Airport security protocols can be one of the most complicated travel procedures, and especially so, when it comes to figuring out how much liquid you are allowed to bring aboard the plane during the check-in. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) agency has its own rules to secure the passengers, thus is advisable that travelers abide the regulations or risk delaying their trip.
This article is a comprehensive guide on the tsa liquids rules, and all of the common questions related to the tsa requirements for liquid limit, the liquid bag’s size, the amount, and many more.
Table of Contents
What is TSA or TSA Precheck?
TSA means Transportation Security Administration, which is a U.S. agency that is responsible for maintaining security in all the fields of transportation using the most modern security technologies. Majorly, it concentrates on air travels. TSA PreCheck is a security screening program administered by TSA. Approved travelers are able to go through a fast-track of security screening at the airports, usually in shorter queues and without having to remove the shoes, belts, jackets, laptops and liquids from their hand luggage.
What are TSA Liquids?
TSA liquids refer to the Transportation Security Administration’s guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in carry-on bags through airport security checkpoints.
What is considered a liquid by TSA?
For the TSA, a liquid encompasses a variety of substances that are not solid or gas and have a viscosity similar to water. This broad definition includes:
- Liquids: Free-flowing substances like water, drinks, and liquid medications.
- Aerosols: Products dispensed from containers under pressure, such as hairspray or spray sunscreen.
- Gels: Substances with a jelly-like consistency, including hair gel or shower gel.
- Creams: Thick emulsions, such as face or hand creams.
- Pastes: Dense, spreadable substances, like toothpaste or peanut butter
TSA Liquid Requirements 2024
| Item | Limit per Container | Overall Limit | Packing Requirement | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquids, Gels, Aerosols, Creams, Pastes | 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) | One quart-sized bag per passenger | Must fit comfortably in a clear, quart-sized bag | Medically necessary liquids, baby formula, breast milk, and duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags |
| Duty-Free Liquids | More than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) | Must fit in secure, tamper-evident bags | Transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer, with the original receipt, purchased within 48 hours | Must be screened and cleared; any item that alarms or cannot be screened will not be permitted |
The above table explains the tsa liquid amount limits in carry-on luggage, highlighting the key restrictions, packing requirements, and exceptions to ensure a smooth security screening process at airports.
TSA Liquid Rules for Carry-On Bags
Tsa liquid travel rules for 2024 are as follows.
| Container Size | Quart-Sized Bag | Per Passenger | Type of Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item | 1 clear, quart-sized, plastic, zip-top bag | 1 bag | Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes |
- Container Size: Each container must hold no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).
- Quart-Sized Bag: All containers must fit comfortably in one clear, quart-sized, plastic, zip-top bag.
- Per Passenger: Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized bag for liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes.
- Type of Items: This rule applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes that a passenger wishes to carry through the checkpoint.
Remember, this rule is enforced to ensure the safety and security of flights, and passengers must adhere to it when packing their carry-on bags for air travel.
TSA Travel Bag Size Guidelines for Liquids
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Container Size Limit | 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item |
| Bag Type | Clear, quart-sized, plastic, zip-top bag |
| Bag Size (Recommended) | Approximately 6 inches x 9 inches (TSA’s recommendation based on their official Twitter account) |
| Per Passenger | 1 quart-sized bag |
| Items Allowed | Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes |
| Exceptions for Larger Quantities | Medically necessary liquids, baby formula, breast milk, and duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags with certain conditions |
| Packing for Checked Baggage | Items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters should be packed in checked baggage |
What are the dimensions of a tsa approved liquids bag?
| Dimension | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6 inches | Recommended by TSA (via official Twitter) |
| Width | 9 inches | Recommended by TSA (via official Twitter) |
| Depth | Not specified | Depth is not explicitly defined, but the total volume should not exceed 1 quart |
| Volume | 1 quart (approx. 0.946 liters) | The bag’s volume should not exceed 1 quart to comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 rule |
ALSO READ: How to apply for Global Entry for minors? Simplified
What cosmetics are considered liquids for tsa?
Based on the official guidelines, here’s a summary of what cosmetics are considered liquids by the TSA.
| Cosmetic Item | Considered a Liquid by TSA? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concealer | Yes (unless in stick form) | Fits in quart-sized bag |
| Face Wash | Yes | Must be in 3.4 oz or smaller containers |
| Makeup Wipes | No | No restrictions for carry-on |
| Lip Balm | No | No restrictions for carry-on |
| Mascara | Yes | Must fit in quart-sized bag |
| Foundation | Yes | Must comply with 3-1-1 rule |
| Aerosol Containers | Yes | Includes setting sprays, must comply with 3-1-1 rule |
| Creams and Gels | Yes | Must be in quart-sized bag |
TSA Precheck Exceptions on Liquids in 2024
There are some instances of 3-1-1 exception, which need to be taken in medical-related instances, for dietary requirements, or childcare. With drugs, breast milk, baby formula, as well as juices for infants or toddlers is not liable to the 3-1-1 rule. These items do not only include 3.4 ounces or smaller packages, but also not require one-quart of bag. But passengers have to declare this belonging for the magnet screening of the items.
International travellers are able to pack liquids & stuff that they have bought in duty free at the airport , in the tamper-proof &; clear sealed bag .This bag can contain any stuff that has size more than 3.4 oz. but it should meet certain conditions. The buyer must obtain the bottles in a transparent, durable, tamper proof bag from the retailer having the original receipt present and the buy has made within 48 hours.
How does tsa know you have liquids?
TSA can detect the liquids in the passengers’ hand luggage by means of x-ray scanners during the security screening. The liquids which are not declared and removed from carry-on hand luggage will be found out by the X-ray scanners. The consequences of TSA liquid rule not being followed can depend on the situation, which can be a disposal of the noncompliant liquid items.
Introduction to New Technology
Recent advancements in security technology are set to revolutionize how liquids are screened at airports. TSA has been implementing a new liquids scanning technology called Computed Tomography (CT). This new technology that is expected to replace the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule is Computed Tomography (CT) 3D imaging. This technology is a significant upgrade from traditional 2D X-ray systems used in airport security. CT scanners produce highly detailed three-dimensional images of the contents of carry-on bags, allowing security personnel to manipulate and examine the images from various angles.
TSA Liquid Policy 2024 FAQs
Are face creams considered liquids by tsa?
Yes, face creams are considered liquids by the TSA. According to TSA guidelines, any substance that is free-flowing or viscous is categorized as a liquid.
Are lotions considered liquids for tsa?
Yes, lotions are considered liquids by the TSA.
Why are liquids not allowed through tsa?
Liquids are restricted through TSA checkpoints primarily for security reasons. The limitations on the amount of liquids allowed in carry-on luggage stem from a thwarted terrorism plot in 2006, where terrorists planned to detonate liquid explosives on board transatlantic flights.
Are lysol wipes considered liquids by tsa?
Lysol wipes, along with other types of disinfecting and sanitizing wipes, are not considered liquids by the TSA. This means you can carry them in both your carry-on and checked luggage without needing to adhere to the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
How many liquids can i bring through tsa?
The number of liquid containers you can bring is not explicitly limited by a specific number, but rather by the requirement that they all must fit comfortably within the quart-sized bag. Typically, this amounts to about 6-9 travel-sized containers, depending on their shape and how they are packed.
Is toothpaste a tsa liquid?
Yes, toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA. It falls under the category of gels, which are subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Does mascara count as a liquid tsa?
Yes
Are tsa liquid rules changing?
The TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, which restricts the amount of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes passengers can bring in their carry-on luggage, is not expected to change in the immediate future.
Summary of TSA Guidelines for Liquids
- Tsa liquid limit : Each liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, and paste must be in a travel-size container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- Quart-Sized Bag: All containers must fit comfortably in one clear, quart-sized, plastic, zip-top bag.
- One Bag Per Passenger: Each passenger is allowed one quart-sized bag for liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes.
- Screening Process: The quart-sized bag must be placed in a screening bin separately from the carry-on bag for X-ray examination.
- Exceptions: Medications, baby formula, breast milk, and duty-free liquids in secure, tamper-evident bags are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces and do not need to fit within the quart-sized bag but must be declared for inspection.
- Checked Baggage: Items in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters should be packed in checked baggage.
