We’ve all done it. Forgetting to transfer liquids into small containers and relieving guilt over throwing away a memorable bottle of cologne right before boarding a flight. No more than 100 ml of liquid per container applies to air travelers since the aftermath of 9/11, and a total of 1 liter per person. However, that may be changing soon.
What Is Changing? According to recent reports citing The New York Post, it is possible that, in the near future, liquid restrictions may be lifted, allowing passengers to carry them in containers of their full original size. Thanks to advancements in security technology, with 3D CT scanners that can detect unauthorized liquids, TSA has issues concerning limits being lifted, especially on liquid sizes. Some airports, notably the European ones, have started relaxing these rules since 2023, while TSA is hoping to jump on the bandwagon in the near future.
Are there liquids that I can carry in large format?
Can There Be Bigger Liquids? To enter the original, TSA allows essential liquids to enter in the original form without any volume limitations. Most of these are daily-use items deemed important for health and comfort. Here, then, comes the list of liquids that you can carry:
- Baby milk and formula – Parents traveling with infants can bring as much breast milk or formula as required for the flight.
- Water for baby formula – Water can be brought onboard for preparing baby formula during the flight.
- Liquid medications – Prescription liquid medications may be transported that are not limited in volume; however, it has been observed that medical documents form great supporting evidence.
- Hand sanitizers – Necessity due to the pandemic, hand sanitizers can be transported in full sizes.
- Nasal sprays and saline solutions – These types of medications require no limit on the size carried, especially when the patient requires inhalation therapy support. These include artificial tears and eye drops. Lucky are the ones who wear contact lenses and those who have dry eyes, because these will not be restricted.
- Nonflammable Hair and Body Sprays – Such things can be carried in more than the approved amount provided they can’t catch fire.
- Contact Lens Solution – Such things must be there with contact wearers, and they can be carried in endless amounts.
- Denture Cleaning Fluid – Cleaning fluid may be taken without volume prohibitions; hence denture wearers need not worry.
- Medical Creams and Lotions – Size no constraint in carrying; these are medical creams and lotions.
- Inhaler Fluids – The liquids used in inhalers for patients with asthma and related cases are allowably carried in larger container sizes.
- TSA also allows for the transportation of live fish in water and other biological specimens and pack freezing materials for refrigerated medical items such as vaccines.
However, just because it’s a huge allowance doesn’t mean the TSA won’t continue to check endlessly for safety. Liquid liquids will still be subjected to scans for presence of explosives or contraband items, with some form of alternative inspection done for any fluids exempt from X-ray.
Not that it will be any more fun, but it sure will make traveling easier, especially for those with medical situations or small children. But keep an eye out for news as to what updates are likely to come to you early!
