Tsa Liquid Rules: Cologne Conundrum?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about the volume of liquids that can be carried in hand luggage. The 3-1-1 rule, created by explosive experts, states that liquids must be in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must be able to fit inside a one-quart-size bag. Any liquids that are larger must be packed in checked luggage. This includes cologne, as well as other toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, and mouthwash.

The 3-1-1 liquids rule

• 3: Containers with liquids can't be larger than 3.4 ounces (roughly 100 milliliters).
• 1: All liquid containers must be placed in one clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
• 1: Each passenger is only allowed one such plastic bag.

This rule applies to liquids such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, sunscreen, and cologne. It's important to note that any liquid product larger than 3.4 ounces must be placed in a checked bag. However, there are exceptions for medically necessary liquids, which can be brought in reasonable quantities after declaring them to security officers for inspection.

To facilitate the screening process, it's recommended to separate the quart-sized bag of liquids from your carry-on baggage. Additionally, duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in your bag if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag and meet certain other requirements.

What counts as a liquid?

When it comes to air travel, the restrictions on liquids can be confusing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has created guidelines on what is considered a liquid and what travelers can bring in their carry-on luggage. According to TSA guidelines, any substance that is free-flowing or viscous is considered a liquid. This includes liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.

So, what exactly falls under this definition? Here are some examples of what counts as a liquid when you're packing for a flight:

• Toiletries: Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, sunscreens, toothpaste, deodorant, and mouthwash are all considered liquids. These items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less to be allowed in your carry-on bag.
• Makeup: Mascara, liquid foundation, lip gloss, and other liquid cosmetics are considered liquids. Solid makeup, on the other hand, is not subject to the same restrictions and can be packed in your hand luggage.
• Foods: Some foods fall under the category of liquids, gels, or pastes. For example, yogurt, peanut butter, jams, and similar spreadable items. These foods must also adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit if you want to bring them in your carry-on.
• Fragrances: Perfume, cologne, and other fragrances are considered liquids. If you want to bring them in your carry-on, make sure they are in small, travel-sized containers of 3.4 ounces or less.
• Medications: Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed through security. This includes items like eye drops, inhalers, and prescription medications. Be sure to notify the TSA officer of any medications you are carrying.

It's important to note that the restrictions on liquids apply to your carry-on luggage. If you need to travel with larger containers of liquids, you can always pack them in your checked baggage. Additionally, certain exemptions are made for duty-free liquids purchased within 48 hours of your flight and baby formula and breast milk.

Exemptions to the rule

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has a strict 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit on liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers can carry in their carry-on bags. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule, which allows each passenger to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids. Any larger liquids must be packed in checked luggage.

However, there are some exemptions to this rule for specific liquids that are allowed in larger quantities or under certain conditions:

Medical Necessities

The TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in "reasonable quantities" for your trip. This includes prescription liquids, gels, and aerosols, as well as liquid medications and contact lens solutions. It is recommended that prescription medications be clearly labeled, and non-prescription liquid medications and contact lens solutions are still limited to 3.4 ounces.

Infant and Child Nourishments

Breast milk, baby formula, food, and drinks for infants and toddlers are allowed in reasonable quantities and are considered "medically necessary" liquids. The TSA suggests using clear and translucent bottles for screening purposes, but they can also be screened in pouches. Water for babies is also permitted.

Duty-Free Purchases

Liquids purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft are exempt from the liquid volume rules if they are sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) by the cashier. This exemption only applies if you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight.

Live Fish and Coral

Live fish and coral in water are exempt from the liquid limit as long as they are in clear, transparent containers and properly inspected by a TSA officer.

Biological Specimens

Non-infectious specimens in preservative solutions, such as formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, are allowed for scientific research purposes. They must be packed specifically, with up to 30 milliliters of liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and no more than one liter in the outer packaging, marked with "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies."

Non-spillable Wet Batteries

Certain portable electronic devices with non-spillable batteries, such as gel cells or absorbed glass mat batteries, are exempt as long as they are protected against accidental activation or heat evolution, and the battery's voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours.

Checking in liquids

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This means each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, which must be removed from carry-on luggage and screened separately. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion. It is worth noting that the final decision on whether an item is allowed rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.

The 3-1-1 rule was created by explosive experts and is an international guideline. However, some countries and airports have different rules. For example, in 2024, some European airports removed the liquid restrictions, but later reinstated them when it became clear the technology was not ready. In the US, the TSA has said it "anticipates the limit on liquids will be lifted in the coming years".

There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Duty-free liquids can be carried in secure, tamper-evident bags if they were purchased internationally and the passenger is travelling to the US with a connecting flight. The bags must be transparent, show no signs of tampering, and the original receipt must be present.

Medically necessary liquids are also exempt from the rule. This includes prescription liquids, gels and aerosols, liquid medications, and contact lens solution. Medically necessary liquids can include breast milk and baby formula, baby and toddler food and drinks, and liquid-filled teethers.

Other exceptions include ice, gel and freezer packs, and accessories for medical supplies, live fish and coral in water, biological specimens, and non-spillable wet batteries.

Screening liquids

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a set of rules regarding the screening of liquids, gels, and aerosols. The rules are designed to enhance security and facilitate the screening process. Here's what you need to know:

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

The 3-1-1 liquids rule is a standard international guideline that requires airline passengers to pack their liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) that can fit into a one-quart-size bag. This rule applies to common travel items such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, lotion, and similar products. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of these items.

Carry-On Bags

When packing liquids in your carry-on bag, it is important to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Place your allowed liquids, gels, and aerosols in a quart-sized bag and separate them from your other carry-on items. This facilitates the screening process and helps TSA officers inspect your liquids easily. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

Duty-Free Liquids

If you are travelling with duty-free liquids purchased internationally and connecting through a US airport, you can carry more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag, but certain conditions must be met. The liquids must be packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and show no signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening. Additionally, you must have the original receipt, and the purchase must have been made within 48 hours.

Medically Necessary Liquids

The TSA makes exceptions for certain medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols. This includes prescription liquids, liquid medications, contact lens solution, breast milk, and infant formula. Passengers are allowed to bring larger amounts of these liquids but must declare them to security officers first. Medically necessary liquids may be screened visually, with an X-ray machine, or through other alternative testing methods.

Prohibited Items

It is important to note that certain items are prohibited from being carried on board an aircraft. These include full-sized liquid containers that do not meet the 3.4-ounce requirement and any liquids that are not medically necessary or purchased duty-free. Any liquids that do not comply with the TSA guidelines must be packed in checked baggage.

Frequently asked questions