Tuesday, August 25, 2009

What are the Rules Regarding Bringing Liquids on Flights?

By Amy Nutt

Ever since the tragic events of 9-11, airlines have stepped up security in order to protect their passengers and give them comfort and ease when flying. If you have not flown recently, you should be aware of the rules regarding bringing liquids on flights.

The 3-1-1 Rule

TSA has established strict policies about the quantity of toothpaste, bottled water, and other liquid and gel items permitted in carry-on luggage. Travelers boarding cheap flights are allowed to bring on board liquids with a capacity of 100ml / 100 grams or less, which can fit into one clear re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 liter. One bag per passenger is permitted. Ditch the drink if there is more than 100ml in the container.

Liquids and Gels in Carry-Ons

Liquids and Gels can be carried on but only in limited quantities. Liquids and gels must be in individual containers of three ounces or less and placed inside a clear plastic bag. The TSA stresses that "containers should fit comfortably into your bag, and that only one bag is permitted per passenger." If you are bringing more than three ounces of any liquid or gel such as shampoo, it should go into your checked luggage. The TSA does not require that liquids and gels be kept in their original labeled containers, although doing so may help speed up the screening procedure.

Prescription Medications, Baby Formula, and Milk

You have to declare prescription medications, baby formula, and milk at the security checkpoint. You can carry more than three ounces without being placed in a plastic bag. The TSA recommends but does not require that prescription medications be in their original labeled containers. The TSA can also make exceptions for other medicines such as eye drops, contact lens solution, and insulin. The TSA recommends keeping vitamins in their original labeled containers, but does not mandate doing so. You are allowed to bring more than 100ml of the following: baby formula, baby food, milk or juice (as long as you have an infant less than two years of age with you!), prescription and essential non-prescription medicines. You must declare all such items at security screening and additional screening may be required.

Makeup

Makeup such as liquid mascara, lip gels, or other liquid makeup items, has to be placed in a plastic bag in three-ounce or smaller containers. Lipstick, powders, and solid lip balms are not subject to the rules and can be transported in carry-on bags.

Taking Food on Flights?

Solid food is permitted in both checked and carry-on baggage. All liquid food in your carry-on (for example, yogurt, pudding or jam) must be in containers of 100ml or less. All containers must fit in the same clear, closed, re-sealable 1 liter plastic bag as all other containers of liquids, aerosols or gels you are carrying. Any containers over 100ml should be placed in checked baggage.

Can I bring dry ice? A Snow Globe? Or, Piatas?

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website has an extensive list of what is allowed and what is not. Dry ice and snow globes get a yes. Piatas, sadly, are a no.

At the Screening Checkpoint

Take your plastic bag out of your carry-on luggage and place it in one of the provided trays.

It is more important than ever to follow airline guidelines. Savvy travelers know that the fastest way to get through airport security is to travel light and to remember the rules on carrying liquids.

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