TSA Information
Created by an act of Congress on November 19, 2001, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is the unit of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for aviation security. You probably know them best as the people in the white uniforms who scan and search your bags, move you through the metal detectors, and occasionally ask you to “step to the side” for a little extra special attention.
To help you prepare for your flight, we recommend you check out the TSA’s traveler information page.
We’ve also listed some basic TSA travel information below.
The short version: 3-1-1
If you plan to travel with liquids, gels or aerosols in your carry-on bag remember 3-1-1.
* All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in 3 ounce or smaller containers.
* Containers must be placed in a 1 quart-size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag and must be removed from your carry-on and placed in the security bin.
* Only one zip-top bag is permitted per traveler.
Remember 3-1-1 to speed your screening process. Larger liquids can be placed in checked baggage
Here’s a little more detail:
On Tuesday, September 26, 2006, TSA adjusted the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols.
Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.
The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints.
* All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
* All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
* Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. They are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels and aerosols for short trips. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your luggage and check them with your airline.
To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of the certain liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary (all exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint). See the TSA website for a complete list.
