By now, most travelers know the drill: You cannot have a container of any liquid that is more than 3.4 ounces in a bag you plan to carry on to a plane.
If you need a refresher, here is what the Transportation Security Administration says:
“You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.”
Try to break this rule, and the liquid will be confiscated as you pass through the TSA line.
However, there are a handful of exceptions to this directive. Here are some liquids that might make it through the security line the next time you fly.
1. Medically necessary liquids and accessories
Your TSA screener understands that medications can be a matter of life and death. Just make sure to inform the officer before the screening begins that you have medically necessary liquids or medications.
You will be asked to place any liquids, gels or aerosols in a separate bin or bowl along with items associated with the drug, such as syringes and IV bags.
Some medications may trigger an alarm, which requires additional screening. In some cases, the item might not be allowed to pass through security.
2. Necessary liquids and accessories for babies and toddlers
Some liquids that you carry for your baby or toddler also should make it through a TSA screening.
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food — including puree pouches — all are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
Cooling accessories — such as ice packs, freezer packs and gel packs — also are allowed. Your child or infant does not need to travel with you for these items to be approved.
Once again, inform the TSA officer of the situation prior to screening. The officer will screen the items separately and might need to test the liquids for explosives and prohibited concealed items.
3. Frozen liquids
One way to bring a full water bottle with you through TSA screening is to freeze it the night before traveling so it’s frozen solid. As long as your frozen liquids are completely solid when you go through the checkpoint, TSA says you’re in the clear.
But if your frozen liquids are starting to melt or get slushy or if there’s any liquid at the bottom of the container, they’re subject to TSA’s 3.4-ounce limit.
If you’re sticking a refillable water bottle in the freezer before you travel, be sure to leave some room at the top for the water to expand. If it’s an insulated bottle, also check the manufacturer’s instructions. Some insulated bottles can be damaged when the liquids inside start to freeze and expand.
4. Some edible liquids and live foods in liquid
Strange as it sounds, the TSA also allows an exception for certain types of foods associated with liquid. These include:
- Fresh eggs
- Live fish in water: These must be kept in a clear container.
- Live lobster in water: This must be kept in a “clear, plastic, spill proof container.” The TSA adds that you should check with your airline in advance to make sure it will allow the lobster on the plane.
Other exceptions
Some other liquids that are allowed even if they exceed 3.4 ounces include:
- Contact lens solution. The TSA recommends placing solution in your checked bag, as some contact lens solutions contain chemicals that trigger alarms, which might result in confiscation.
- Live coral in water. Coral must be kept in a transparent container.
- Frozen liquid gel packs. Unless medically necessary, these must be frozen solid at the time of inspection.
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