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Airline travel rules seem to almost change daily. The rule for liquid carry-ons seem particularly "fluid" (if you'll pardon the pun!).
When my mom flew domestically a few years ago, they took away her liquid saline solution for her contacts. With the dry airplane air (airplane air is literally as dry as the Gobi Desert) she had to take out her contacts and fly "blind", or risk being uncomfortable.
I've tried to take some of the confusion out of these latest airline travel rules...so you can get right down to the business of having a fantastic family vacation getaway.
According to the TSA (Transportation & Safety Administration) website, here are the latest airline travel rules for liquid carry-ons. (But you may want to check the link at the bottom of the page...these rules can change on a daily basis!)
"Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
According to the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration), liquid carry-on items have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. In plain English?
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- All carry-on liquids must be in a bottle that is 3 ounces or less.
- "Liquids" are defined as liquids (water, juice, hand sanitizer, etc.) aerosols, or gels. For a full list of acceptable liquids, scroll down this page.
- Larger containers (those bigger than 3 ounces) that are half-full or rolled up toothpaste tubes are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
- Bottles must be placed in a 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. NO gallon sized bags or sandwich bags. Bags MUST be zipped closed*.
- If you have more than one bottle (each with no more than 3 ounces each) they must be placed in one bag per passenger--that passenger then places the bag in the screening bin.
- Liquids in larger bottles (e.g., baby formula, liquid prescription medicines) must be declared ("Hi! I have two bottles of formula here.") If declared, they are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. (But don't forget to declare them!)
- 3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
*I know this is what the TSA guidelines say, but I've traveled on probably 50 flights since those guidelines came out and I virtually never put my liquids in a zip lock bag. Never once have they said "boo" to me about it. So I'd say the baggie thing is up to you.
Will following these guidelines keep you from losing your lip balm? We can't promise anything. TSA screeners are individuals, and airline travel rules can change from day to day.
To check on the latest airline travel rules, go to the TSA website: www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Don't Get Caught in the Bottle Trap
If you're like me, you want to bring a bottle of water on the flight. Otherwise, you can wait up to two hours (depending on turbulence) before the inflight beverage service begins. (And I've heard report after report about the poor quality of water in the lavatories-- don't drink it!)
"But I can't take a bottle of water on board...it's over 3 ounces," you say.
Here's what I do: Bring your bottle of water to the airport. Take a good swig BEFORE going through Security, and then EMPTY what's left in the bottle.
Once you're on the other side of Security, you can fill it up at a water fountain or kiosk (if they let you!). Beats buying a new bottle of water for $2.50 or more at an terminal kiosk or restaurant!
Acceptable & Unacceptable Carry-on Liquids
- Baby formula, breast milk, and juice
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
- Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
- Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
- Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids;
- Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.
What liquids are unacceptable in your carry-on? Here are just a few (including a few that might surprise you):
- Mace or pepper spray*
- Snow globes of any kind
- Flammable fluids, including lighter fluid, gasoline, compressed gas
- Liquid bleach
- Spray paint
*4 oz is permitted if can is equipped with a safety mechanism.
To be on the safe side, if you have any questions about whether a liquid is permitted (or non-liquid items for that matter), you can download a complete PDF list here.
Updated 2011
Want more tips for how to travel wiser, and for less? Check out these links:
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