In a compassionate step to make travel more accessible and supportive, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated its guidelines to allow certain full-size liquids in carry-on luggage, provided they meet specific criteria designed to ensure safety and ease. This thoughtful policy change brings relief and hope to travelers, particularly those caring for infants with baby formula, managing medical needs, or enjoying duty-free purchases.
While the familiar 3.4-ounce restrictions remain for many items, these smarter, more inclusive rules reflect a heartfelt commitment to balancing security with the diverse needs of travelers, fostering a more caring and accommodating journey for all. So what’s allowed, what’s not, and how can travelers avoid surprise delays at airport security? Let’s break it all down, step by step.
TSA Reveals Which Liquids Are Now Allowed
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed Full-Size Liquids | Prescription meds, OTC meds, baby formula, breast milk, liquid teethers, live fish, duty-free liquids in sealed bags |
| Condition | Must be medically necessary, declared at screening, or purchased duty-free in tamper-evident packaging |
| Standard Rule | 3-1-1 rule still applies: 3.4 oz per item, in one quart-sized clear bag |
| Tech Update | CT scanners allow exceptions, but full implementation across U.S. airports is still years away |
| Sources | TSA.gov |
The TSA’s newly expanded liquid allowance policy is a heartfelt stride toward making travel more inclusive and compassionate, touching the lives of millions by easing restrictions for medically necessary and duty-free liquids. This thoughtful change reflects a deep commitment to balancing security with the diverse needs of travelers, fostering a more supportive and welcoming journey for all.
To ensure a smooth experience, travelers are encouraged to embrace this opportunity with care—familiarizing themselves with the guidelines, declaring exceptions, and verifying CT scanner availability at their departure airport. These steps help create a shared journey of trust, safety, and ease for everyone.
So next time you’re packing for that cross-country trip or overseas vacation, remember — with the right prep, navigating liquid rules is easier than ever.
What Is the 3-1-1 Rule?
Since 2006, the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule has limited liquids in carry-ons to:
- 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per container
- 1 quart-sized, clear plastic bag per traveler
- 1 bag per traveler
The rule was introduced after a failed liquid bomb plot in the UK and has since become a travel staple across American airports. It was designed to minimize risk while maintaining convenience. With increased security threats and changes in passenger behavior, the TSA has had to adapt.
Now, TSA is expanding that rule to include some much-needed exceptions that cater to modern needs, technology, and global travel habits.
The 11 Liquid Exceptions That Break the 3-1-1 Rule
Here are the items travelers can now bring in full-size quantities through TSA checkpoints:
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Contact lens solution
- Breast milk and infant formula
- Baby and toddler foods and drinks
- Liquid-filled teethers for infants
- Medical ice packs or gel packs (even when partially frozen)
- Wet batteries, including those for electric wheelchairs
- Live fish in water containers
- Biological specimens for lab or medical transport
- Fresh eggs (yes, eggs!)
- Duty-free liquids in tamper-evident bags (must be purchased within 48 hours of travel)
These items must be declared to TSA officers at the security screening checkpoint. If you fail to declare them, they may be subject to confiscation, delays, or increased scrutiny.
Why the Change?
This update comes as both a response to evolving traveler needs and technological advances. CT (Computed Tomography) scanners now deployed at select U.S. airports provide high-resolution 3D imaging, allowing TSA agents to detect threats without needing to open or limit bag contents.
This shift in screening technology has enabled a partial relaxation of the once-strict 3-1-1 rule. But remember — not all airports are equipped with CT scanners yet. So, while you may breeze through JFK or ATL with your baby’s milk, you could face a snag at smaller regional hubs.
The other big driver behind the change? Public feedback. Passengers with medical conditions, families traveling with infants, and even business travelers have long asked for more flexible liquid rules — especially for flights that span multiple time zones and long durations.
Duty-Free Liquids: What You Need to Know
Let’s say you snagged a bottle of duty-free tequila on your international layover — can you bring it into the cabin?
Yes, but there are conditions:
- It must be sealed in a tamper-evident transparent bag provided by the retailer
- It must show proof of purchase within the last 48 hours
- It must be declared to TSA officers at the checkpoint
If the bag appears tampered with, or if the liquid is not declared properly, TSA agents have the authority to inspect or even confiscate the item. CT scanners may be used to verify the contents without opening the sealed packaging, but this varies by airport.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Declare All Exceptions: When in doubt, speak up. Tell the TSA officer about any liquids you believe are allowed under exceptions.
- Label Clearly: Have your medication and medical liquid items labeled by a pharmacy or doctor.
- Use See-Through Containers: Not always mandatory, but it speeds up the screening process.
- Plan Around CT Capabilities: Know whether your airport supports full CT screening so you can pack accordingly.
- Carry TSA Printouts or App Info: Bring a printed copy or screenshot from TSA.gov in case a dispute arises.
- Time It Right: Arrive early. Declarations and exceptions may add time at screening checkpoints.
- Double-Check with Airlines: Airline policies may differ, especially on international flights.
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The Road Ahead: CT Scanners and Nationwide Policy Updates
The TSA’s goal is to roll out CT scanner technology at all major and minor commercial airports across the U.S. But with over 400 active commercial hubs, full deployment is expected to take until 2040.
This means travelers will experience a hybrid enforcement environment over the next decade or so. Some airports will allow full-size liquids under exceptions using CT scanners. Others will still apply traditional 3-1-1 restrictions.
It’s also likely that liquid policies will continue to evolve based on emerging technologies and threat analysis. Expect periodic updates and further refinement in what constitutes medically necessary or high-security-risk items.
FAQs
Q1: Are toiletries like shampoo and sunscreen now allowed in full size?
No. Unless specifically purchased duty-free or justified for medical reasons, these items must comply with the 3.4-ounce limit.
Q2: Do I need a doctor’s note for my prescription liquid?
It’s not required, but it’s helpful. Clearly labeled prescriptions from a pharmacy are generally accepted without question.
Q3: Can I bring multiple exception items?
Yes, as long as each item is declared during screening and falls within the approved exception list.
Q4: What happens if I forget to declare a large liquid?
TSA may remove it from your carry-on, conduct further testing, or in worst cases, deny it for boarding.
Q5: Are international liquid rules the same?
No. Always check the airport authority or airline website of your destination. Each country has its own standards.
Q6: Can baby formula be warmed during security checks?
In many cases, TSA agents will allow warming and testing if needed, but it’s best to ask ahead or arrive early.
Q7: Can I carry liquids for someone else under exception rules?
Yes, but it must be related to your travel purpose (e.g., traveling with a child, dependent adult, or medical patient).
