Wellabroad.com Blog

The luggage business isn’t getting any easier for travelers. We all have to pay to check our bags now and what we can carry on can also be a changing phenomenon. One of the quick tips I’ve picked up that I thought would be helpful to pass on is the transportation security administration’s 311 rule of carry on and liquids. To the seasoned traveler this may be old news, but to the seasonal traveler it might be a surprise.

3 ounces of liquid (actually 3.4ounce) container is the largest size container you can have. Even if there is only 3.4 ounces of liquid left in the container – it won’t fly; one of our staff tried it with a water bottle – security was not amused. It may seem like a burden but if our security experts can say that liquid of that quantity won't produce bombs, I'm fine to be a little inconvenienced.

1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag is all you get of your 3.4 ounce containers. So however many 3.4 ounce containers you get in 1 quart zip lock is how much you can bring on.

 Your 1 bag should be pulled out and placed in your security bin ready to be sent through x-ray. Isolating your 1 quart sized bag full of 3.4 oz liquid containers in the bin helps speed your security process and the line for everyone else waiting.

Practicing 3-1-1 makes it easier for you at time you arrive at those xray entrances. Each time security has to rumble through a bag it slows down the line. And if you have any doubt, I’d suggest you just put your liquids in your checked luggage.

The international traveling community is also supporting the travel security agency's 3-1-1 for liquids, and most countries feels it is the security method we need. Countries currently following the transporatation security administration 311 rules for carrying liquids include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

And if you are worried about things like medications, baby formula and other necessary liquids that are more than 3.4 ounces, don’t worry, you can declare those. You just need to declare items before inspection at the checkpoint.

For more information on global liquid rules and acceptance of 311 go to http://www.tsa.gov/approach/harmonization.shtm. The transportation and security administration website link is also available on this site under Travel Resource Airport Security tab.