TSA Liquids Rules: What to Know About 3-1-1 Before You Head to the Airport
Source: The Points Guy
Summary
The TSA has enforced liquid restrictions in carry-on bags for 20 years, limiting containers to 3.4 ounces and requiring them to be in a single clear bag. The policy, introduced after a 2006 terrorism plot, applies to liquids, gels, and aerosols. Exceptions exist for medically necessary items. The agency is exploring new technologies that may change the rules in the future. The 3-1-1 rule remains in effect, with some items allowed in checked bags.
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Travelers face restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols. Containers must be under 3.4 ounces. One clear bag per passenger. Checked bags for larger quantities. Security checkpoints enforce the rules. Medically necessary items have exceptions.
Author: Evan Null
TSA Liquids Rules: Why Do They Exist?
The TSA’s restrictions on liquids date back to 2006. In the wake of a thwarted terrorism plot overseas, the agency started restricting the liquids, gels and aerosols passengers could bring in their carry-on baggage. Scores of other countries around the world put similar policies in place in the name of aviation security.
What Is the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule?
The TSA’s ban on liquids — or at least large quantities of them — is governed by what’s known as the “3-1-1 rule.” The decades-old policy states that: Liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, or roughly 100 milliliters (that’s the “3”). All containers must be placed in one clear, quart-size plastic bag (“1”). Each passenger is only allowed one such plastic bag (“1”).
Exceptions to the TSA’s 3-1-1 Policy
There are a few exceptions, though. The TSA will allow you to bring “medically necessary” liquids, gels and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your flight. However, you must declare those items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. The agency asks travelers with larger amounts of medically necessary liquids to remove them from the carry-on bag and place them in a bin or bowl.
What Can You Bring Through a TSA Checkpoint?
You can bring creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt as long as they are in a container of less than 3.4 ounces, according to the TSA. You can bring your water bottle with you — as long as it’s empty.
Could 3-1-1 Finally Go Away?
While the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rules remain in place, there’s reason to wonder how long they’ll be around. The U.K. has begun a long-planned rollback of its liquids rules. And after the TSA ended its long-standing “shoes-off” policy in 2025, the Trump administration signaled that the liquids restrictions could be next … someday.
