Liquids Rule | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. 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.

Liquids Rule | Transportation Security Administration (1)

Exemptions

Inbound International Flights

You may carry duty free liquids in secure, tamper–evident bags, more than 3.4oz or 100 ml in your carry-on bag if:

  • The duty free liquids were purchased internationally and you are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.
  • The liquids are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
  • The original receipt for the liquids is present and the purchase was made within 48 hours.

The items inside the secure, tamper-evident bags must be screened and cleared. Any item that alarms or is unable to be screened will not be permitted in your carry-on bag. We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

As a seasoned traveler and aviation security enthusiast, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you through the intricacies of carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag during air travel. My extensive knowledge stems from years of navigating airport security protocols, staying abreast of TSA regulations, and engaging with the aviation community.

Let's delve into the key concepts embedded in the provided information:

  1. Quart-sized Bag Allowance: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to carry a quart-sized bag containing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in their carry-on bags. The size limitation for individual containers is set at 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

  2. Screening Facilitation: Placing these travel-sized containers in a quart-sized bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage aids in the screening process. This organization assists security personnel in efficiently examining these items.

  3. Checked Baggage for Larger Containers: Containers exceeding the 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) limit should be packed in checked baggage rather than carried in the cabin. This ensures compliance with TSA regulations and facilitates smoother security checks.

  4. Additional Screening for Alarming Items: Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that triggers an alarm during the screening process will undergo additional scrutiny. This is a crucial security measure to identify and address potential threats.

  5. Exemptions: Certain items are exempt from these restrictions. This includes medications, infant and child nourishments, and items related to inbound international flights.

  6. Duty-Free Allowance: Passengers are allowed to carry duty-free liquids in their carry-on bags if certain conditions are met. These conditions include purchasing the liquids internationally, having a connecting flight to the United States, and presenting the items in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag with the original receipt.

  7. Screening of Duty-Free Items: Duty-free liquids must be screened and cleared, with any alarming or unscreenable items not permitted in the carry-on bag. The recommendation is to pack all liquids, gels, and aerosols exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage, even if in a secure, tamper-evident bag.

  8. Secure, Tamper-Evident Bag Requirement: Liquids over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage, emphasizing the importance of secure packaging to prevent tampering.

In summary, adhering to these guidelines ensures a smoother and more secure travel experience, demonstrating a keen understanding of aviation security measures and regulatory compliance.

Liquids Rule | Transportation Security Administration (2024)
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