The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a list of items that may not be packed in carry-on luggage or taken on board an aircraft. This prohibited items list is used by airport security bag checkers to determine if items in your carry-on baggage must be removed. The prohibited items list states that nonflammable liquids, gels or aerosol paint may be packed in carry-on luggage so long as each item is 3.4 oz. or smaller. All liquid items must fit in a 1-qt. clear, zip-top bag. Flammable liquids, gel shoe inserts, gel candles and snow globes are never permitted, regardless of their size.
There are several exceptions to the 3 oz. rule. Prescription medication, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatment may all be carried on in quantities larger than 3 oz. However, you must declare these items at the baggage checkpoint so they can be screened. Life-sustaining products, such as bone marrow and blood products, liquids for passengers with medical conditions, and over-the-counter medication, may also be allowed if they pass the checkpoint screen. Travel Gear Blog warns that trying to abuse these exceptions for items that you do not really need will most likely lead to confiscation and delays.
TSA guidelines apply to travel involving the United States. Other countries may have their own guidelines regarding liquids in carry-on baggage. According to Luggage Guides, the following countries have regulations that harmonize with the TSA regulations: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Cyprus, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. If you are traveling to a country not on that list, you are advised to keep your liquids in your checked baggage.
