In the world of air travel, the “3 1 1 Rule” is a term most of us have likely encountered. Packing a carry-on bag and trying to figure out how to manage all of the liquids can be a headache, so this guide is for you.
It’s not uncommon to be in an airport security line, wondering about the rules for liquids, aerosols, and gels and whether they are packed properly. How many bottles can go in a carry-on? What’s the permitted volume? How should they be packed?
I have fine-tuned the 3 1 1 rule and know what to take in what size and in what container. I will share it with you today to simplify everyone’s travels.
Let’s tackle this TSA rule together, making it as simple as possible.
What Is The 3 1 1 Rule?
- The 3 in the 3 1 1 rule refers to the TSA liquid size limit, which is the amount of liquid one can carry in a bottle onto a flight, either in a piece of carry-on luggage or a personal bag. The rule states that a 3.4-ounce travel-size container with only 3.4 ounces of liquid products in each one is permissible.
- The first, 1, in the TSA rule, refers to a one-quart bag to stuff all the liquids that will fit in it. The bag must be clear and no larger than a quart.
- The second, 1, in the 3 1 1 rule, refers to how many bags one person can carry onto the plane. Each person can have only one quart-sized bag stuffed full of liquids as a carry-on item. In a family, each person, such as children who are taking a carry-on, can have one baggie in their carry-on.
History Of The 3 1 1 Rule?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) sets rules to keep us safe when we fly. A lot of these rules changed with the disaster of 9-1-1. In other words, the TSA liquids rule started after the towers came down to keep us safe from terrorists.
Image Of The Liquids Requirements
What Is Allowed?
Now that we have a better understanding of what the 3 1 1 rule TSA stands for, you may wonder what liquids you can take on a plane.
Below is a list of liquid items you can take that meet the 311 liquids rule; however, it is not an all-inclusive list. However, it does cover a wide range of toiletries that the TSA will allow in your carry-on.
NOTE: The list is for domestic US flights only, and each one must be in an individual 3.4-ounce container. Please check with tsa.gov for further instructions on the TSA liquid rules.
List Of Allowed Liquids?
| Alcohol 3.4 ounces and less than 70% alcohol content | E-liquids 3.4-ounce bottles or less | Liquid foundation 3.4 oz or less | Peanut butter 3.4 oz or less |
| Cream cheese 3.4 oz or less | Eye drops 3.4 oz or less | Liquid soap 3.4 oz or less | Salad dressing 3.4 oz or less |
| Chocolate liquid 3.4 oz or less | Eyeliner 3.4 oz or less | Lotion 3.4-ounce or less container | Shaving cream 3.4 oz or less |
| Conditioner 3.4 oz or less | Hair gel 3.4 oz or less | Makeup remover 3.4 oz or less | Soups 3.4 oz or less |
| Cream 3.4 oz or less | Jelly 3.4 oz or less | Maple syrup 3.4 oz or less | Toothpaste |
| Cream spreads and dips 3.4 oz or less | Liquid detergent 3.4 oz or less | mascara 3.4 oz or less | Vitamins (liquid) 3.4 oz or less |
Liquids That Are NOT Allowed In Your Carry On Or Your Checked Bags
There are several items that, even if they could be considered “liquid,” will not follow the rule and are NOT permitted in carry-on or checked baggage due to their dangerous nature:
- Flammable liquids: This includes fuel, paints, lighter fluids, and aerosols.
- Gels that can be considered hazardous: Gel-type candles and gel fuel.
- Explosive or flammable substances.
- Chemicals: This includes bleach, chlorine, and fire extinguishers.
- Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof, like grain alcohol or certain types of rum.
- Any other potentially dangerous substances will not be a part of TSA’s rule.
Please check the latest TSA liquid limit guidelines on their official website to get the most accurate and updated information.
The 3 1 1 Rule Exceptions
However, there are some exceptions to the liquids rule. For instance, if you are coming to the US from an overseas airport on an international flight, you can enter with duty-free liquids. In other words, when you buy bottles of alcohol or, let’s say, some liquid makeup, you can have more than 3.4 ounces.
But Some stipulations that apply are:
- The purchase has to be from a duty-free site.
- It must be on a flight into the US.
- If it is an international flight, it will need to be a connecting flight because the bags have to be rechecked through customs.
- The retailer must place the purchase in a clear, secure bag with no evidence of tampering.
- A receipt must accompany a purchase to show security.
- It has to be purchased within the past 48 hours.
A second exception includes nourishment for infants and children. These items include breast milk, formula, baby/toddler food, and toddler drinks. TSA looks at baby items differently. They are necessary for a baby’s survival. See further rules on the TSA site.
A third exception to the 3 1 1 rule concerns liquid medications. A medical document from a doctor describing the condition will help ensure a smooth transition through security. For further information on drugs, see the TSA site.
Now for our final exception. A water bottle of any size is fine to take in a carry on bag but it must be empty.
Pointers To Pack Liquids In A Carry-on
Understanding the principles of this rule will ensure compliance with TSA regulations and help expedite the travel experience.
Preparing Liquids
Follow these steps to pack liquids according to the 3 1 1 rule:
- Purchase travel-sized containers: To comply with the 3-1-1 rule, buy travel-sized versions of products or buy refillable travel-sized containers.
- Pack liquids in a quart-sized bag: All travel-sized containers should fit into a clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. This bag should be easy to remove from a carry-on for screening.
At the Security Checkpoint
What should to know when at the security checkpoint:
- Present liquids separately: Take out the quart-sized plastic bag from the carry-on and place it in a bin for screening. It will simplify the process for TSA agents, which can help speed up the line.
- Declare larger liquids: Medications, baby formula/food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities greater than 3.4 ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
TSA And Facebook
TSA has a Facebook page with valuable resource information that may also come in handy.
FAQs Regarding The 311 Liquid Rule
Here are a few questions you may have about the 3 1 1 Rule.
Why is it called the 3 1 1 rule?
The 3 stands for no more than a 3.4-ounce container in 1 quart size baggie and only 1 bag of liquids per person.
Does the 3 1 1 rule only apply to carry-on?
The rule applies to any bag considered a carry-on or a personal bag, but only one baggie per person.
Does toothpaste count as a 3 1 1 rule for liquids?
Under the TSA guidelines, toothpaste is a liquid. So, either pack it in your checked luggage or, if it is in your carry-on bag, it must be 3.4 oz or less.
How many 3.4 oz bottles can I carry-on a plane?
Just as many as you can shove into one quart-size clear zip lock bag.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on TSA, here are some additional posts about TSA:
Conclusion
This helps to explain the 3-1-1 liquids rule and how to follow the guidelines to avoid a crisis. There are acceptable and unacceptable liquids to take on a plane. Larger bottles of liquids can go in checked luggage, and carry on size must be in 3.4-ounce bottles.
Some liquids are completely prohibited on a plane. When in doubt, I suggest always checking with the TSA site.
Happy travels, my friends.