TSA has implemented the 3-1-1 plan for carrying liquids on all flights, both domestic and international. All liquids must be contained in bottles or cans no greater in volume than 3.4 ounces. All three-ounce containers must fit in one clear, plastic, zip-top plastic bag no bigger than one quart, and each passenger is limited to one bag. Liquids of any size may be packed in checked luggage. The only liquids allowed in quantities greater than three ounces are medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk.
Passengers on international flights may purchase liquids in duty-free shops in airports. Other countries that have changed their policies regarding liquids on flights include members of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Japan, Singapore and Australia. In many of these countries, duty-free liquids are placed in a clear, tamper-evident bag. The United States does not provide tamper-evident bags in duty-free shops.
Passengers departing from the United States will be able to keep any duty-free liquids with them on non-stop international flights. However, a passenger leaving the United States will not be able to take a duty-free liquid over three ounces on a flight with a layover in an international country because the liquids are not held in tamper-evident bags.
A passenger returning to the United States from an international destination may bring duty-free liquids greater than three ounces into the country if they are in clear, tamper-evident bags. However, if a passenger is returning to the U.S. on a connecting flight, no duty-free liquids are allowed into the country at all. All liquids purchased at duty free on a connecting flight must be placed in checked luggage.
While some liquids must be either packed in checked luggage or kept in three-ounce containers in carry-on luggage, there are some liquids that are prohibited in all forms. No flammable liquids, gels or aerosol cans are allowed on international flights. Fuels, including cooking fuels, gasoline and lighter fluids are prohibited. Lighters without liquids are allowed only in carry-on luggage. Other prohibited liquids include chlorine for pools and spas, fire extinguishers, bleach, spray paint and tear gas. Gel shoe inserts are only allowed in checked luggage, and if a pair of shoes has gel soles, the shoes must be screened.
