The TSA Liquid Limit Has Exceptions—Here Are 10 Full-Size Liquids You Can Carry Through Security

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 aerosolsMedication 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.Liquid medications and contact lens solutionIn general, liquid medications that are not prescriptions and contact lens solutions are limited to 3.4 ounces, but TSA does allow “larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip"—such as inhalers, insulin (which should be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening), and nebulizer liquid—with the caveat you must declare them to security officers first. It's also advised that all medications are labeled to further ensure the security process goes smoothly.Cooling accessoriesGel ice and freezer packs are permitted, as long as they are frozen solid when they pass through security. In fact, ice (including frozen water bottles) can slip by, too. In all cases, any portion that has been partially melted and slushy, or any liquid at the bottom of the container, will count toward the 3-1-1 limit. However, one exception is medically-necessary gel ice packs in “reasonable qualities,” even if they are melted or slushy. That pertains with or without the presence of breast milk, the TSA specifies.IV bags, pumps, syringes, and other medical supply accessories are also allowed. Plus, TSA recognizes how important teethers are to babies and has “liquid-filled teethers” specifically called out as an item that can be brought through the security check.Breast milk and infant formulaPassengers traveling with infants have enough to worry about on their flights—and being able to provide the little ones with the proper nourishment should not be one of those concerns. Technically, TSA categorizes breast milk and baby formula as “medically necessary liquids," and the child doesn’t need to be present for this exception.In order to expedite the process, TSA suggests—but doesn't require—that the liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, so they can be screened by the Bottle Liquid Scanners (those in pouches may not be able to). While there is a chance you may be asked to open them, nothing will ever be placed in the liquid. The agency also adds that the screening process shouldn't affect the formula, but if you prefer they not be X-rayed, alternative testing means can be requested. While baby powder is not a liquid, note that powder-like substances that are more than 12 ounces do need to be placed in a separate bin for screening.Baby and toddler food and drinksIn addition to breast milk and formula, food and drinks for babies and toddlers are allowed, including juices and puree pouches, as they too technically fall into the “medically necessary” category. Water for babies is allowed in “reasonable quantities," it just needs to be removed and screened separately from other belongings.Non-spillable wet batteriesCertain portable electronic devices may need non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolyte, like a gel cell, absorbed glass mat, and the like. As long as the equipment is protected against accidental activation or evolution of heat, and the battery's voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours, then it makes it cut.Fresh eggsSpare your eggs the pressure of being crammed (and crushed) into a 3-1-1-approved bag. Even with liquid yolks, they can be taken through security but may need to be removed from the carry-on bag for proper inspection, to make sure the X-ray machines show they’re truly what they're cracked up to be. It's suggested to pack them separately and keep them “uncluttered” ahead of time to avoid any hold ups.Live fish and coral in waterAssuming your live fish and live coral in water need more than 3.4 ounces of water to survive, these are more exceptions to the rule (but are not allowed in checked bags), as long as they’re in a clear transparent container and properly inspected by the TSA officer. Certain airlines will also permit live lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container, but we suggest checking with them first, in order to avoid making all too big a splash.Biological specimensLiquid exceptions can be made in the name of science. Non-infectious specimens in preservative solution, which can include formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, can be carried through if they're for scientific research—but they’ll need to be packed quite specifically. There can be up to 30 milliliters of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and no more than one liter in the entire outer packaging, which needs to be marked: "Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies." Specific instructions for the regulation can be found here.Duty-free items in officially sealed bags on inbound international flightsPlenty of airports lead you through a massive duty-free shop before the departure gate, tempting you with local products and international brands. Whether they're Canadian maple syrup, French wine, or South African sauces, liquid souvenirs can be taken home so long as they are properly sealed by the retailer in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB) and show no signs of being tampered with. The purchase must've been made within 48 hours—and make sure to hold onto your original receipt as necessary proof. The global system was developed in 2008 “to allow an exemption" to liquid volume rules for items purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization. For US travelers, this is limited to inbound international flights, according to the TSA.This story has been updated with new information since its original publication date.