carry on – Flying Comfortably

When we travel by air, there are some very important things that we need to know to ensure that we are not breaching any TSA or Airline guidelines. One of the things that we should be clear about before boarding any flight is the regulations governing carry-on liquids. We always want to take different types of liquid substances with us on our travels, and I will highlight for you some of the critical things to know before packing any liquids on your carry on for your next flight. Is there a liquid limit for checked baggage? When checking your baggage onto an airplane, there is no legal limit in terms of the amount of liquid or liquid-based substances that can be packed into your checked luggage. Your checked luggage will be subject to screening before been loaded unto the airplane to detect any substances that can pose a danger to the traveling passengers or that can serve as a public hazard. Items such as alcohol over 140 proof and Bear spray are not allowed on an airplane at all, neither in checked luggage or carry-on because they are highly flammable. You will need to pack your liquid substances carefully in air-tight containers to prevent air from getting in and mixing with the liquid, which can cause an explosion. Containers should also be secured by using tape to prevent any leakages during the flight. Overall, if you are traveling with liquids that are in containers 3.4 ounces and larger, you will be required per TSA regulations to check these liquids. Please see the link below that highlights details about liquid substances that can be checked unto an airplane: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all. Liquid limits for International Flights International flights are any flights that terminate in another country than where the flight originated. When flying internationally, your carry-on and checked luggage is subject to even greater scrutiny and screening than if you are traveling locally, the onus is you to be aware of the guidelines to avoid uncomfortable experiences and delays. The 311 rule still applies- 3.4 ounce or less size containers, that’s fits in a 1-quart clear ziplocked bag, and one of these bags are allowed per person. However, due to the heightened level of scrutiny for international flights, some additional exceptions are made for carry-on liquids. For example, if you purchase duty-free liquids in an international airport that exceeds 3.4 ounces in size and have a connecting flight to any United States gateway, you will be allowed to add the items to your carry -on luggage as long as they are displayed in a tamper -evident and transparent bag. You also must present a receipt that shows that the purchases were made less than forty-eight (48) hours before. The items must be screened and cleared before been allowed to be placed in your carry-on luggage, if any of these liquids raises an alarm or poses a screening challenge, you might be asked to check them. How should I pack liquids in checked luggage? Whether you are an experienced or new traveler, we all travel with liquid substances for different reasons when embarking on our journeys across the globe. If you are packing liquids in your checked luggage, you are required to secure them in such a way that eliminates the possibility of leakage and causing potential hazards. One of the things that you are required to do is carry your liquids in secure zip-top bags and place these bags in a larger storage container that is tightly closed. For additional security, you can use duck -tape to secure the liquid containers against the possibility of a leakage when the airplane is in motion and pressure starts building up within the containers carrying the liquid. It is also important that half-full containers are not taken in checked luggage since there is a possibility of explosion with the build-up of pressure – air will get into space and mix with the liquid causing an explosion. It is extremely important that you pack your checked liquids carefully and safely. Is toothpaste considered a liquid? Toothpaste is considered a liquid per TSA and international travel regulations, the size of the toothpaste container must, however, be 3.4 ounces or less in keeping with international carry-on liquid regulations. You can also take along other necessities such as deodorants, lipstick, makeup, and disposable razors as long as you stick to the 311 rule. Can I keep my medication in my carry-on luggage? International travel regulations are mindful that people will need to travel with medications and as such have some guidelines in place. You definitely can bring your medication in your carry-on luggage, and it is not mandated that they are stored in a zip-top bag. Medication in a liquid over 3.4 ounces is also allowed in your carry-on luggage. You are however required to advise the TSA Officer that you are traveling with medication, additional screening will be done to ensure that they meet all required standards. Medications are normally screened using X-ray technology; you, however, have the right to request that they be physically examined if you are not comfortable with the X-ray process. By and large, you can travel with all your necessary medication without any fear of losing them. Conclusion These are some of the important questions to ask regarding carry-on liquids before jumping on your next flight to wherever traveling takes you. It is always a bonus when you are aware of the guidelines when flying to eliminate delays in airports and to ensure that you have the best travel experience at all times. Happy Traveling! Is toothpaste considered a liquid when flying? Each passenger may carry a small amount of liquid, gels and aerosols in their carry-on containers. According to the rules, the 3 means for 3.3 ounces of liquid, the 1 for one clear plastic bag, and the 2 for one carry-on. Does deodorant count as a liquid TSA? The TSA requires carry-on bags to contain at least 3.4 ounces of liquid antiperspirant or a liquid equivalent to 3.4 ounces. If you're carrying a smaller bag, just bring it in. All liquids must be in containers with a minimum of 3.4 oz or 100ml, and they must fit in a clear plastic bag. Can I bring a razor in my carry-on? Since the safety razor blades are very easy to remove, they're not allowed in carry-on luggage. Only straight razors are permitted. You can bring multiple 3 ounce containers as long as they're in a quart size bag. Does solid deodorant need to be in quart bag? Stick deodorant is fine in any size. However, it should be placed in a clear quart-sized baggie. The Transportation Security Administration allows passengers to carry a quart-sized bag of liquid on a plane. The agency also refers to the bag's size as the 3-1-1 rule. What makeup needs to go in a Ziploc bag? Can I carry 4 Oz on the plane? The easiest way to get on the plane is by saying "4 oz" on the label. If you want to carry 4 Oz on the plane, just ask the TSA to bar it. They only allow it if the label says it's 4 oz. Can I put my purse inside my carry on? Yes, you can put your purse in your carry-on bag as long as it's within the allowed size of the bag. Since toothpaste is divided into various categories, its size is restricted to the type of toothpaste that you choose. If you decide to carry a full-size tube, it's illegal to bring on a plane. How do I carry medication on a plane? Medical liquids are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they are in reasonable quantities. Solid food items can be transported in checked or carry-on bags. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) advises travelers to separate these items from carry-on bags so they can avoid getting cluttered.