Last Updated on March 27, 2021
So you have TSA Pre Check stamped on your boarding pass, but what are the benefits when it comes to restrictions on toiletries?
Do the Transportation Security Administration let you bring more liquids if you are PreCheck approved. Let’s find out.
The Rules & Restrictions For TSA PreCheck Liquids In Carry On Luggage
Alas no. The TSA PreCheck liquids limit is not any different from the regular limit. The 3-1-1 rule still applies for passengers with Pre Check status.
Here’s the TSA on Twitter telling Katie the bad news…
Here’s the 3-1-1 liquids rule that still applies to TSA Pre Check passengers:
- 3. You can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are less than 3.4 ounces.
- 1. You must pack all your containers in one quart-size bag.
- 1. You are only allowed one quart-size toiletries bag per passenger.
The best way to deal with liquid restrictions is to only pack as much liquid as you need for your trip. For example, there is no sense in bringing 3.4 ounces of face cream when you need only half an ounce.
If you decant your liquids into travel size bottles you’ll be able to bring more of the fluids that you need. This set has various sizes so you can bring only the amount of fluid that you need for your journey.
The other way to make space in your toiletries bag is to swap out liquid versions of products for solid versions. Solid toiletries don’t need to be packed in the quart-size bag.
For example don’t bring shower gel, bring a bar of soap. Swap your liquid shampoo for a solid bar of shampoo.
The same trick can be applied for sunscreen lotion and makeup. You can even buy TSA approved solid toothpaste pills!
Another way to make space in your plastic quart bag is to bring wet wipes instead of liquids. Wet wipes are not treated as a liquid and you can pack them anywhere you want.
The TSA PreCheck lane has its benefits, you don’t need to get your laptop out of your carry-on bag, you can keep your shoes and belt on and that’s great. But being able to bring extra liquids is not a benefit. The regular liquids rules apply.
When it comes to fluids, the only benefit of having TSA PRE stamped on your boarding card is that you don’t need to remove your toiletries bag from your carry-on when going through the x-ray screening process. That’s it! You don’t get to bring extra even though you are deemed to be a low-risk passenger.
Sometimes passengers will get bumped up to free PreCheck status and they don’t know they can keep their liquids in their suitcase.
If you want to annoy frequent flyers that have TSA Pre✓ then take your liquids out of your carry-on and place them in a bin. They hate seeing newbies in the PreCheck lane that don’t know the PreCheck rules.
Cesar thinks they should have another level of security clearance that lets passengers bring liquids unrestricted.
It’s a good idea, but at the moment such a class of passenger doesn’t exist.
There are few ways you can bring liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces on to a plane.
If you purchase drinks after airport security you can bring them on board. The liquids rule only applies to going through security, not getting on a plane.
You can bring duty free liquids in tamper-evident bags.
If you are carrying medically necessary liquids then you can bring containers larger than 3.4 oz. You do need to take out oversize liquids for additional screening.
If you are bringing drinks for infants like milk, juice, water, baby formula, or breast milk you can bring then in larger containers.
Failing that, if you are bringing liquids, gels, and aerosols larger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml you’ll need to pack them in your checked baggage whether you are have TSA PreCheck or not.
The Bottom Line
It’s a nice idea but TSA Pre Check doesn’t let travelers fly with any more liquids, gels, creams and pastes than normal.
You can only bring containers that are 3.4 oz or less. Pack all your liquids in one quart-size bag.
Usually, passengers need to remove this bag from their luggage at the x-ray machine, but since you have TSA PRE on your boarding card you don’t have to.
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People Also Ask
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