TSA Guidelines changed in 2006 to implement a new travel rule called 3-1-1. The rule was put in place to limit the amount of liquids and gels each passenger is allowed in their carry-on bag. If you check your luggage, you don’t have to worry about this TSA regulation. But, with the current cost of $25 or more to check a bag, understanding the rule will save you money in the long-term.
What is 3-1-1?
TSA Regulations require every traveler going through airport security to put their liquids, gels and aerosols into containers that are 3 ounces (100mL) or less. These containers must be placed into a 1-quart sized clear, plastic, zip top bag before going through security. The zip top bag of personal items is placed on the security belt and scanned separately from your carry-on luggage as you pass through TSA x-ray machines. Each passenger is only allowed to carry-on one zip top bag.
How does 3-1-1 affect me?
The 3-1-1 rule means that full-size hairspray, shampoo, face cream, toothpaste, sunscreen and other valuable (and possibly expensive) products must be consolidated into a 3 ounce container before going through security and getting on an airplane. If you aren’t prepared to follow the TSA Guidelines for traveling with liquids and gels, you may find yourself holding up the security line, trying to find a zip-top bag at the last minute in the airport, or worse yet, being forced to throw away your valuable products because they don’t meet the size standards. You cannot carry any liquid larger than 3 ounces through the security line. And, every liquid or gel has to fit into a 1-quart size, clear, zip-top bag (mascara, lip gloss, eye drops, etc.).
How do I follow the TSA Regulations?
Be prepared. The Clear Bag System™ equips you with the necessary, yet durable, clear plastic bag required by TSA. Proper sized pumps, sprays and jars included in the system meet TSA Guidelines for traveling with liquids, gels and aerosols. All you have to do is fill the containers with your own products, pack them into the vinyl bag, place any other small liquids and gels into the bag, and you’re all set for security.
Things to Remember:
- All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3 ounce (100ml) or smaller containers before you go through the security line. All containers in the Clear Bag System™ meet this requirement so you don’t have to think twice. Plus, the pumps and sprays are spill-proof to avoid messy leaks at high altitude.
- Larger containers that are half-full like used shampoo bottles or rolled up toothpaste tubes are not allowed through security. Put all of your items in a jar, pump or spray bottle included in the Clear Bag System™ to be safe.
- Bags larger than 1-quart (like a gallon sized plastic bag) or bags that do fully close (like a fold-over sandwich bag) are not allowed. All Clear Bag System™ luxury travel bags are made with strong vinyl and fasten completely shut with a sturdy zipper, which makes the system easy to reuse and transport.
Please note: The Clear Bag System™ was initially created to assist passengers through airport security with their own products, without hassle. Customers now use the system for all of their travel needs because it is clean and compact and easy to toss in a gym bag, a beach bag or even a baby bag. But, if you are traveling by air and cannot abide by the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels and aerosols, please place your products in your luggage and check your bags with the airline.