Holidaymakers across the United States are only just realising they’re authorized to bring some full-sized liquids through security.
Frequent fliers will already be familiar with 3-1-1 liquid rule The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implements at US airports.
The legislation is called such because liquids in your cabin bag must be no more than 3.4 ounces (3) and fit into one (1) 1-quart bag (1).
However, did you know there are actually 11 exceptions to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule?
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Condé Nast Traveler recently spoke to the TSA, who said that there are certain liquids above the 3.4-ounce limit that can be packed in a cabin bag.
They advised that if you’re bringing any of the full-sized liquids on board your aeroplane, you should alert a officer at your earliest convenience.
That way, you can breeze through security and spend more time shopping, pint-guzzling and getting excited for your holiday.
Below are 11 are the most common full-size liquids you can take through airport security, as per the TSA.
Prescription medication in gel, liquid or aerosol form
If you have prescription medication in liquid, gel or aerosol form then the good news is that TSA will allow you to take it on your flight.
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Officials recommend that you clearly label your meds and that you’re prepared for them to be tested for traces of explosives.
If you don’t want the medication to be opened and tested, nor do you want it X-rayed, be sure to notify a nearby 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 reads.
Over-the-counter liquid medications and contact lens solution
If you have necessary medication that isn’t prescribed or an abundance of contact lens solution, you can often get it through security with no issues.
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Regulations read that the TSA allows ‘larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip.’
However, like most of the liquids on this list, you must inform officers that you’re carrying the items ahead of your hand luggage being scanned.
Wet Batteries
Non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolytes have been given the thumbs up by the TSA.
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However, the battery voltage must not exceed 12 volts while the battery watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 watt-hours.
If you’re unsure whether your tech item qualifies, head to the FAA’s website to see full packaging requirements.
Ice packs for medically necessary items
If you have medically necessary items that need to be kept cool then the TSA allows you to carry ice and freezer packs.
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Additionally, IV bags, syringes and other vital accessories are also allowed in your cabin bag.
Liquid filled teethers
If your infant’s teeth are coming through thick and fast then you may be worried about jetting off without their liquid-filled teether.
Thankfully, you don’t have to make that decision as the TSA has specifically said you can take these toys on holiday with you.
Officials understand how important liquid-filled teethers are to toddlers - and nobody wants to be the one to open the floodgates in an airport, right?
Food and drinks for children and babies
Airports can be expensive and sometimes the food or drink item you need for your child may be unavailable to purchase.
Thankfully, the TSA doesn’t want you to go without and has actually categorized baby and toddler food and drink as ‘medically necessary’.
Water for babies is also allowed in ‘reasonable quantities’ in-on bags.
The site requires that you remove the bottle from your bag when going through security as it will be ‘scanned separately’ from the rest of your belongings.
Fresh eggs
One of the weirder items you can take through airport security is a box of fresh eggs.
We’re not sure why you’d be flying with eggs, but we ask no questions here - and neither do security guards apparently.
It’s noted that you may have to keep them separate from your cabin luggage when you head through security.
Breast milk and infant formula
Parents of newborn babies and infant children should be delighted to hear that the TSA categorizes breast milk and baby formula as ‘medically necessary liquids’.
It’s advised that you transport the formula or breast milk in a clear bottle so that they can be screened by specialist Bottle Liquid Scanners.
Like other, full-sized liquids, the containers will likely be tested and x-rayed.
However, the TSA stipulates that there are alternative testing methods security guards can undertake if you so wish.
Biological specimens
Scientists traveling with liquid to be tested and studied in the name of research have been given the green light to fly with their goods
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), you can carry formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol or other alcohols on board as long as its outer package is labeled ‘Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies’.
Quantity limits include no more than 30 ml of free liquid solution in each inner packaging and no more than one liter in the entire outer package.
Duty-free items in sealed bags
You’ll be pleased to know that you can breeze through security with your duty-free goods as long as they’re sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB).
“Security tamper-evident bags (STEBs) were developed to allow an exemption to volumetric controls for liquids purchased at airport retailers or on board aircraft and carried by transfer passengers,” writes the International Civil Aviation Organization.
If you needed an excuse to shop before getting on your flight, then let this be it.
Live fish in water
Another strange one that the TSA has made a liquid exception for is if you’re traveling with a live fish in water.
After you place your live fish in a clear transparent container, present the aquatic beast to a TSA officer to inspect and you should be good to go.
Interestingly, live coral in water has also recently been green-lit while some airlines say it’s okay to fly with a live lobster too.
Ella Scott