Key Takeaways
• The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule limits liquids to 3.4 ounces in one quart-sized bag per passenger.
• Exemptions exist for liquid medications, baby nourishment, and religious liquids, declared at security.
• New CT scanners won’t fully replace the 3-1-1 rule before 2040 nationwide in the US.
As the summer travel season heats up in 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a fresh reminder to all travelers about the long-standing “3-1-1 rule” for liquids in carry-on baggage. Despite ongoing rumors and confusion—especially with some airports testing new security technology—the TSA confirms that the 3-1-1 rule remains in full effect at every airport across the United States 🇺🇸. This update comes as millions prepare for vacations, business trips, and family visits, making it essential for travelers to understand exactly what is allowed in their carry-on bags, what exemptions exist, and what changes, if any, are on the horizon.
What Is the 3-1-1 Rule and Why Does It Matter?
The 3-1-1 rule is a security policy that limits the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols passengers can bring in their carry-on baggage. The rule was first introduced in August 2006 after a major terror plot involving liquid explosives was stopped. Since then, it has become a key part of airport security in the United States 🇺🇸.
Here’s what the 3-1-1 rule means:
- 3: Each liquid, gel, or aerosol must be in a container of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- 1: All containers must fit inside one clear, resealable quart-sized bag.
- 1: Each traveler is allowed one such bag in their carry-on baggage.
This rule applies to all passengers at every U.S. airport, regardless of destination or airline. The TSA stresses that the rule is about the size of the container, not the amount of liquid inside. So, even if a bottle is half full, if it can hold more than 3.4 ounces, it will not be allowed through security in your carry-on.
Why Is the Rule Still in Place in 2025?
Many travelers wonder why the 3-1-1 rule is still enforced, especially as some airports in Europe and other countries have started to relax similar rules with the help of advanced CT scanners. According to TSA Administrator David Pekoske, the main reason is that these new scanners are not yet available at every airport in the United States 🇺🇸. Until the technology is fully rolled out nationwide—a process not expected to finish before 2040—the TSA believes it is safer and less confusing to keep the rule in place everywhere.
Security experts agree that the 3-1-1 rule remains an important part of keeping flights safe. The rule was put in place after a real threat, and while technology is improving, the risk of liquid explosives has not disappeared. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the TSA’s consistent enforcement of the 3-1-1 rule helps prevent confusion and keeps security standards high, especially during busy travel periods.
Step-by-Step: How to Pack Liquids in Your Carry-On Baggage
To avoid delays, confiscation of items, or even missing your flight, it’s important to follow these steps when packing liquids in your carry-on baggage:
- Check Container Size: Make sure every liquid, gel, or aerosol is in a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
- Use a Quart-Sized Bag: Place all containers in a single, clear, resealable quart-sized bag (about 1 liter in size).
- One Bag Per Person: Only one quart-sized bag is allowed per traveler.
- Remove for Screening: When you reach the security checkpoint, take the bag out of your carry-on and place it in a bin for screening. Some airports with new scanners may not require this, but it’s best to be ready.
- Declare Exemptions: If you have items that qualify for exemptions (like medications or baby formula), tell the TSA officer before screening.
- Be Ready for Extra Checks: Exempted items may need extra screening, so allow extra time.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the 3-1-1 Rule?
If you try to bring liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or more than one quart-sized bag, the TSA will take those items away at the checkpoint. This can cause delays and frustration, especially if the items are expensive or important to you. In some cases, you may be asked to step aside for extra screening, which can make you late for your flight.
Key points to remember:
– Items over the limit must go in checked baggage or will be confiscated.
– The rule applies to the container size, not the amount of liquid inside.
– Failure to comply can lead to delays and loss of items.
Expanded Exemptions in 2025: Who Qualifies?
While the 3-1-1 rule is strict, the TSA has made some important updates in 2025 to help travelers with special needs. These exemptions allow certain liquids in larger amounts, but only if you follow the correct steps.
Medications
- Prescription and most over-the-counter liquid medications are allowed in larger quantities than 3.4 ounces.
- Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
- Declare them to the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
- Be ready for extra screening if needed.
Infant and Child Nourishment
- Breast milk, formula, juice, and plant-based alternatives for infants and children are allowed in larger amounts.
- Ice packs to keep these items cold are also allowed.
- Declare these items at security and pack them separately for easy inspection.
Religious and Cultural Liquids
- Holy water, ritual oils, and other religious or cultural liquids can be brought in larger quantities if declared.
- Pack these items separately and be ready for extra screening.
Other Exemptions
- Medical gels, creams, and liquid nutrition products are also allowed in larger amounts when necessary.
- Always declare these items and keep them separate from your regular liquids bag.
Important: Even with exemptions, you must tell the TSA officer about these items before screening. If you don’t, they may be taken away.
Why Are Exemptions Important?
These expanded exemptions are especially important for parents, people with medical needs, and those traveling for religious reasons. Many advocacy groups have pushed for these changes, saying they make travel safer and more comfortable for everyone. However, some travelers report that not all airports handle exemptions the same way, leading to confusion and stress.
The TSA says it is working to improve training and consistency, but travelers should always be prepared to explain and show their exempted items. If you have questions or special needs, you can contact the TSA Cares helpline at 855-787-2227 before your trip.
Technology and the Future of the 3-1-1 Rule
One of the biggest questions travelers have is whether the 3-1-1 rule will be relaxed or removed soon, especially as new CT scanners are being tested at some airports. These scanners can create detailed 3D images of bags, making it easier for officers to spot dangerous items without opening every bag.
However, as of May 2025:
– The new scanners are only in use at a small number of airports.
– The TSA says full nationwide rollout will not happen before 2040.
– Until then, the 3-1-1 rule stays in place everywhere for consistency and safety.
Some airports in Europe and other countries have started to relax their liquid rules thanks to similar technology, but the United States 🇺🇸 is moving more slowly. Travel industry groups and passenger advocates are urging the TSA to speed up the process and match international standards, but security officials say safety comes first.
How Did the 3-1-1 Rule Start? A Brief History
The 3-1-1 rule was created in August 2006 after British authorities stopped a plot to use liquid explosives on airplanes. Before that, there were few limits on liquids in carry-on baggage. The new rule was put in place quickly and has stayed almost the same for nearly 20 years.
Over time, the TSA has made small changes, mostly to help people with medical needs, parents, and religious travelers. The biggest change in the future will likely come when new scanners are everywhere, but for now, the rule is here to stay.
What Do Travelers and Experts Say?
Travelers have mixed feelings about the 3-1-1 rule. Some say it’s a hassle and should be updated, especially since technology has improved. Others say they feel safer knowing there are strict rules in place.
Security experts point out that the rule has stopped dangerous items from getting on planes and is still needed until better technology is everywhere. Critics, including some travel groups, argue that the rule is outdated and that the TSA should move faster to modernize.
Parents, medical patients, and religious travelers welcome the expanded exemptions but want more consistency and better training for TSA officers. Some report that rules are enforced differently at different airports, which can be stressful.
What Should You Do Before You Fly?
To make your trip smoother, here are some practical tips:
- Check the TSA website for the latest rules and updates: TSA Liquids Rule FAQ
- Pack smart: Use travel-sized bottles and a clear quart-sized bag.
- Declare exemptions: If you have medications, baby food, or religious liquids, tell the officer at the checkpoint.
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time in case you need extra screening.
- Contact TSA Cares if you have special needs or questions: 855-787-2227.
What About International Travel?
If you’re flying to or from another country, remember that rules may be different. Some countries have started to relax their liquid rules, but you must still follow the 3-1-1 rule when leaving from or connecting through a U.S. airport. Always check the rules for every country on your trip to avoid surprises.
The Bottom Line: What’s Next for the 3-1-1 Rule?
For now, the 3-1-1 rule is not going away. The TSA says it will stay in place until new scanners are everywhere, which could take another 15 years or more. In the meantime, travelers should follow the rule, take advantage of exemptions if they qualify, and stay informed about any changes.
Key takeaways:
– The 3-1-1 rule is still in effect at all U.S. airports.
– Exemptions exist for medications, infant/child nourishment, and religious/cultural liquids.
– Declare exempted items at security and be ready for extra screening.
– New technology may change the rule in the future, but not yet.
– Stay updated by checking the official TSA website before you travel.
For more information, visit the TSA’s official liquids rule page, or call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. If you have special needs, reach out to TSA Cares at 855-787-2227.
By following these guidelines, you can help make your airport experience smoother and safer for everyone. As always, stay alert for updates from the TSA, especially if you’re traveling through airports testing new technology or if you have special items in your carry-on baggage.
Learn Today
3-1-1 Rule → Security policy limiting liquids in carry-on to 3.4 oz containers in one quart-sized bag per person.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, US agency responsible for airport security and enforcing regulations like 3-1-1.
CT Scanners → Advanced imaging technology that creates 3D images of carry-on bags to detect prohibited items.
Exemptions → Allowances for liquid medications, infant nourishment, and religious liquids beyond the usual 3-1-1 limits.
Carry-On Baggage → Personal luggage passengers bring onto an airplane, subject to security rules like the 3-1-1 rule.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TSA reaffirms the 3-1-1 liquids rule for all US airports in 2025. Despite advanced scanners, exemptions exist for medications and infant nourishment. Until new technology is widespread by 2040, travelers must follow these rules to avoid delays and ensure safety during busy travel seasons.
— By VisaVerge.com
