it must meet the 3-1-1 liquids requirements. This means that passengers are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bag and through the checkpoint, as long as they are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less per item. Any liquid that is over 100 ml must be packed into checked baggage.
It is important to note that the definition of a "solid" substance varies by country. For example, according to Australian regulations, a substance that is a liquid at room temperature is considered a solid if it presents itself in a solid state at room temperature. This means that frozen liquids that are liquid at room temperature are still subject to the 100 ml rule in Australia. In the United States, however, frozen liquids are not subject to the 100 ml restriction, and passengers can carry larger quantities in their hand luggage.
Overall, it is essential to carefully follow the guidelines of the specific country and airport when bringing frozen liquids through airport security.
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Duty-free liquids: sealed, with a receipt
For travellers flying into the US, duty-free liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces or 100ml must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer. The bag must not show signs of tampering when presented at the TSA for screening. The duty-free liquids must be purchased internationally, and you must be travelling to the US with a connecting flight.
Passengers must also have the original receipt for the liquids, and the receipt must show that the purchase was made within 48 hours. If the liquids are not in a secure, tamper-evident bag, they must be placed in checked luggage.
The TSA defines a duty-free liquid as one that is packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and does not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening. The original receipt for the liquids must be presented, and the purchase must have been made within 48 hours.
It is recommended that all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100ml be packed in checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. This is because any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in carry-on baggage.
To prevent duty-free liquids from breaking in checked luggage, travellers can purchase protective packaging such as WineSkin or BottleWise bags before their trip. Wrapped bottles should be placed in the centre of the suitcase to help protect them from breakage. Expensive liquid items can be wrapped in a thick layer of towelling or bubble wrap and placed in a box (or a box within a box) before being taped closed and put in a plastic bag.
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Medication: clearly labelled, prescribed
Medication in solid form, such as pills, can be carried in unlimited quantities through airport security. However, if your medication is in liquid form, there are a few extra things to keep in mind.
Firstly, you are not required to present your medication or notify a security official before going through an airport checkpoint unless it is a liquid. If your medication is a liquid, you must inform a TSA official at the start of the screening process. It is recommended that you only carry the prescription medication you need during your flight in your carry-on bag. You may place liquid medications in 3.4-ounce (100ml) bottles in a one-quart-sized clear zip-top plastic bag along with your other personal liquids and gel items. If your liquid prescription medication comes in larger containers or bottles, pack them separately in your carry-on. Reasonable quantities of liquid medications are allowed, and they do not have to be placed in a zip-top bag. However, they will be subject to additional screening, which could include being asked to open the container for inspection and testing. This may include pouring liquids into alternative containers or examining small amounts of the liquid. If your liquid medication cannot be opened or X-rayed, you will still be able to bring it with you, but you will probably have to undergo a pat-down screening, so be sure to get to the airport early.
It is important to note that while the TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, individual states may have laws regarding the labelling of prescription medication. Therefore, it is always a good idea to ensure that your medication is clearly labelled and prescribed. Additionally, if you need more information about packing your prescription medication or presenting them to the screening officer, you can contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight.
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Baby formula: allowed in reasonable amounts
Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed through airport security in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Containers must fit in a quart-sized bag. Any larger containers must be placed in checked baggage. This rule applies to all liquids, including water.
Baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (including puree pouches) are exempt from these rules. They are considered medically necessary liquids and are allowed in carry-on baggage in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100ml. They do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
It is helpful to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items. They will be screened separately from your other belongings. Formula and breast milk are more easily screened when in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches.
Cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed in carry-ons, regardless of the presence of breast milk or formula.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take water through airport security, but there are restrictions on the amount and how it is packaged. Liquids, including water, must be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and placed in a quart-sized, clear bag.
You can bring a "reasonable" amount of water for a baby's formula through security. Just inform the security officer and be prepared for additional screening.
Frozen liquid items are allowed through security as long as they are frozen solid. If there is any liquid, slush, or meltwater in the container, it must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule states that liquids must be in 3.4-ounce containers or less and placed in a quart-sized bag. This includes liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.
Yes, duty-free liquids over 3.4 ounces are allowed through security if they are in a sealed, tamper-evident bag and you have the original receipt showing the purchase was within 48 hours.
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