While baby powder is not a liquid, note that powder-like substances that are more than 12 ounces do need to be placed in a separate bin for screening.
Baby and toddler food and drinks
In addition to breast milk and formula, food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also allowed, including puree pouches. They also technically fall into the “medically necessary” category. Water for babies is also allowed in “reasonable quantities.” They just need to be removed and screened separately from other belongings.
Liquid teethers
TSA also recognizes how important teethers are to babies and has “liquid-filled teethers” specifically called out as an item that can be brought through the security check.
Freezer packs and ice
Gel ice and freezer packs are permitted, as long as they are frozen solid when they pass through security. In fact, ice (including frozen water bottles) can also slip by. In all cases, any portion that’s been partially melted and slushy, or any liquid that is at the bottom of the container, will count toward the 3-1-1 limit.
One exception is medically-necessary gel ice packs in “reasonable qualities,” even if they are melted or slushy. That pertains with or without the presence of breast milk, the TSA specifies. Additionally, IV bags, pumps, syringes, or other accessories to medical supplies are also allowed.
Fresh eggs
Spare your eggs the pressure of being crammed into a 3-1-1-approved bag. Even with liquid yolks, they can be taken through security, but may need to be separated from the carry-on bag for proper inspection to make sure the X-ray machines show that they’re genuinely what they’re cracked up to be. The TSA suggested packing them separately and keeping them “uncluttered” ahead of time to avoid any hold ups.
Live fish and coral in water
Assuming your live fish needs more than 3.4 ounces of water to survive, this is another exception to the rule, as long as they’re in a clear transparent container and properly inspected by the TSA officer. Live coral in water is also an exception. Certain airlines will also permit live lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container, but we suggest checking with them first, in order to avoid making a splash.
Biological specimens
Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science. Non-infectious specimens in preservative solution, which can include formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, can be carried through if it’s for scientific research. But they’ll need to be very specifically packed.
There can be up to 30 milliliters of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and then no more than one liter in the outer packaging, which needs to be marked: “Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies.” (Specific instructions for the regulation are here.)
Non-spillable wet batteries
Certain portable electronic devices may need non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolyte, like a gel cell, absorbed glass mat, and the like. As long as the equipment is protected against accidental activation or evolution of heat, and the battery’s voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours, then it makes it cut.
Duty-free purchased items in officially sealed bags on international flights
These days, so many international airports lead you through a massive duty-free shop en route to the departure gates, tempting you with both local products and international brands. Whether it’s Canadian maple syrup, French wine, or South African sauces (guilty!), those final chances to buy local LAG goods can be tempting. Go ahead and splurge and rest easy.
Those liquid souvenirs can be taken home, as long as they are properly sealed by the cashier in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB), and remain untampered with. The global system was developed in 2008 “to allow an exemption” to liquid volume rules for items purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization. For US travelers, this is limited to inbound international flights, according to the TSA.
This story has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
