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TSA Urges Flyers to Strictly Follow the ‘3-1-1’ Rule While Packing Ahead of Busy Travel Season

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Published On: May 28, 2025
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Know about TSA's ‘3-1-1’ rule while packing (left—image via StockCake)and (right-image via map happy)
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is back with new tips to make summer travels easier for both the passengers and the authorities. With summer travel in full swing, TSA has urged flyers to follow the ‘3-1-1’ rule when packing their carry-on.

This simple guideline can help speed up your security screening and ensure a smoother airport experience, especially with over 853 million domestic travelers expected before Labor Day, which is celebrated on September 1st in America. The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is designed to regulate the amount of liquids passengers can bring through airport security.

As per The Sun, the ‘3-1-1’ rule, in simple terms, means each liquid, gel, or aerosol must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. All items must fit in one quart-sized clear resealable bag, and passengers should make sure that they have only one bag while passing through the security check.

Please note that toothpaste, sunscreen, shampoo, face wash, mascara, mouthwash—even peanut butter—are all considered liquids under this rule. If these items are not packed correctly, they may be confiscated, leading to extra screening time and delays.

However, special medications and prescription pills for people with inevitable conditions and baby essentials are allowed in larger quantities. Travelers should note that while some European airports have eased restrictions, allowing liquids to remain in bags during screening, the 3.4-ounce rule remains standard for international flights.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Meanwhile, as per The Mirror, solid medications such as pills can be carried in unlimited quantities in hand baggage; these medications will go through an X-ray machine. If a citizen seems uncomfortable, ask for a visual inspection before your items go through the X-ray tunnel.

Apart from the above-mentioned dos and don’ts, TSA authorities, as per The Sun, have also asked people to double-check for lithium batteries, which have their own restrictions. Furthermore, other items like a power bank and portable chargers are also not allowed in the check-in bag. Other personal grooming items may also not be allowed.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said, “When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at planeside, all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin,” as per the outlet.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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TSA agents have also warned against a common travel habit known as ‘juice jacking,’ involving public USB charging stations that could potentially compromise your phone’s data. Lastly,  TSA authorities have asked citizens to follow the infamous 15-minute airport theory, which claims that a passenger does not need to arrive at the boarding gate until 15 minutes before their flight is scheduled to take off.

 

 
 
 
 
 
यो पोस्ट Instagram मा हेर्नुहोस्
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Mo News (@mosheh) ले साझा गरेको पोस्ट

Reportedly, a TikTok creator named Michael DiCostanzo was the first one to share this tip, which quickly went viral.  He also advised travelers to check in online before arriving at the airport. However, that does not mean you will arrive at the airport late; please make sure to arrive at the airport two to three hours earlier than the time of departure. 

For more information, please visit the TSA website. Fly safe and smart! 

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Sweta Choudhury

Sweta is a media professional from Assam, India, with a strong passion for creative expression. She holds a degree in Media and Communication from Kingston University, London, and pursued her Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication in 2023 from Amity University, Noida. With extensive experience as a content creator, Sweta specializes in writing, copywriting, brand management, social media marketing, interviewing, and public speaking. Beyond her professional life, she has diverse interests. She enjoys traveling, partying, and watching crime documentaries alongside binge-eating momos. She also has a keen interest in makeup and fashion and is an avid reader. Known for her authenticity, Sweta stands for important causes and values in life.

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