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Travel Tip
Rules on Liquids and Gels in Carry On Baggage
On 10 August 2006, authorities in the United Kingdom uncovered an alleged plot to sabotage as many as 10 U.S. airliners traveling from the United Kingdom to the United States, reportedly by using liquid and gel based explosives. Over 20 suspects were arrested in the UK as part of the ongoing investigation into this alleged plot.
Restrictions
U.S. authorities currently have several restrictions on what liquids and gels a passenger may carry on board:
Passengers may bring into the secure area of the airport liquid and gel products, so long as the items are carried in a clear plastic food storage type bag with a capacity of no more than one quart.
Each passenger is allowed only one of these quart sized plastic bag for their liquids and gels.
These would be items such as shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency.
Each individual container must have a capacity of no greater than three ounces.
Passengers may not pass through the security screening with gel or beverage containers of greater capacity.
Security Screening
Once a passenger has passed through security screening, they can purchase any size beverage and other liquid or gel products in the terminal and take them on to the plane.
There are exceptions to these above rules. Baby formula, breast milk, and prescription medications can be in containers larger than three ounces, and do not have to be inside of a quart sized plastic bag, but have to be declared at the security checkpoint.
Exceptions
Gel-filled medical devices such as bras and prosthetics are also excluded from this ban.
Solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items such as lipstick in a tube, solid deodorant, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
Once past the security checkpoint, you are free to buy liquid gel products of any size within the secure areas of the airport terminal and take them on board.
If you have questions or doubts on about an item, place that item in your checked baggage.
Items to be Avoided
Some items should not be carried on an aircraft in either carry-on or checked baggage because of the danger they represent for the passengers and crew. Many of these items are commonly used at work or in the home, but may become a hazard in flight due to changes in temperature and pressure that can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire. Some exemptions are allowed for medical devices and personal care items. If in doubt, check with your air carrier.
(Information supplied courtesy of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA))
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