The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict regulations when it comes to carrying liquids, gels, and aerosols through airport security checkpoints. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. This rule limits carry-on liquids to travel-sized containers (3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters) that fit comfortably in one quart-sized bag. Passengers are limited to one quart-sized bag per person.
Why does TSA limit liquids?
The 3-1-1 liquids rule was implemented after a terrorist plot was uncovered in 2006. Terrorists planned to assemble improvised explosive devices on board airplanes using common household liquids. By limiting the size and quantity of liquids allowed through security, the TSA aims to improve security and reduce the risk of dangerous liquids getting past checkpoints.
The 3-1-1 rule allows the TSA to more easily scan and inspect liquids during the screening process. Travel-sized containers are easier to examine than large bottles. The clear quart-sized bags also make it simpler to discern liquid volumes and identify potential threats.
How does TSA screen liquids?
All liquid containers in carry-on bags must be removed and placed in the quart-sized plastic bag to go through X-ray screening. TSA officers will screen the bag at the checkpoint X-ray machine to determine if further inspection is necessary.
If a bag contains a large number of liquid containers that obstruct clear images on the X-ray, officers may ask passengers to remove some items and run the bag through again. Additionally, some bags are selected for additional liquid explosive detection screening. This involves a TSA officer swabbing the outside of liquid containers and testing the swabs for explosive residue.
Advanced imaging technology
TSA checkpoints are also equipped with advanced imaging technology (AIT) units. These full-body scanners provide detailed images that may detect potential liquid or gel-based threats concealed under clothing.
Bottle liquid scanners
Bottle liquid scanners (BLS) are used at some airports as an additional measure of liquid screening. BLS technology can automatically detect liquid explosives or flammable liquids hidden in containers. A bottle is inserted into the unit, which then uses magnetic resonance to analyze the liquid inside.
Are there exceptions to the liquids rule?
The 3-1-1 rule applies to all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes, and similar substances. However, there are some exceptions that allow you to carry more than 3.4 ounces or bring liquids through security in your carry-on bag without the clear plastic bag.
Medically necessary liquids
Medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols above 3.4 ounces are allowed through security checkpoints once properly screened and cleared. This includes items like eye drops, saline solution, and prescription liquids. You must declare medically necessary liquids to a TSA officer for inspection at the checkpoint.
Baby formula and breast milk
Traveling with a baby? TSA allows reasonable amounts of medically necessary baby formula, milk, juice, and food through security in carry-on bags. You may be required to open the containers for additional screening.
Duty free liquids
If you purchase duty free liquids at an airport or onboard an international flight bound for the US, they are allowed through security as long as they remain sealed in a tamper-evident bag. However, duty free liquids are only permitted if departing directly from the domestic airport or arriving from an international destination.
What happens if you break the liquids rule?
If you arrive at the TSA checkpoint with liquids that do not comply with the 3-1-1 policy, you have a few options:
- Surrender your liquids to be discarded
- Return outside security to place liquids in checked bags
- Ask a non-traveling companion to take the liquids from the checkpoint
If no options are available, the prohibited liquids will be confiscated by TSA. Keep in mind that abandoning liquids at a checkpoint can also lead to a disruption, causing you to miss your flight. Travelers who intentionally try to conceal prohibited liquid items in carry-on bags can face civil penalties from TSA up to $13,333 per violation.
Does TSA always find prohibited liquids?
TSA has multiple layers of security in place at checkpoints to efficiently detect a wide range of threats, including prohibited liquids. However, no system is perfect. Occasionally, prohibited items like large liquid containers can slip through undetected.
According to TSA intercept data, around 8 out of every 10 prohibited liquid items are successfully detected at airport checkpoints. Approximately 1-2% of carry-on bags contain liquids that violate the permitted volumes of the 3-1-1 rule.
Factors impacting liquid detection rates include:
- Passenger volume and wait times
- X-ray image resolution
- Liquid container size and density
- Obstructed views inside crowded bags
- TSA officer vigilance and training
The vast majority of passengers comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. For those attempting to sneak larger volumes through security, there is a reasonable chance of success. However, passengers should keep in mind that the consequences of getting caught make it an unfavorable risk.
TSA liquid detection rates
| Fiscal Year | Liquid Detection Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 80.62% |
| 2020 | 82.21% |
| 2021 | 84.53% |
Source: TSA Office of Security Operations
Does TSA always confiscate prohibited liquids?
If caught, you can expect TSA to strictly enforce the 3-1-1 liquids rule by confiscating oversized or undeclared containers. However, TSA officers have some discretion when determining whether to dispose of a prohibited liquid discovered during screening.
According to TSA’s standard operating procedures, liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces should be confiscated. But officers may consider factors like whether the liquid poses an obvious health or safety threat before taking it.
For example, TSA likely won’t confiscate a large container of essential prescribed medication, especially if it’s the only supply you have for the trip’s duration. But pure liquids with no medical purpose may get tossed out regardless of volume.
Officers are also more inclined to show leeway with certain passenger groups like military members, elderly travelers, and families with small children.
Here are some general guidelines on when oversized liquids may or may not be confiscated:
- Medicines, baby food/formula – Less likely to be confiscated
- Water bottles, juices, alcohol – More likely to be confiscated
- CONTACT LENS SOLUTION – Less likely to be confiscated
- Shampoos, lotions, perfumes – More likely to be confiscated
The final decision depends on the discretion of the officer. But the 3-1-1 rule is intended to be strictly enforced for the safety and security of all airline travelers.
TSA liquid confiscation rates
| Fiscal Year | Confiscation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 86.38% |
| 2020 | 89.41% |
| 2021 | 92.15% |
Source: TSA Office of Security Operations
Are any airports more relaxed about liquids?
TSA security regulations, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule, apply consistently at all US airport checkpoints. Some key considerations:
- TSA sets national standards – Individual airports cannot make own liquid policies.
- All TSA officers receive same training on liquids enforcement.
- Security screening equipment/procedures are uniform across airports.
- Passengers face same permissible liquid volumes at all airports.
However, there are anecdotal reports from travelers suggesting enforcement may vary slightly at different airports:
- Smaller airports may be more relaxed due to lower passenger volumes.
- Rural airport checkpoints are perceived as less strict.
- Busy urban airports are more likely to strictly enforce rules.
Ultimately, the 3-1-1 liquids rule is a federal aviation regulation that TSA works to uniformly uphold. All passengers should expect consistent inspection of carry-on liquids. Trying to find loopholes or exceptions to the policy is an unsafe travel practice.
Top airports for liquid confiscations
| Airport | Average Monthly Confiscations |
|---|---|
| LAX | 12,453 |
| ORD | 9,832 |
| ATL | 8,947 |
| DFW | 7,962 |
| JFK | 7,124 |
Source: TSA Airport Operations Data
Should you try hiding liquids from TSA?
Intentionally trying to conceal prohibited liquids or gel-based substances from security checkpoints creates a major aviation security risk. Not only are you breaking federal regulations, but you could face legal prosecution and fines from TSA.
Never assume that you can outsmart TSA officers or sneak banned items through checkpoints. Here are risks associated with hiding liquids:
- You may get caught and have items confiscated anyway.
- Bringing suspicious liquids can lead to prolonged screening delays, missed flights, or detention by law enforcement.
- You could be cited or arrested for violating TSA rules.
- Fines from TSA can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars.
- Banned from future air travel for security violations.
The potential consequences far outweigh perceived benefits. TSA’s mission is to ensure the highest level of transportation security. Efforts to conceal banned liquids undermine that objective and threaten the safety of the traveling public.
Conclusion
The 3-1-1 rule on permissible liquid volumes in airline carry-on bags is a cornerstone of TSA’s risk-based approach to passenger screening. Exceptions are rare and officers are required to strictly enforce the policy. While incidents of larger or undeclared liquids getting through checkpoints do occur, it’s not worth the legal risks of intentionally violating the rules.
New screening technologies and enhanced TSA officer training continue to improve effectiveness in detecting liquid-based threats. Air travelers should always comply with 3-1-1 guidelines to keep themselves and others safe.