Chloe Zhang
When travelling by air, there are strict rules regarding the amount of liquid you can carry in your luggage. These rules came into force in 2006 after security services in the UK, the US and Pakistan foiled an attempt by al-Qaeda to smuggle liquid explosives onto planes using plastic drink bottles. The restrictions, often referred to as the 3-1-1 rule, allow passengers to carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, which must be placed inside a single, clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. Each passenger is limited to one such bag, which must be presented separately at the security checkpoint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container size | 3.4 ounces or 100 ml |
| Container type | Travel-sized bottles |
| Plastic bag size | Quart-sized |
| Plastic bag type | Clear, resealable |
| Number of bags | One per passenger |
| Bag dimensions | 7” by 8” or 20 x 20 cm |
| Bag capacity | 1 litre or quart |
| Exemptions | Baby food/drink, medically necessary items, duty-free liquids |
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What You'll Learn
- The 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be in 3.4-ounce containers, inside a quart-sized bag
- Medication and baby food/drink are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule
- COVID-19 test kits are allowed without restrictions
- Non-solid foods like yoghurt and peanut butter are restricted
- Liquids in checked baggage: no limit, but must be packed securely
The 3-1-1 rule: liquids must be in 3.4-ounce containers, inside a quart-sized bag
The 3-1-1 rule is a regulation that standardises how much liquid you can bring in your carry-on luggage. It was introduced by the TSA in 2006 after security services in the UK, the US, and Pakistan foiled a plot by al-Qaeda operatives to set off bombs on airplanes using liquid explosives.
The rule's name refers to its three core components: liquids must be in 3.4-ounce (100ml) containers, all of which must fit inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag, and each passenger is limited to only one such bag. This means that you can carry as much liquid as can fit inside 3.4-ounce containers that, in turn, fit inside a quart-sized bag.
The plastic bag itself should be resealable and measure approximately 20cm by 20cm (8" by 8") with a total capacity of 1 litre. The bag should be placed on top of your clothing and other items in your carry-on luggage, as you will need to remove it and put it through the security checkpoint separately.
Any liquids that do not comply with the 3-1-1 rule should be packed in your checked baggage.
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Medication and baby food/drink are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule
The 3-1-1 rule, also known as the 3.4-ounce rule, is a common guideline for airline passengers travelling with liquids. It requires that liquids be packed inside 3.4-ounce (or 100ml) containers and that these containers be placed inside a clear, quart-sized bag. While this rule is generally applicable, there are exemptions for medication and baby food/drink.
For medication, travellers are allowed to carry liquid, gel, or aerosol prescriptions of more than 3.4 ounces in their carry-on bags. This includes distilled water for CPAP machines, liquids/gels for diabetes, and other medically necessary items. Additionally, accessories such as IV bags, pumps, syringes, and other medical supplies are also allowed. It is important to note that medication may need to be screened separately, and travellers are advised to declare these items to the screening officer for inspection.
For baby food and drinks, travellers are permitted to carry quantities greater than 100ml or 3.4 ounces. This includes baby formula, breast milk, food, water, and juice for infants under two years of age. While the child does not need to be present for this exemption, the TSA suggests using clear and translucent bottles for easier screening. Additionally, gel and ice packs are allowed if needed to refrigerate baby food and drinks.
It is important to note that while these exemptions exist, travellers may be asked to open the containers for inspection. The screening process should not affect the contents, but alternative testing methods can be requested if preferred.
Travellers should always check with their specific airline and departure airport for any additional restrictions or guidelines regarding the transportation of liquids, medications, and baby food/drink.
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COVID-19 test kits are allowed without restrictions
When travelling by air, restrictions are placed on the amount of liquid that can be carried in hand luggage. Typically, each liquid must be in a container of no more than 3.4 ounces (or 100ml) in volume, and all liquid containers must fit inside a single clear plastic bag. This bag must be quart-sized, and each passenger is limited to one such bag. Liquids that do not comply with these restrictions should be placed in checked baggage.
However, there are certain exceptions to these rules. For instance, duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in hand luggage if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag, and if they do not show signs of tampering. Similarly, gel and ice packs are allowed if they are required to treat an injury or to refrigerate baby food and other infant necessities. Distilled water for CPAP machines is also exempt from liquid restrictions.
In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 test kits are allowed without restrictions in both carry-on and checked baggage. This exemption applies to unused test kits, as test kits containing diagnostic samples are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These samples must be properly packaged, handled, and identified as a UN3373 Category B Infectious Substance during transportation. Passengers should check with their carrier before packing COVID-19 test kits containing diagnostic samples in checked baggage or as cargo.
Therefore, while there are typically strict restrictions on liquids in hand luggage, certain items are exempt from these rules, including COVID-19 test kits. Passengers should be aware of these exemptions and plan their travel accordingly, ensuring that they comply with all relevant regulations.
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Non-solid foods like yoghurt and peanut butter are restricted
Non-solid foods such as yoghurt and peanut butter are restricted on airlines. The restrictions are based on the consistency of the food item and how it is packaged. According to the TSA, non-solid foods that are liquids, gels, or creams must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for carry-on baggage. This means that each liquid item must be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml), and all containers must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized, resealable plastic bag. This plastic bag must be removed from your carry-on luggage and placed separately in a security bin for screening. Non-solid foods that meet these criteria can be transported in carry-on baggage.
If you are unable or unwilling to portion out your non-solid foods into smaller containers, you have the option to pack them in your checked baggage. There are no restrictions on liquids, gels, or creams in checked baggage, as long as they are packaged securely and do not leak. However, it is important to note that checked baggage is less convenient to access during a flight, and there may be additional considerations for fragile items.
To determine whether a food item is considered a liquid, gel, or cream, it is important to assess its consistency. Items that are free-flowing or easily spreadable, such as yoghurt, peanut butter, salsa, jams, gravy, and creamy cheese, fall into this category. Additionally, foods that are normally solid but have been melted or liquefied, such as butter or chocolate, would also be subject to liquid restrictions.
It is worth noting that some exceptions exist for specific items. For example, baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, and juice for infants under two years old are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule and can be brought in larger quantities. Additionally, gel and ice packs are permitted if they are necessary for medical reasons or to refrigerate baby food and related liquids. Solid food items, such as canned goods with minimal liquid content, are not subject to liquid restrictions and can be transported in carry-on or checked baggage.
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Liquids in checked baggage: no limit, but must be packed securely
Liquids in checked baggage are not restricted to a specific quantity, unlike carry-on luggage, which is restricted to containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) per item. However, it is important to ensure that liquids are packed securely in checked baggage. This means that liquids should not be packed haphazardly or in a way that could cause spillage or damage to other items in your luggage. Liquids should be in their original, sealed containers, and any leaks or spills should be avoided.
While there is no limit to the amount of liquid you can pack in your checked baggage, it is important to follow other TSA regulations that dictate what you can and cannot bring on a plane. For example, if you are travelling with an infant younger than two years old, you are allowed to bring larger quantities of baby food, milk, liquid formula, water, and juice. Additionally, gel and ice packs are permitted if they are needed to treat an injury or to refrigerate the aforementioned baby items.
Distilled water for CPAP devices is also exempt from liquid restrictions, as are liquids and gels for medical conditions such as diabetes. It is important to declare any exempt items to the screening officer for inspection. Additionally, duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a secure, tamper-evident bag are allowed in carry-on luggage when travelling to the United States with a connecting flight.
When packing liquids in checked baggage, it is recommended to use travel-size bottles or purchase travel toiletry bottles that can be filled with your desired products. This helps to conserve space and reduce the risk of spills. It is also advisable to pack liquids in a separate bag or container within your checked baggage, in case of any leaks or spills during transit. By following these guidelines, you can securely pack liquids in your checked baggage without quantity limitations.
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Frequently asked questions
The 3-1-1 rule states that you can carry liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces or less (3), all containers must be placed inside one clear quart-sized plastic bag (1), and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag (1).
Liquids include drinks, creams, gels, aerosols, and even peanut butter and mascara. If it can pour, smear, or spread, it likely counts as a liquid.
Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces. Baby food and drink are also allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces if you are travelling with an infant younger than two years of age.
If you bring more liquids than allowed in your carry-on baggage, they will be confiscated by TSA agents at the security checkpoint.
