Do you know the TSA carry on rules?
Don’t get nabbed by airport security. Check your carry-on!
Check what you have in your carry on before you check in to save yourself the aggravation and embarrassment of having some of your belongings taken away by airport security.
Familiarize yourself with what the TSA carry on rules are so you obey them.
What does TSA’s 3-1-1 mean? What is the TSA liquid limit? What can you carry in your hand luggage on a plane?
So what is 3-1-1?
3 … only 3.4oz or 100ml bottles or containers or less are allowed
1 … only one 1-quart-sized or smaller clear plastic Ziploc bag is allowed
1 … only one of these bags is allowed per passenger
You’ll hear airport security agents saying “3-1-1” over and over. Signs abound in the security area. Take them seriously – otherwise, you will hold up the line! Plus, you don’t want any issues with TSA. Your life can become miserable very quickly.
So, remember, when you go through security at the airport, each passenger is allowed ONE 1-quart/liter clear plastic Ziploc-type bag for containers 3.4oz or 100ml size or less.
These “containers” are for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. So think of things like toothpaste, shampoo, liquid deodorant and so forth. Interestingly, according to the TSA, liquid and gel deodorants are limited to 3.4oz but stick deodorants are not. Also, remember that unless your makeup, including foundation, eyeliner, lipstick, lip gloss or lip balm, is solid, it must go in your quart-sized bag. Aerosols, like hairspray, must also be 3.4oz or less.
4 Tips to Make it Easy to Follow the TSA Carry On Rules
- Have your 1-quart bag with your containers closed and ready to put in a separate bin.
- Do not carry liquids and or gels in containers larger than 3.4oz or 100ml, period. In the past, 3oz was the size that was recommended. I’ve noticed recently that the airport signs and even the website say 3.4oz or 100ml. If you have a 5-oz container but have used 3 ounces so only have 2 ounces remaining … nope, it doesn’t fly. Don’t count on being lucky. The size limitation is strictly enforced. The good news is that even the Dollar Store sells travel containers of the appropriate size for air travel.
- Certain liquids and gels are allowed without strict adherence to the restriction – but they must be declared. Again, have them ready for examination. These include prescription medicines or supplies (for example for diabetics) and baby food and beverages if you are traveling with a baby or toddler. Still, know your rights. They almost confiscated the yogurt for my son when he was 18 months old … even though he was with me. They “confirmed” that the baby ate yogurt!
- If you have any doubt about what to carry, put it in your checked luggage. You will not be allowed to pass through the security screening with items that do not meet the requirements. They will be taken away from you.
Start your vacation off right. Going through airport security doesn’t have to be stressful. Remember, we all want to be safe. So, don’t forget the magic numbers … 3-1-1. Pay attention to TSA carry on rules. Read their website and blog for more information.
For even more definitive information about what you can carry on a plane versus what should be in checked luggage, here are some resources for you.
If you are in the USA, here is the link from the USA TSA itself for more info.
For those readers who are in Canada, here is the link to the Canadian TSA.
Til next time. Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell and Darrian
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2 Responses
I travel quite a bit and have never had any issues. As long as you stick to the 3-1-1 rule you’re golden. They definitely don’t let you bend the rules with quantity (if you have a half-full 4oz container that’s a no go) but they’re pretty flexible about what’s a gel/liquid. I used to put my chap/lipstick in my carry-on ziplock but have since stopped doing and haven’t had any trouble. Perfume and foundation always come with me in my carry on (as well as any precious eyeshadow palettes!) This keeps them from being jostled around too much and everything else goes in the checked luggage.
Thanks,
Kate
Thanks for commenting, Kate. You are right. Stick to the 3-1-1!