Tired of squeezing liquids into tiny 3.4-ounce (100ml) bottles for flights within and out of the US? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has an update for you. In a welcome move this summer holiday travel, TSA has exempted 11 liquid items from its 3-1-1 size rule. You can now pack those TSA-approved 11 items more than 100ml each in your carry-on bags and get past TSA security select airports in the US without breaking any protocol.
For nearly two decades, passengers flying across the world have been subject to the strict 3-1-1 liquids rule introduced in 2006. Whether on domestic routes or international flights from USA to India, travelers are allowed to carry liquids in 100 ml containers and pack in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. If you ever wonder why this rule exists, it’s because it was designed to prevent fatal events like terrorist attacks using liquid explosives.
While the 3-1-1 liquids rule still exists, only 11 items have been exempted from the TSA security rules 2025. All thanks to the new CT scanner technology being implemented at TSA checkpoints across the US. Currently, the powerful Computed Tomography (CT) scanners are available at Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), and Los Angeles (LAX) airports. These advanced 3D scanners give TSA officers a full digital view of what’s in your cabin bags, allowing them to inspect items more quickly and accurately.
The current list of TSA-approved 11 liquid items you can carry in any size through New York JFK, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, and Los Angeles International airports:
- Prescription medications (liquid, gel, aerosol)
- Over‑the‑counter medications and contact lens solutions
- Breast milk and infant formula
- Baby/toddler food & drinks
- Liquid-filled teethers
- Ice packs, gel packs, freezer packs for medical products
- Fresh eggs (neatly separated for inspection)
- Live fish or coral in water (in a transparent container)
- Biological specimens in preservative solution
- Non-spillable wet batteries
- Duty‑free liquids in sealed, tamper-evident bags
Do I need to declare any of the 11 full-size liquid items to TSA officers?
It is recommended that you declare to TSA officers if you carry any of the approved 11 liquid items more than 100ml. it is because the approved full-size liquid items in your carry-on bag may be screened in some situations.
Does TSA’s 3-1-1 limit still apply to packing personal care liquid items in carry-on bags?
Yes, the old 3-1-1 liquid rule sill applies to most personal care items like shampoo, cream, sunscreen, perfume, hair gel, etc. You can pack full-size bottles of these items only in your check-in bags. However, the list of TSA-approved full-size liquid items is anticipated to grow with time.
