Getting Through Airport Security with Liquids and Gels

When traveling from U.S. airports, each person is allowed one quart-sized bag filled with 3-ounce containers of approved liquids. The rules at European airports are similar, as can be seen here at Nice-Cote d'Azur Airport in France. The U.S. Tansportation Security Administration has approved several makes of small bottles in which travelers can bring liquids in their carry-on baggage. Credit: AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau

Believe it or not, it has been more than a year since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibited all liquids from carry-on luggage.

Boy, time sure flies when your lotions and potions can't. Since then, the rules have relaxed and given way to the "3-1-1" policy. You know, each person is allowed one quart-sized bag filled with 3-ounce junior-sized containers of approved liquids.

Security restrictions aside, there are other reasons to leave the gallon drum of moisturizer at home. After all, you'd hate to inconvenience your fellow travelers with one too many ounces of walnut shitake facial spritz that you just had to bring. And you certainly don't want to be that person who causes a scene when they confiscate your $130 jar of baby seal-infused eyelift, do you? Be considerate and breeze through security with these smaller TSA-approved bottles.

Easy Traveler Inc

This company's ingenious "3-1-1 Totally Compliant Carry on Kit" comes with leak-proof squeeze tubes in different sizes, and one spray bottle. There are other packages that include syringes, tubes, and other tools to help you transfer liquids from any sized container, without making a huge mess. They even include some quart-sized zip-top bags in which to toss all your containers when you're ready to go. Better still, there's a handy how-to video on Easy Traveler's site.

The Container Store

No doubt you've seen the standard-sized Nalgene water bottle, but did you know that little leak-proof, travel-sized numbers are made too?

You can find them, along with generic travel-sized containers, at The Container Store. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you'll easily be able to find bottles that carry less than 3 ounces (so they're TSA approved for carry-on).

Minimus

Mini Me, Mini Coopers, mini poodles...everyone loves an item in mini size. This site specializes in compact versions. From small deodorant applicators to little elfin tubes of Pringles, you can find almost any little thing you want.

However, be advised that the prices of these little guys remain on par with their larger counterparts. Napoleon complex anyone? If you value thrift over cute, we'd stick to purchasing larger-sized toiletry items and squeezing them into your own 3-ounce containers.

Having your daily toilette scrutinized by strangers is no fun, but remember to pull out that quart bag containing liquids before your bags go through the X-Ray. Also, exceptions to the 3-ounce rule may be made for medications, baby formula and food, and juice in "reasonable quantities." Declare these liquids at the security checkpoint.

But remember: the checkpoint agent has the final say, no matter what the TSA website says, so if you don't absolutely need a liquid, leave it at home or pack it in your checked luggage.

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