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What the TSA Travel Container Guide Covers

The TSA Travel Container Information Guide is a free resource that explains what containers and bags you can bring through airport security checkpoints. This guide focuses on the rules surrounding liquids, gels, creams, and similar items that travelers pack in their luggage. The guide does not determine whether you personally will be permitted to bring specific items—instead, it provides information about the general policies that TSA officers use when screening bags at security checkpoints.

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The guide walks through the basic structure of TSA's liquid rules, commonly known as the 3-1-1 rule. This rule states that liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, placed in a single clear quart-sized bag, with one bag per passenger. The guide explains what counts as a liquid or gel under these rules, which includes items like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, peanut butter, yogurt, and similar products.

The information in the guide also covers what happens to containers that don't meet these size requirements. Larger bottles and jars typically cannot go through security in your carry-on bag, though they may be packed in checked luggage instead. The guide explains this distinction so travelers understand their options for packing differently sized items.

Understanding what information is available in this guide helps you prepare your bags before arriving at the airport. By reviewing the container rules ahead of time, you can repack items into smaller containers, plan which products go in checked bags versus carry-on bags, and move through security more smoothly. The guide serves as a reference tool you can review multiple times before your trip.

Understanding the 3-1-1 Liquid Rule

The 3-1-1 rule is the foundation of TSA's carry-on container policy. The numbers break down as follows: "3" refers to 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters), "1" refers to one clear quart-sized bag, and the final "1" means one bag per passenger. This rule has been in place since 2006 and applies to all passengers traveling from U.S. airports, regardless of destination or airline.

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The 3.4-ounce limit is precise. A container holding 3.4 ounces or less will generally be permitted through security. A container holding 3.5 ounces will not. The TSA Travel Container Guide explains how to identify the size of your containers by looking at the printed label. Most travel-sized products sold in stores already meet the 3.4-ounce limit, which is why travel-sized bottles are common in retail stores.

The clear quart-sized bag requirement serves a security screening purpose. TSA officers can quickly see what liquids and gels are packed without opening the bag. A standard quart-sized freezer bag measures approximately 7 inches by 8 inches. These bags are inexpensive and available at most grocery stores. The guide explains that you do not need to purchase a special TSA-approved bag—any clear quart-sized bag works.

Common items that fall under the liquid and gel category include:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Lotion, sunscreen, and moisturizer
• Makeup items like liquid foundation and mascara
• Gel-based products like hair gel and aloe vera gel
• Peanut butter and other spreads
• Yogurt and pudding
• Honey and syrups
• Deodorant (gel types, though solid deodorant is permitted in larger quantities)

A practical takeaway from understanding the 3-1-1 rule is to invest in a set of small travel containers before your trip. You can purchase empty bottles from drugstores or online retailers and fill them with your preferred products. This approach lets you bring products you prefer while staying within size limits. Alternatively, travel-sized versions of many popular products are available for purchase and already meet the container size requirements.

Items That Are Exempt or Have Special Rules

The TSA Travel Container Guide discusses items that either do not follow the standard 3-1-1 rule or are treated differently at security checkpoints. Understanding these exceptions prevents confusion and helps you pack more efficiently. Some items are completely exempt from liquid restrictions, while others may have limited quantities allowed outside the quart-sized bag.

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Medications are a significant category of exemptions. Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines in liquid or gel form do not need to fit inside the quart-sized bag. You may bring these items in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. However, it is helpful to keep medications in their original containers with labels showing your name and the medication name. TSA officers may ask questions about medications, and having proper labeling makes screening faster. The guide explains that you should inform TSA officers at the checkpoint that you are carrying medications.

Baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are also exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. Parents traveling with infants can bring larger quantities of these items in carry-on bags. Similar to medications, informing security officers about these items when you reach the checkpoint is recommended. The guide notes that these items do not need to be in the quart-sized bag.

Solid products generally do not count as liquids or gels. Solid deodorant, lipstick, solid perfume, and similar products can be brought in carry-on bags without size restrictions. The key distinction is whether the product is solid or spreadable at room temperature. If you squeeze a product and it flows, it likely counts as a liquid or gel.

Beverages and other liquid food items purchased after passing through security can be brought on the plane. You cannot bring these items through the security checkpoint in your carry-on bag, but you may purchase them at airport shops or restaurants after screening and bring them onto the aircraft. This is important information for travelers who want to have beverages during their flight.

A practical takeaway is to separate items that have exemptions from your regular liquids and gels. Pack medications, baby products, and other exempt items in a different section of your carry-on bag or a separate bag from your quart-sized bag. This organization makes the security screening process faster because you can quickly point out exempt items to TSA officers, and they will not need to count these toward your liquid allowance.

How to Pack Your Travel Containers Correctly

Proper packing of your travel containers makes security screening faster and reduces the chance of items being flagged for additional inspection. The TSA Travel Container Guide provides information about how to organize and present your containers at the checkpoint. Following these packing guidelines demonstrates that you understand the rules and helps TSA officers process your bag quickly.

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The first step is to place all liquids, gels, and creams that require the 3-1-1 rule into a clear quart-sized bag. Make sure the bag itself is clear so officers can see inside without opening it. Once all qualifying items are in the bag, seal it closed. The bag should be easy to access in your carry-on luggage because you will need to remove it at the security checkpoint and place it in the security bin for screening.

When packing your carry-on bag, place the quart-sized liquid bag near the top or in an easily accessible pocket. At the security checkpoint, you will remove this bag before your luggage goes through the X-ray machine. Placing it where you can reach it quickly prevents delays for other travelers behind you and speeds up the entire process. Some travelers use a dedicated pocket in their carry-on or place the bag on top of other contents for easy access.

Make sure container caps are tight and sealed before packing. Leaking containers can damage other items in your bag and create problems during screening. If you are concerned about potential leaks, you may wrap containers in plastic wrap or place them in individual plastic bags within the larger quart-sized bag. This extra precaution is especially useful for products like oils, perfumes, or thick creams that may be more prone to leaking.

Label your containers clearly if you have transferred products from original containers into travel bottles. Writing the product name and any relevant information (such as "sunscreen SPF 30" or "pain relief gel") helps security officers understand what they are screening. This