11 liquids that are already exempt from 100ml airport security rules

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) has detailed some of the most common full-sized liquids that travellers can carry in their cabin bags.

If you’re jetting off for a quick weekend away then sometimes carry-on luggage makes more sense than hauling a truck into the aeroplane hold.

However, many US flyers will still opt to place bags in the hold because of the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rule implemented.

The legislation is called such because liquids in your cabin bag must be no more than 3.4 ounces (3) and fit into one (1) 1-quart bag (1).

However, there is a myriad of exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule, including; over-the-counter liquid medications, baby teethers and even live fish.

Speaking to Condé Nast Traveler, the TSA has outlined 11 full-sized items holidaymakers are allowed to bring through airport security in the USA.

Live fish in water

Ever wanted to travel with a live fish or coral in water?

Well good news, because the TSA has made a liquid exception so that you can vacation with these aquatic beasts.

Be sure to travel with your live fish in a clear transparent container and let an officer know that you have one in your possession before darting through airport security.

Wet batteries

While batteries are usually not allowed on flights, officials have made some exceptions.

You can bring non-spillable batteries with absorbed electrolytes onboard as long as their voltage doesn’t exceed 12 volts.

Moreover, the battery watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 watt-hours.

For more information, head to the FAA’s website to see full packaging requirements.

Liquid, gel or aerosol prescription medication

Officers don’t want you to go without your prescription medication for the duration you’re in the airport and on your flight.

Instead, they’ve ruled that any essential medication in liquid, gel or aerosol form can be brought through airport security.

Over-the-counter liquid medications

If you have liquid medication that isn’t prescribed then the good news is that you’re allowed to bring these full-sized liquid items through security too.

The TSA states that you must let officers know ahead of time that you’re carrying these items in your cabin bag.

The TSA have detailed 11 full-sized items you can bring through airport security. (Kinga Krzeminska/ Getty stock images)

Liquid-filled teethers

If your children’s teeth are coming through and you rely on a liquid-filled teether to keep them happy then you’re in luck because this item is on the TSA’s list of allowed liquids.

Ice and frozen packs

If you have medical items that need to be kept at a certain temperature then the TSA allows passengers to carry ice and freezer packs in their hand luggage.

Food and drink for children

The TSA allows travellers heading through US security spots to carry ‘reasonable quantities’ of food and drink for babies and children in their bags.

They ask that you remove these ‘medically necessary’ items from your bags so that officials can inspect, scan and send you on your way as quickly as possible.

Fresh eggs

Yes, you read that right - that tray of eggs you’re carrying in your backpack has been given the green light by the TSA.

Just be sure to take them out of your luggage bag so that officers can make sure you’re not hiding anything untoward in the shells.

Peculiar items such as eggs and live fish are on the list. (Kinga Krzeminska/ Getty stock images)

Biological specimens

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that travellers jetting off from US-based airports can bring formaldehyde, ethanol, isopropanol or other alcohols on board.

These must be in a package labelled ‘Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies’.

Moreover, there can’t be more than 30 ml of free liquid solution in the inner packaging.

The limit for the entire outer package has been capped at one litre.

Duty-free items in security tamper-evident bags

According to the TSA, you can shop for duty-free items the minute you enter the airport.

That’s because full-sized liquids sold in the airport can be transported through security as long as they’re sealed in a security tamper-evident bag (STEB).

Just be sure to let your cashier know that you’re heading on a flight and they’ll do the rest!

Breast milk and infant formula

Officials have classed baby formula and breast milk as ‘medically necessary liquids’ - meaning you’re good to bring these items in your carry-on bag.

However, as you need to be prepared for your items to go through the X-ray machine, it’s probably best you pack them in clear plastic bottles.