In cases where you would like to make sure the medication isn’t opened or X-rayed, simply inform the TSA officer. “Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and screening of your carry-on property,” the site says.
Note that prescription wet pet food does not count as an exception to the TSA liquid rule, even for service animals.
Liquid medications and contact lens solution
In general, liquid medications that are not prescriptions and contact lens solutions are limited to 3.4 ounces, but TSA does allow “larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip,” with the caveat you must declare them to security officers first.
Breast milk and infant formula
Passengers traveling with infants have enough to worry about on their flights—and being able to provide the little ones with the proper nourishment should not be one of those concerns. Technically, TSA categorizes breast milk and baby formula as “medically necessary liquids.” The child doesn’t need to be present for the exception.
In order to expedite the process, TSA suggests—but doesn’t require—that the liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles, so that they can be screened by the Bottle Liquid Scanners. (Those in pouches may not be able to.) While there is a chance you may be asked to open them, nothing will ever be placed in the liquid. The agency also adds that the screening process shouldn’t affect the formula, but if you prefer they not be x-rayed, alternative testing means can be taken.
Baby and toddler food and drinks
In addition to breast milk and formula, food and drinks for babies and toddlers are also allowed, including puree pouches. They also technically fall into the “medically necessary” category. Water for babies is also allowed in “reasonable quantities.”
Liquid teethers
TSA also recognizes how important teethers are to babies and has “liquid-filled teethers” specifically called out as an item that can be brought through the security check.
Ice, gel, and freezer packs and other accessories to medically necessary items
Ice, gel, and freezer packs that are required to keep other medically necessary items in their required cool state are also exceptions, no matter what state they are in (solid ice or liquid gel). Frozen and slushy items may be subject to additional inspections. Additionally, IV bags, pumps, syringes, or other accessories to medical supplies are also allowed.
Fresh eggs
Spare your eggs the pressure of being crammed into a 3-1-1-approved bag. Even with liquid yolks, they can be taken through TSA security, but may need to be separated from the carry-on bag for proper inspection to make sure they’re genuinely what they’re cracked up to be.
Live fish and coral in water
Assuming your live fish in water needs more than 3.4 ounces of water, this is another exception to the rule, as long as they’re in a clear transparent containers and properly inspected by the TSA officer. Live coral in water was also recently added to the list. Certain airlines will also permit live lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.
Biological specimens
Liquid exceptions can be made in the name of science. Non-infectious specimens in preservative solution, which can include formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, can be carried through if it’s for scientific research. But they’ll need to be very specifically packed.
There can be up to 30 milliliters of free liquid in a heat-sealed inner plastic bag and then no more than one liter in the outer packaging, which needs to be marked: “Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies.” (Specific instructions for the regulation are here.)
Non-spillable wet batteries
Certain portable electronic devices may need non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolyte, like a gel cell, absorbed glass mat, and the like. As long as the equipment is protected against accidental activation or evolution of heat, and the battery’s voltage is 12 volts or less with less than 100 watt hours, then it makes it cut.
Duty-free purchased items in officially sealed bags
Shopping at the airport? Those liquid souvenirs can be taken home as well, as long as they are properly sealed by the cashier in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB). The system was “developed to allow an exemption” to liquid volume rules for items purchased at duty-free airport retailers or on board an aircraft, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
