Most liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must abide by the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. Three ("3") refers to 3.4-ounce or smaller containers. Your liquid, gels and aerosols must be stored in containers adhering to this size stipulation. One ("1") refers to a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag that must be used to store your containers. The second one ("1") pertains to the regulation that each individual traveler must remove this bag and place it in a bin or on the conveyor at the airport security checkpoint for X-ray inspection. TSA stresses that plastic bags larger than a quart and containers greater than 3.4 ounces are unacceptable.
Generally, any liquid, gel or aerosol you wish to store in your carry-on luggage must conform to the 3-1-1 rule. The TSA notes certain exceptions, as of March 2010, inluding baby formula, breast milk and juice if you are traveling with a baby or small child. Prescription and over-the-counter medications intended for medical purposes are allowable. If you have a medical condition and require water, juice, some other form of liquid or gel nutrition, bone marrow, blood products or saline solutions, you are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule. Items that are frozen solid are also permitted as part of your carry-on items. If you wish to exempt an item, the TSA explains that you must present it to the security officer at the security checkpoint for clearance and keep it separate from the items in your quart-size bag. Exempt liquids must be of a reasonable amount, according to the TSA.
The TSA maintains a long list of what can and cannot be included in carry-on bags. These sharp objects are prohibited: box cutters and similar utility razors, ice picks or axes, meat cleavers, sabers, swords and knives (excluding plastic or round-bladed butter knives). Scissors are permitted as long as the blade is shorter than four inches. Most large sporting goods (e.g., baseball bats, hockey sticks and pool cues); firearms, ammunition and gun powder; tools, such as hammers, crowbars and saws; self-defense and martial-arts items, including brass knuckles and Billy clubs; and explosive and flammable materials, with the exception of common cigarette lighters, are banned from carry-on bags.
