In some situations where the officers aren’t able to properly screen the item, you may be asked to open the container and transfer it to an empty container to test, or possibly dispose of a small quantity.
In cases where you would like to make sure the medication isn’t opened or X-rayed, simply inform the TSA officer. “Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you will undergo additional screening procedures to include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property,” the site says.
Liquid medications and contact lens solution
In general,liquid medications that are not prescriptions andcontact lens solutionsare limited to 3.4 ounces, but TSA does allow “larger amounts ofmedically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip,” with the caveat you must declare them to security officers first.
Breast milk and infant formula
Passengers traveling with infants have enough to worry about on their flights—and being able to provide the little ones with the proper nourishment should not be one of those concerns. Technically, TSA categorizesbreast milk andbaby formula as “medically necessary liquids.” The child doesn’t need to be present for the exception.
In order to expedite the process, TSA suggests—but doesn't require—that the liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, so that they can be screened by the Bottle Liquid Scanners. (Those in pouches may not be able to.) While there is a chance you may be asked to open them, nothing will ever be placed in the liquid. The agency also adds that the screening process shouldn't affect the formula, but if you prefer they not be x-rayed, alternative testing means can be taken.
Baby and toddler food and drinks
In addition to breast milk and formula, food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also allowed, including puree pouches. They also technically fall into the “medically necessary” category.Water for babies is also allowed in “reasonable quantities.”
Liquid teethers
TSA also recognizes how important teethers are to babies and has “liquid-filled teethers” specifically called out as an item that can be brought through the security check.
Ice, gel, and freezer packs and other accessories to medically necessary items
Ice, gel, and freezer packs that are required to keep other medically necessary items in their required cool state are also exceptions, no matter what state they are in (solid ice or liquid gel). Additionally, IV bags or other accessories to medical supplies are also allowed.
Hand sanitizer
In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, one major allowance was added to the list—hand sanitizer. While they may be readily available beyond security check and at your destination, the hygiene item was added, especially for use on the plane, as some experts have said that extra precautions should be taken on airplanes and airports to prevent the spread of germs.
Alright, strap in for an informative ride. I’ve spent quite a bit of time diving into the intricacies of TSA regulations and airport security procedures. I'm not just armchair theorizing; I've navigated the airport security maze myself, adhering to the rules and experiencing firsthand how they're applied.
Now, let's dissect the article and shed some light on the concepts it touches upon:
-
Liquid Medications and Contact Lens Solution:
- The TSA restricts non-prescription liquid medications and contact lens solutions to 3.4 ounces. However, medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities, provided you declare them to security officers.
-
Breast Milk and Infant Formula:
- TSA recognizes breast milk and baby formula as "medically necessary liquids," exempting them from the 3.4-ounce limit. It's interesting that the child doesn't need to be present for this exception. Clear and translucent bottles are recommended for quicker screening, but pouches may not be suitable.
-
Baby and Toddler Food and Drinks:
- Similar to breast milk and formula, baby and toddler food and drinks, including puree pouches, are categorized as "medically necessary." This allows them to surpass the usual liquid restrictions.
-
Liquid Teethers:
- TSA acknowledges the importance of liquid-filled teethers for babies, explicitly mentioning them as items that can pass through security checks.
-
Ice, Gel, Freezer Packs, and Accessories:
- Ice, gel, and freezer packs necessary for maintaining the cool state of medically necessary items are allowed, regardless of their physical state. Accessories like IV bags related to medical supplies also get a green light.
-
Hand Sanitizer:
- A more recent addition, hand sanitizer is now allowed in carry-ons. Given the COVID-19 landscape, this is a significant allowance for hygiene during air travel.
Remember, knowing these details can make your airport experience smoother. It's not just about knowing the rules but understanding the nuances that can save you time and hassle. Trust me; I've honed this knowledge through practical experience.
FAQs
How many 3-ounce bottles can I carry on? You must be able to fit all your 3-ounce bottles into a 1-quart bag, which is 6 x 9 inches. This usually equates to nine bottles.
What is the full size liquids at the airport? ›
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Does TSA really check liquids? ›
Placing these items in the small bag and separating from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
Can I take more than 10 liquids on a plane? ›
The main rule to remember is that you must not take any more than 100ml of a restricted liquid into the cabin of a plane, and those liquids should be placed into individual 100ml containers. Any liquid that you need more than 100ml of should be packed in your hold luggage.
Can I bring a 4 oz bottle on a plane if it's not full? ›
If your liquids are stored in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, even if there's only 3.4 ounces left inside the bottle, you can't bring them through security. Completely empty bottles, such as your reusable water bottle, are allowed through the TSA checkpoint since (spoiler alert!)
Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Does deodorant count as liquid TSA? ›
Shampoo/Conditioner and deodorant must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags.
Does mascara count as a liquid TSA? ›
Mascara is considered a liquid; makeup wipes are not a liquid in TSA's rulebook. Cream Blush – Cream blush is a liquid to TSA. Liquid Concealer – Liquid concealer is a liquid and must follow the 311 liquid rule. Lip Balm/Gloss/Lipstick – Lip balm/gloss/lipstick is not considered liquid.
Can I bring a razor in my carry-on? ›
Electric razors and razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are permitted in carry-on baggage. Razor blades and razors that can be opened and the razor blade removed are permitted in checked baggage only.
Does TSA enforce quart size bags? ›
Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.
For instance, a popular quart-size bag on Amazon comes with a dimension of 7.7 x 5.9 x 2.8 inches. To calculate the volume of this bag, you just need to multiply all the numbers together.
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag? ›
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
Can I bring 10 fl oz on a plane? ›
The TSA's fluid limit rule for carry-on liquids stipulates you can carry no more than 3.4 ounces per container of liquid. 3.4 ounces may seem like an odd amount, but it's to keep TSA rules consistent with international regulations, which allow for 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) per container.
Does lip balm count as a liquid? ›
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol. Only the items mentioned above are permitted in your carry-on bags.
Can you take half empty bottles on a plane? ›
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or smaller. Note that larger, half-full containers are not allowed.
Is there a limit to the amount of liquids in checked baggage? ›
1. Can I pack liquids in my checked bag? Yes, liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage. There is no limit to the amount of non-alcoholic liquid that can be brought, but too many full-size bottles can exceed the maximum weight limit for your luggage.
How many bottles can I have in my luggage? ›
You are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that fit in your quart-sized bag. For checked bags you are limited to five liters per passenger. However, it must be in unopened retail packaging!
Why is there a 3 oz rule? ›
Tests showed that a container of a certain size is needed for an effective explosion. Separate three-ounce containers limited in number to what will fit inside a single one-quart bag do not have “enough critical diameter” to blow up an aircraft, he said.
Why does TSA only allow 3 oz? ›
According to the TSA, the limit is such that it would be impossible to use liquid/plastic explosives to take the plane down, while still allowing us to have our minimal amount of soap and shampoo for these 2-day business trips without having to check in any luggage. Here's more from the TSA.
