TSA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ON LIQUIDS AND GELS
Press Office
Transportation Security Administration
September 25, 2006
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols effective Tuesday, September 26. There are two significant changes: Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft.
“After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from the UK investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers,” said Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley. “We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area onboard.”
TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment, both visible and not visible to the traveling public. Examples of these measures include: more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification standards and deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal and screening by observation techniques. It is unlikely that further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in the near future.
The United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.
Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said, “Today’s announcement represents a unified approach with our Canadian partners. These are sustainable, common-sense adjustments that combined with additional security measures throughout the airport will keep the traveling public safe.”
The U.S. Homeland Security threat level for aviation remains at Orange, or high, and will not change at this time. This security regime will apply to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.
Existing exemptions including larger amounts of required medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared to security officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening. For additional information and travel tips, please read our information for travelers.
TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and aerosols on August 10, after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving transatlantic flights bound for the United States.
THE FOLLOWING LIST IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECUITIY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE
Permitted and Prohibited Items
Be Prepared for Enhanced Security - Smart Security Saves Time
Can I Take It?
Due to enhanced security measures liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.
Additionally, liquids, gels and lotions purchased beyond the checkpoint but must be disposed of before boarding the aircraft.
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers the following items are permitted.
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
Please keep in mind, that while we can not provide an exhaustive list of items covering all eventualities, all liquids, gels, or aerosols of any kind are prohibited at security checkpoints, in airport sterile areas, and aboard aircraft. You can pack these items in your checked baggage.
We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. We also ask that you follow the guidelines above and try not to over-think these guidelines. Please pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked baggage even if you do not normally check a bag.
In addition to liquids, gels, and aerosols numerous other potentially dangerous items are not permitted in carry-on baggage. We strongly encourage travelers to read more about previously prohibited items to avoid complications during screening.
Makeup & Personal Items
|
Carry-on
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Checked
|
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Aerosolspray bottles and cans
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Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Allcreams and lotions including Neosporin or first-aid creams andointments, topical or rash creams and ointments, suntan lotions,moisturizers, etc.
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Bubblebath balls, bath oils or moisturizers
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Bugand mosquito sprays and repellents
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
CigarCutters
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Corkscrews
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
CuticleCutters
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Deodorantsmade of gel or aerosol
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Eyedrops - You are allowed to carry up to 4 oz., of eye drops with you.Volumes greater than 4 oz., are only permitted in your checked baggage.
|
Yes - Less than 4 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
EyeglassRepair Tools - including screwdrivers.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
EyelashCurlers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Gel-filledbras and similar prosthetics - Gel-filled bras may be worn throughsecurity screening and aboard aircraft.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Hairstyling gels and spray of all kinds including aerosol
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
HairStraightener or Detangler
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Knittingand Crochet Needles
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Knives- except for plastic or round bladed butter knives.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Lipgels such as Carmex or Blistex
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidlip glosses or other liquids for lips
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidbubble bath including gel or liquid filled
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidfoundations
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquid,gel or spray perfumes and colognes
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidsanitizers
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidsoaps
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Liquidmascara
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Makeup removers or facial cleansers
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Mouthwash
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
NailClippers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NailFiles
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Nailpolish and removers
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Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Non-prescriptionliquid or gel medicines like cough syrup and gel cap type pills - Up to4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquidmedications
|
Yes - Less than 4 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Personallubricants - Up to 4 oz.
|
Yes - Less than 4 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
SafetyRazors - including disposable razors.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Salinesolution - You are allowed to carry up to 4 oz., of eye drops with you.Volumes greater than 4 oz., are only permitted in your checked baggage.
|
Yes - Less than 4 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Scissors- plastic or metal with blunt tips.
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Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Scissors- metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches in length.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Shampoosand conditioners
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
Toothpaste
|
Yes - Less than 3 oz.
|
Yes
|
|
ToyTransformer Robots
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
ToyWeapons - if not realistic replicas.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Tweezers
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Umbrellas-allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensurethat prohibited items are not concealed.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
WalkingCanes - allowed in carry-on baggage once they have beeninspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE:Some personal care items containing aerosol are regulated as hazardousmaterials. The FAA regulates hazardous materials. This information issummarized at www.faa.gov.
|
Medication & Special Needs Devices
Please make sure your medications are properly labeled with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. The prescription medicine must match the name on the passenger's ticket.
All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.
=For more information on what to expect during security screening, you may want to visit our section written for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.
Tools
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Axes and Hatchets
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cattle Prods
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Crowbars
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Hammers
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Drills and drill bits (including cordless portable power drills)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Saws (including cordless portable power saws)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Tools (greater than seven inches in length)
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Tools (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Screwdrivers (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Wrenches and Pliers (seven inches or less in length)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
|
Martial Arts & Self Defense Items
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Billy Clubs
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Black Jacks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Brass Knuckles
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Kubatons
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Mace/Pepper Spray - One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. For more information visit www.faa.gov, click on Passengers, then Preparing to Fly.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Martial Arts Weapons
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Night Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Nunchakus
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Stun Guns/Shocking Devices
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Throwing Stars
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.
|
Sporting Goods
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Baseball Bats
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Bows and Arrows
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Cricket Bats
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Golf Clubs
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Hockey Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Lacrosse Sticks
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pool Cues
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Ski Poles
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Spear Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
For more information, please read our Traveling with Special Items section.
|
Guns & Firearms
|
|
Carry-on
|
Checked
|
|
Ammunition - Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
BB guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Compressed Air Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Firearms - firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Read our Firearms & Ammunition section.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Flare Guns. Read our section on Camping.
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Gun Lighters
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Gun Powder including black powder and percussion caps
|
No
|
No
|
|
Parts of Guns and Firearms
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Pellet Guns
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Realistic Replicas of Firearms
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Starter Pistols
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
NOTE: Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply. All of the firearms listed above, as well the frame or receiver of such firearms, carried as checked baggage, MUST be unloaded, packed in locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to your airline at check-in.
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