Before the days of liquid carry on bans by the Transportation Security Administration, my mom would load up her oversized green vinyl vanity bag with all the shampoo, lotion, sunscreen and toothpaste our family could possibly need for summer vacation. The process generally started at the local discount store, buying each item based on what offered the most bang for the buck (think shampoo with the “25 percent more free!” sticker). Once the family bag was stocked, which generally didn’t happen until the morning of the flight after we had finished using our 64 ounce bottle of conditioner, it weighed as much as a toddler and could provision an entire army platoon.
Nowadays, making it through airport security with that much liquid is an impossible task. Strict regulations put in place since 9/11 require that passengers follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquid carry-ons:
- 3 ounce or smaller containers of liquid or gel;
- 1 quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag holding 3 ounce or smaller containers;
- 1 bag per traveler placed in the security bin.
While it may sound like a major travel hindrance, and I must admit, it took some time getting used to the rule, learning to pack according to 3-1-1 is really not that bad. It’s easy to find most toiletries in travel size bottles, and there are plenty of empty 3 ounce bottles on the market. So, the next time you head out to the airport, remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing your bags. And don’t forget that the 3-1-1 rule also applies to beverages – there’s nothing worse than having to throw out your bottle of Coke in the security screening line.
As for my mom, she’s adapted well to the new carry on rules, and I’m proud to say that thanks to my guidance she is now an expert packer.
Check out www.tsa.gov for all the latest security rules and updates on what to expect when you head to airport security.
