Back to Basics: What Does NO Liquids Mean?
June 4, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Back to Basics, Travel Tips
The LIQUIDS & GELS restrictions has been in effect for awhile now, but there’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t observe confusion about it at a security screening checkpoint.
With the busy summer travel season nearly upon us, it’s a good time to talk about liquids once again. The TSA has tried to make it easy for us with a campaign of 3-1-1. No more than 3 ounces of any size, in a 1 quart sealable bag, with a limit of 1 per person.
The other day I saw an argument at security over what was and wasn’t a liquid or gel. You’re not likely to win that argument!
While I think it’s obvious, others have said that it’s not. So here’s a basic list of what is considered and liquid and/or gel and is subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
- Deodorant (spray, gel, roll on)
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Lotion
- Bubble bath, shower gel, bath oil
- Shaving cream, gel
- Foot lotion, spray
- Face creams, serums
- Cream, liquid and gel foundations and blush
- Lipstick, lip gloss, pencil lip liner
- Creme, liquid, and pencil eye shadow and liner
- Mascara
- Perfume, cologne, after shave
- Hand cleaner, sanitizer
- Bottled or boxed water, juices or other drinks
While that may seem like a pretty long list, I’m sure that there are other things that also count as gels and liquids. These are just some of the common ones that I see causing problems.
Remember – you can have these in your checked luggage with NO problem. But if you are bring them onboard in a carry on, they are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Feel free to leave anything I’ve missed in the comments!
Photo credit: SXC
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My favorite was when I was in the airport behind a guy eating a soft serve ice cream cone. He asked if it was okay to bring on the plane and the woman denied him saying, “Uh, sir…I’m sorry, that’s actually like a gel, so you won’t be able to bring that on board.”
Now could you freeze a bottle of water and bring it on board as a solid?
A friend tried to bring some frozen cheese spread through security, but it wasn’t allowed. I guess because when it thawed it would be a “gel-like” product.
I know that it’s hard to get a handle on some of the more unusual or obscure items, but the other day I overheard someone say that they didn’t know that a bottle of water was considered a liquid.
In my book water always is a liquid!
Recently, I wanted to take a couple of cans of wild Alaskan salmon through security in my carry-on bag because my checked bag was full. Upon shaking the 4-ounce cans a liquid sloshing sound (salmon oil) could be heard. Fearing the TSA would find my fish on a no-fly-list, I chickened out, leaving my heart-healthy fish at home.
Being a former U.S. Customs Service officer I like to believe other professionals employ logic and reason while performing their duties, but our culture may be too rigid and focussed. Maybe next time I’ll test-fly some canned chicken.
i just read on the official site that they do not allow liquid or gels in any state…frozen. Exception being a frozen gel pack to help keep baby bottle or special medication cooled stuff like that.
This is why i drive everywhere. Tomorrow will be my first flight since these rules were put into place. If i just checked my luggage then all i would have to think about would be my belt…possibly my under-wire bra, empty water bottle (to refile past security), and lip gloss.
Happy travels!