Buzz
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) and other relevant authorities have established uniform guidelines for carrying liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes onboard. These rules differ for carry-on bags and checked luggage, making it crucial to know exactly what you're packing in each. Additionally, specific regulations exist for necessities such as medication and baby food, so it's important to separate these items from everyday toiletries like makeup and toothpaste. When shopping for souvenirs, it's wise to consider these regulations to ensure a smooth return journey.
Steps
Packing Non-Essential Items
Choose the appropriate luggage for your trip. Most travelers prefer to carry a small bag onboard for easy access during the flight. Next, decide if the total amount of your belongings requires additional checked luggage. The regulations for liquids and gels vary depending on whether they are in your carry-on or checked baggage, so it's essential to understand your options.
- Non-essential liquids and gels, as well as aerosols, creams, and pastes, include: beverages, food items, cosmetics, personal care products, and insect repellents.
Pack Large Items in Your Checked Baggage. If you're traveling with both a carry-on and checked baggage, organize your liquids and gels by size. Check each container you plan to bring and ensure anything larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g) is placed in your checked luggage. If you're not using smaller items during the flight, you can also store those in your checked baggage.
- Container size matters, not the remaining amount of liquid or gel. Therefore, even nearly-empty larger containers should go in checked baggage.
- Whenever possible, keep products in their original packaging. Unmarked containers may need additional screening, causing delays, confiscation, or even entry denial.
- If you need to use an item during the flight (such as toothpaste), buy a smaller version that meets the 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g) limit.
Use a Clear Bag for Carry-On Items. Ensure that any non-essential liquids and gels in your carry-on don't exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g). If they do, opt for smaller sizes. Place them all into a single, resealable 1-quart (1 L) bag.
- Only one 1-quart bag per passenger is allowed. If your bag is too small for all your items, consider packing some in your checked luggage. If you're traveling with only a carry-on, reconsider what you're packing and leave behind items that can be bought at your destination.
- Each passenger is allowed one bag, but if you're traveling with others, you can share their bag if there's space.
- During screening, you'll be required to remove your 1-quart bag for inspection. Having a clear bag ensures the process runs smoothly.
Avoid Leaks and Spills. Air pressure can affect your containers' seals, so consider repackaging liquids and gels in more secure containers if needed. Look for a 3-1-1 compliant kit online or in stores, and use a funnel to transfer each liquid or gel into one of the kit’s clear tubes, sealing it with the appropriate cap.
- As long as the new containers are 3-1-1 compliant, you can transport liquids in unlabeled containers. However, expect closer inspection during security checks.
- Alternatively, you can remove the cap from the original container and wrap plastic around the opening to form an extra seal before reattaching the cap. For added protection, place each container in a separate sandwich bag to contain any leaks.
Essential Items in Your Carry-On
Separate Essential Items. If you're carrying medication, baby formula, breast milk, or baby food, don't place these in your 1-quart (1 L) bag with non-essential items. Be prepared for possible additional screening, and make sure these items are easily accessible so they can be removed quickly at security.
- The size of the container doesn't matter for essential items, so don't worry if they exceed 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g).
- Security may also need to inspect related accessories like syringes, IV bags, pumps, or milk warmers. Pack these so they can be removed easily as well.
Notify the Screeners in Advance. When it’s your turn for security screening, inform the officers right away that you have medication or liquid containers exceeding 3.4 ounces (100 ml/g). Additionally, make them aware of any accessories associated with these items. Be prepared for the agents to inspect your essential items through:
- Visual inspection
- X-ray screening
- Small sample testing
Communicate If You Prefer to Avoid X-rays. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assured that liquids and medications exposed to X-rays remain safe for use. However, if you’re concerned about radiation, you have the right to decline X-ray screening for medications, breast milk, and baby formula. Simply inform the agents if you prefer not to have your items exposed to X-rays when you present them.
- Refusing X-rays may result in additional security measures, such as a pat-down or closer inspection of your belongings.
Bringing Souvenirs Back Home
Shop With Your Return Trip in Mind. If you're checking luggage, there’s less to worry about, as you can pack larger liquids and gels (over 3.4 ounces or 100 ml/g) in your checked bag. However, if you're only traveling with a carry-on, remember that any liquid or gel souvenirs must fit within the 3.4-ounce (100 ml/g) limit. Additionally, these items must fit into your 1-quart (1 L) clear bag designated for non-essential liquids and gels. Plan your purchases carefully, considering size and quantity.
- When packing for the outbound trip, think ahead about the space you’ll need for return souvenirs. Consider packing only items you can discard during your stay to make room for your return items.
Ship Your Souvenirs Home. Make your return trip easier by shipping liquid and gel souvenirs separately. Inquire with retailers if they provide shipping services; if not, take your items to a parcel service such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL to handle packing and shipping.
- If you're traveling internationally, be aware that customs fees may apply to your items upon delivery, depending on the nature of the items and the countries involved.
Shop Duty-Free. If you're traveling internationally, consider postponing your souvenir shopping for liquids and gels until your return flight. Purchase them before your flight at duty-free shops located in the airport’s secure area. These items are exempt from carry-on regulations, provided that:
- The store's sealed, clear security bag remains unopened and unaltered.
- You retain your receipt for inspection.
- The item was purchased within the last 48 hours.
Warnings
- These tips are applicable for flights within the US, Canada, and certain other countries. If you're flying to a different country, contact your airline for detailed and specific guidelines before you travel.
- Threat levels can change frequently. This may lead airlines to suddenly alter their rules for transporting liquids and gels, so it’s important to verify updated regulations with them prior to your trip.
