TSA liquids on plane rule?

Question

Hi. I have a question about the rule about the liquids/gels on airplanes for domestic US travel. I know about their 311 rule--they have to be in containers less than 3 oz. each, and all your little containers have to fit inside a 1 quart Ziploc bag, flat. Do the containers have to be the travel size containers that certain products come in (like toothpaste, etc) that you can buy at Wal Mart for about $1 each, or can you buy just plain little plastic bottles, put your stuff (shampoo, moisturizer, etc.) in them, and then put those in the qt. Ziploc? I just use lots of cosmetic products that aren't made in travel sizes, and don't really want to check my bag on my next flight, especially since now they've decided to charge per each piece of checked luggage. I can pack tight, but my problem is my cosmetics, skin care, hair care and makeup products. If anyone knows if it matters if the stuff is in a pre-printed bottle or not, I'd appreciate an answer. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

you can buy any size you want... it can be a 15oz container, long as you have less than three oz in it when you put it in a 1 qt zip lock bag.  

Answer 2

can only ha 3 oz bottles, and they have to be in one 8x8 ziploc bag...has to be clear..

Answer 3

Actually, Michael O is incorrect.  If the container is larger than 3 oz, you cannot use it even if there is only 3 oz of liquid in the container.

Answer 4

Nothing bigger then 3oz. and place in plastic bag and other things your not able to carry on place in plastic bag in luggage to go under plane

Answer 5

Yes, you can purchase small empty bottles and put some of your products in them.  

However, make sure the bottles are 3.4 oz/100ml or less.  Target has two style of bottles available.  One is 3 oz the other is 4oz.  You don't want to get the wrong bottle and have to throw out your products at the last minute.  I've found it best to leave the label on the bottle that states how much the bottle holds.

Most of your cosmetics should be ok in their original packaging.  Very few cosmetics come in bottles over 3.4oz.  

You may want to  only pack the basics when it comes to skin care and cosmetics as the 1qt bag does fill up fast.  I usually get by with a 3 step skin care system, mineral powder foundation, neutral eye shadow, black eyeliner, black mascara, and one or two lip sticks.  Keep in mind that only your liquid cosmetics (mascara, lip gloss, liquid foundation, etc) needs to go into the 1qt bag.  For more info on this visit http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtrav...

Answer 6

Yes, definitely decant your products into the small bottles.  That's really the easiest way to do it.