Travelers have long been accustomed to packing liquids in their carry-on bags according to the TSA liquid limit, also known as the 3-1-1 rule. Created by explosive experts after a thwarted plot to explode planes flying from the UK to the US, the international guideline requires airline passengers to pack liquids inside 3.4-ounce containers—or 100 mL as most international products are marked—into one clear, quart-size bag.
While commonly referred to as “liquids,” these regulated substances are technically known as LAGs, an abbreviation for liquids, aerosols, and gels. This category also encompasses creams or pastes—essentially anything that can be passed through with a butter knife—from common travel necessities like shampoo, face wash, and sunscreen; to toothpaste, hairspray, and even peanut butter. Larger liquids can still be brought along on your travels but must be packed in checked luggage.
As more airports become equipped with advanced CT scanners that use 3-D imaging to detect hazardous liquids, the liquid limit rule could be scrapped entirely. In the United States, the TSA tells Condé Nast Traveler they “anticipate the limit on liquids will be lifted in the coming years,” while airports nationwide are already quietly phasing out long-held liquid rules. Though screening and technologies vary at every airport, so, for now, the TSA liquid limit remains in effect.
However, there are exceptions to every rule. A few years ago, while roaming through Johannesburg’s Tambo International Airport, I became enamored by the selection of South African sauces at the duty-free shop. One by one, I picked them up, but sadly they were each over the 100mL liquid limit, so I put them back on the shelf. As I walked past the cashier, I expressed my disappointment.
She then kindly informed me of an exception I was unaware of at the time—that I could take the oversized liquids on board my flight, as long as I didn’t break the seal on the special bag she’d pack them in for me. Relieved, I went on a shopping spree, bringing back Ukava Africa Safari BBQ sauce and Mrs. H.S. Ball’s original recipe chutney, among a bag full of saucy souvenirs.
That’s when I learned about the inbound international flights duty-free liquids exception, designed specifically for last-minute airport purchases like this. There are a handful of other oversized liquids that TSA allows travelers to pack in their carry-on bags. However, “the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint,” the government agency says on its site. Below, explore 10 common full-size liquids you can actually take through airport security in the US. As always, in order to transport these approved oversized liquids, travelers should inform the security officer of the items before the screening and place them in a separate bin or dish, and anything that triggers the alarm while going through security is subject to further inspection.
Prescription liquids, gels, and aerosols
Medication prescribed specifically for you is perhaps the most common item that qualifies as an exception. TSA recommends that it’s clearly labeled so there is no question about what’s inside. Depending on the situation, medication may be screened visually or with an X-ray machine and may also be tested for traces of explosives. When the officers are not able to properly screen the item, you may be asked to open the container for a vapor analysis, per the TSA site.
In cases where you would like to make sure the medication isn’t opened or X-rayed, simply inform the TSA officer. “Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and screening of your carry-on property,” the site says. Note that prescription wet pet food does not count as an exception to the TSA liquid rule, even for service animals.