Whether you’re flying to your dream vacation or making the trip back home, packing your carry-on can be quite the headache. With the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 3-1-1 rule, which means liquids must be no more than 3.4 ounces and fit into a quart-sized bag, you sometimes have to choose between leaving your sunscreen or contact lens solution behind. However, the days of travel-sized toiletries and other essentials might soon be over!
New CT scanner technology
New technology at airport checkpoints could soon allow certain full-sized liquids on flights, according to Condé Nast Traveler. These CT scanners are equipped to detect hazardous liquids the rule was originally designed to limit via 3D imaging. With the rollout of these new scanners, some European airports had eliminated the liquid restrictions, such as Teeside, London City, Shannon, Kerry and Donegal, but temporarily had to reinstate it due to delays.
Larger airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester plan to implement the scanners by 2025. We’re crossing our fingers in hopes that the U.S. scraps the restriction too, as a representative for TSA told Condé Nast that they “anticipate the limit on liquids will be lifted in the coming years.”
Full-size liquids you can actually take through airport security
That said, you might not be aware that there are already 11 full-sized liquids approved by TSA. The following are exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule:
- Live fish transported in water
- Prescription medicine (in gel, aerosol or liquid)
- Fresh eggs
- Ice, gel and freezer packs (medically necessary)
- Baby formula
- Food and drinks for babies and toddlers
- Wet batteries (non-spilling)
- Duty-free items
- Liquid teethers
- Over-the-counter medications
- Biological specimen (non-infectious in preservative solution)
Per the official agency website, “Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.”
As for now, the 3-1-1 liquid limit remains in effect for travelers.