The United States Transportation Security Administration has several rules for carry-on baggage. Because of security issues, there are several restrictions placed on the fluids allowed on airlines. Special guidelines must be followed when preparing and packing liquids. Exceptions are made for travelers with special needs.
Medications of all types are allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes liquids, gels, aerosols, petroleum jelly, eyedrops and saline for medical uses. Because these are considered an exception, the medications must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint area.
Passengers traveling with babies or very small children are allowed to bring the breast milk, juice and/or formula needed during the flight. It is recommended that larger quantities be packed into checked baggage. However, passengers traveling with babies must declare the liquids prior to screening in order to bring them aboard. No passenger will be required to test or taste any fluid necessary for traveling with small children. However, all fluids greater than 3 ounces may be tested for explosives by agents. To bring these items on board without hassles, they must be packed separately from other liquids, presented to security officers immediately and presented for additional screening during the X-ray process. Additionally, gel and liquid-filled teethers and baby food are also allowed.
Some passengers may require additional nutritional liquids for medical conditions including nutritional liquids, juices or nutritional gels. With proper documentation from a doctor or hospital, patients are allowed to carry these items on the plane.
Passengers requiring life-sustaining or life-support liquids including bone marrow or blood products are allowed to have them in carry-on luggage with documentation. Additionally, medical personnel may carry transplant organs, blood or bone marrow on board.
Passengers wearing prosthetic breasts or liquid-filled bras such as those used by cancer patients are allowed to wear or carry them on the plane. These can include gel-filled, saline-filled or water-filled items.
Once passengers have been through security checkpoints, they are allowed to purchase beverages from vending machines, restaurants or cafes in the secure areas to take aboard flights. Items including aerosols, liquids and gels purchased after security checkpoints are allowed on the plane.
The TSA uses a "3-1-1" rule in order to make rules regarding toiletries easy. All containers of liquid or gel must be 3 ounces or less. These bottles must be placed in one zip-top quart-sized clear plastic bag. One of these plastic bags is allowed per passenger in carry-on luggage.
Frozen items are allowed when they are frozen solid during screening. If items are slushy or partially melted, they must be packed according to the small toiletry requirements.
