What is the 3-1-1 Guide for Carry-on Items?

Here we will quote the Transportation Security Agency so you can hear their reasoning.

"TSA and our security partners conducted extensive explosives testing since August 10, 2006 and determined that liquids, aerosols and gels, in limited quantities, are safe to bring aboard an aircraft. The one bag limit per traveler limits the total amount each traveler can bring. Consolidating the bottles into one bag and X-raying them separately from the carry-on bag enables security officers to quickly clear the items.

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint."

What this means is that you are limited on the size of products you can bring on board - so if you show up at the security point with an 8 oz. bottle of hair gel or mouthwash you will not be allowed to bring them on board. You will find a section at most drug stores or chain stores that contain small bottles or tubes of these products. Buy these and pack them in your storage bag, or buy them at your destination.

More on TSA Requirements:

• Visit www.tsa.gov for all the latest securitypolicies.

• Pack liquids/gels in your checkedbaggage. For a short trip you are permitted to carry-on 1 quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels. Limited to one bag per traveler.

• Medications and breast milk/baby formula are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3 ounces and are not required to be in a zip-top bag. These items must be declared to a security officer at the checkpoint.

• All footwear must be removed for x-ray screening. Wearing footwear that can be
easily removed is helpful.

• Pack valuables such as jewelry, cash and electronics, as well as fragile items, in
your carry-on.

• Avoid wearing accessories that contain metal, which will set off the metal detector.

• Put all undeveloped film in your carryon bag. Checked baggage screening equipment may damage film.

• If carrying a firearm, please check with your airline for appropriate procedures.

Prepare for Take-off

When you arrive...

• Take your 3-1-1 bag out of your carry-on and place separately in bin.

• Declare all permitted liquid exceptions to a security officer in front of the checkpoint.

• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes out of their cases for screening.

• Remove your footwear and outer coat, suit coat, jacket or blazer to place in the
bin for X-ray.

• Place the following items in your carryon before entering the screening checkpoint: cell phones and personal data assistants, keys, loose change, jewelry and large metal items.
For questions visit www.tsa.gov or e-mail the TSA Contact Center at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

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