Liquids, Gels & Lotions
The Transportation Security Administration has a 3 -1-1 rule you can use to help you remember what you can bring in your carry-on luggage onboard an aircraft.
3 – Liquids, gels, and lotions must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less (by volume).
1 – All of your items should fit into a 1-quart clear, plastic, zip top bag.
1 – Each passenger is allowed one bag. This must be taken out of your carry-on luggage, and placed on a bin to pass through the screening machine.
Food and Gifts
The 3-1-1 rule can also apply to foods you might not consider a liquid. The TSG states on its website…
"Food items such as jams, salsas, sauces, syrups and dips will not be allowed through the checkpoint unless they are in containers three ounces or less and in the passenger's one quart zip-top bag. This applies to gift items including lotions, creams, scented oil, liquid soaps, perfumes, and even snow globes that are in excess of three ounces - even if they are in sealed gift packs."
To make the security checkpoint screening process smoother for everyone (including those in line behind you!), the TSA recommends that you pack the items below in your checked luggage, ship them ahead or leave them at home:
- Cranberry sauce
- Cologne
- Creamy dips and spreads - cheeses, peanut butter, etc.
- Gift baskets with food items - salsa, jams and salad dressings
- Gravy
- Jams
- Jellies
- Lotions
- Maple syrup
- Oils and vinegars
- Perfume
- Salad dressing
- Salsa
- Sauces
- Snowglobes
- Soups
- Wine, liquor and beer
Although you are not permitted to carry drinks through security, you may purchase food and drink once inside the security checkpoint to take with you on the plane.
Exceptions
Every rule has its exceptions and the following items do not apply to the 3-1-1 rule:
- Baby Formula
- Baby Food
- Breast Milk
If you need to pack these items, you may pack them with your regular items and in quantities greater than three ounces. Be prepared to declare them at the security checkpoint for inspection. There are additional allowances for other children’s essentials which you can read more about on the TSA Site.
Prescriptions and over-the–counter medicines in liquid, gel and aerosol form can also be carried onto airplanes and may not be subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Prior to travel, remember to check the TSA website at
www.tsa.gov for updates to the 3-1-1 rules.
Strictly Prohibited
The following is a list of sharp objects, sporting equipment, and tools which the TSA prohibits you from carrying aboard an aircraft. These items may be transported in checked luggage.
Sharp Objects
Box Cutters
Ice Axes/Ice Picks
Knives - except for plastic or round bladed butter knives
Meat Cleavers
Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, and safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted)
Sabers
Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches
Swords - cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils
Sporting Equipment
Baseball Bats
Bows & Arrows
Cricket Bats
Golf Clubs
Hockey Sticks
Lacrosse Sticks
Pool Cues
Ski Poles
Spear Guns
Tools
Axes and Hatchets
Cattle Prods
Crowbars
Hammers
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills)
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)
Tools (greater than seven inches in length)
Tools (seven inches or less in length)
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)
For a complete list of all items and whether they are permitted for carry-on or checked luggage, please visit the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm