FAA Regulations for Carry-On Luggage Liquid Restrictions
- The FAA regulates the amount of liquid that can be carried on to a plane.Bottles/containers of hand wash/handwash. Liquid soap. Hygiene image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency within the Department of Transportation that ensures safety in civil aviation. One way the department is able to accomplish this is by establishing and enforcing a code of federal regulations regarding what can be carried aboard commercial flights. At the airport, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees enforce these rules. There are very specific rules stating what passengers are allowed to pack in carry-on luggage, especially with respect to liquids. - Created just after the tragic events of 9/11, the TSA is responsible for all airport security. This includes conducting thorough screenings of all passengers to ensure no one is carrying anything dangerous onto a plane.
- Current FAA regulations for carry-on luggage were established after research was conducted to determine what amount of liquid was safe for an individual to bring on board a plane. Passengers are allowed to take only small containers of liquids, aerosols and gels, and these items are checked at security to verify that they meet regulations.
- Any container of liquid carried aboard must be 3.4 ounces or smaller. Partially filled larger containers are not acceptable. All liquids must be contained in a single, quart-sized, clear plastic bag. Each traveler is allowed only one such bag, which must be x-rayed. This does not mean larger liquid containers can not be taken on a flight. It simply means passengers must pack them in checked luggage.
- Some liquids have been exempted from these restrictions and can be carried on board in larger quantities. These include essential items such as milk or juice for a baby, prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, liquids used to treat medical conditions and life-sustaining liquids such as blood or bone marrow. All exempt liquids must be declared at security.
