Everything You Need to Know About TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule
Air travel has changed drastically over the past several decades, especially when it comes to security. With passenger safety as its top priority, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) imposes strict guidelines on what can be brought onto a commercial aircraft.
One of their guidelines, referred to as the 3-1-1 rule, stipulates the quantity of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes travelers can bring on a plane, as well as how these items must be packed.
If you’re planning to fly soon, you may be wondering how to ensure your belongings abide by this guideline. We’ve created this guide with all the important details about the 3-1-1 rule, plus tips and frequently asked questions.
What is the TSA 3-1-1 rule?
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is a regulation that limits what liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes you can bring in carry-on bags through airport security checkpoints in the United States. The rule enhances security by limiting the amount of these substances that you can bring on board.
Here’s what the 3-1-1 rule entails:
- 3.4-ounce (100 milliliters) container limit: Each passenger can carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers that hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) each.
- 1 quart-sized, clear, resealable bag: All liquids containers must fit into a single quart-sized, clear plastic, resealable bag (such as a Ziploc bag).
- 1 bag per passenger: Each passenger is allowed to bring one quart-sized bag containing the allowed containers through the security checkpoint.
Note that the 3-1-1 rule does not apply to items in checked baggage.
Exemptions to the TSA 3-1-1 rule
The TSA has outlined the following exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule:
- Prescription medication: Liquid prescription medications, such as cough syrups, are exempt from the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
- Infant food: Breast milk and infant formula are permitted in excess of the 3.4 ounces allotted.
- Duty-free liquids in sealed bags: You may bring duty-free liquids, such as alcohol, in carry-on bags as long as they’re in secure, tamper-evident bags; you purchased them internationally and are traveling to the U.S.; you have the original receipt; and you made the purchase within 48 hours of the flight.
Although you can bring larger amounts of these items on the plane, you must declare them to TSA officers prior to going through security. According to the TSA, any liquids that trigger alarms during the security check will require additional screening.
Tips for following the TSA 3-1-1 rule
Embrace miniatures
Opt for travel-sized versions of your favorite liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes to stay within the 3.4-ounce limit per container. This not only streamlines your packing process but also makes it easier to fit everything into the required quart-sized plastic bag.
Consider non-liquid alternatives
Solid personal care products, such as solid shampoo bars, powdered toothpaste, or solid perfume, are not subject to the 3-1-1 rule and can be packed separately without needing to fit into the quart-sized bag.
Use appropriate bags
The 3-1-1 rule stipulates that only quart-sized, clear, resealable bags may be used to organize your liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. When packing, make sure your 3-1-1 bag is easily accessible for inspection at TSA checkpoints, so you and the travelers behind you get through security smoothly.
Seal bags properly
Sealing the bag properly not only ensures you adhere to the 3-1-1 rule, it also can prevent leaks during transit. Double-check to ensure the bag is fastened, and consider placing items prone to leakage, such as shampoos or liquid over-the-counter medications, in separate smaller bags within the quart-sized bag for added protection.
Share with travel buddies
If you find your single resealable bag overflowing, you might be able to consolidate items with a travel companion who isn’t using their maximum allowable space. It’s a good idea to keep medications with you in case you need them, but your toothpaste or deodorant will likely be fine in a friend or family member’s bag until you reach your destination.
3-1-1 rule FAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions travelers have about the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.
How many 3-ounce bottles can I take on a plane?
You can take as many 3-ounce bottles as you can fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable bag. Typically, this allows for about 6 to 9 small bottles, depending on their shape and how you pack them. Keep in mind that no matter how many containers you fit in the bag, you must still be able to fully close the top.
Does solid deodorant need to go in a 3-1-1 bag?
The 3-1-1 rule only applies to liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes, so you can pack solid deodorants in your carry-on separately from the quart-sized bag.
Is toothpaste considered a liquid?
Yes, toothpaste is considered a paste or gel and therefore falls under the TSA 3-1-1 rule.
Is the TSA 3-1-1 rule going away?
As of this writing, the 3-1-1 rule is still in effect, but changes may be on the horizon. According to Fodor’s, the TSA is investing in advanced computed tomography (CT) machines, which create 3D images of baggage and allow for more precise threat detection.
These scanners are expected to gradually phase out the 3-1-1 rule, as they have started doing in some European airports, though this change will likely take several years.
By Casey Clague