question about TSA/3-1-1 rule

[julirina]

Inexperienced at flying as a large family, and no clear answer on the TSA regs page...regarding the 3-1-1 rule, I know it is one qt -size zip bag per traveler, but can I put all the zip bags for the family in one carry on bag? I have a great vintage Samsonite train case I would like to use for everyone's toiletry items. Then I can pull all the zip bags out at once at the security checkpoint, put them all in one bin and put them right back in the train case once they're screened. Or does each individual need to carry her own zip bag separately in her own carry on bag?

Thanks!

 

[Hoopfamily]

I don't think that would be a problem.

 

[Missytara]

Inexperienced at flying as a large family, and no clear answer on the TSA regs page...regarding the 3-1-1 rule, I know it is one qt -size zip bag per traveler, but can I put all the zip bags for the family in one carry on bag? I have a great vintage Samsonite train case I would like to use for everyone's toiletry items. Then I can pull all the zip bags out at once at the security checkpoint, put them all in one bin and put them right back in the train case once they're screened. Or does each individual need to carry her own zip bag separately in her own carry on bag?

Thanks!

Each person will have to go through with their own carry-on with their own 3-1-1 bag.

If you think it through, you cannot be at the head of the line and then try to explain to the TSA agent there are five of you, only four with a carry-on and then you present all of the 3-1-1 bags, and then point out everyone else traveling. Imagine the confusion. In addition, if someone has an item that is not correct to take onboard, how do you determine who did not follow the rules.

You present your ID. You remove your shoes and pull out your 3-1-1 bag out of your carry-on. You are pulling the bin and placing the items for yourself only. The TSA agent scans it and waves you through and the next person goes through.

There are multiple lines, so you may not even be motioned to the same line.

It may make a lot more sense when you go through the line and you see how it works.

 

[julirina]

Really, even in the family security lane? My 3yo is not going to be able to manage much beyond getting her shoes off. I was really hoping I could handle getting her toiletries screened and not have to wrestle with her bag in addition to my own. This is disappointing. I guess I'll be checking more than I'd planned.

 

[jdb in AZ]

How many family members are you talking about? Sure there are multiple security lines, but how often does a family get split up? If they each put their baggie in a separate bin going through the x-ray machine, why couldn't they all put their baggies back into the same train case at the other end?

 

[julirina]

How many family members are you talking about? Sure there are multiple security lines, but how often does a family get split up? If they each put their baggie in a separate bin going through the x-ray machine, why couldn't they all put their baggies back into the same train case at the other end?

Family of 6, but probably only 4 zip bags -- three for liquids and one for meds.

 

[Missytara]

Really, even in the family security lane? My 3yo is not going to be able to manage much beyond getting her shoes off. I was really hoping I could handle getting her toiletries screened and not have to wrestle with her bag in addition to my own. This is disappointing. I guess I'll be checking more than I'd planned.

You can certainly do it for her; go through the family security line. But to do it for everyone would be too confusing.

 

[Amandaka78]

If you have 6 people flying you can have 6 -1qt bags all in one carryon bag and they can all go in the same bin. Also your 3 year old does not have to remove her shoes or any other child you have under the age of 12. Per the TSA officer I have sitting next to me.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

I am no fan of the TSA but people do it exactly how you've told us you want to do it ALL DAY LONG without confusion. Go ahead. They won't even ask you which family members they belong to, if they do just wave your hand in the air in no specific direction whatsoever and you will be cleared through.

Have a nice trip.

Family of 6, but probably only 4 zip bags -- three for liquids and one for meds.

 

[bumbershoot]

You take the baggies out of the bag and put them into a bin. You do not have to use one bin per baggie. All baggies can be in one bin. Therefore, this is NOT a problem.

Sure you might run into a TSA in need of a coffee break who might huff and puff, but just show them the owners of the baggies. I assure you if you tried to use one bin per baggie there would be more huffing and puffing! It's already amazing how many bins a family (even my family of 3!) and space on the conveyor belt needs, let alone if it was one baggie per bin.

 

[crashbb]

Really, even in the family security lane? My 3yo is not going to be able to manage much beyond getting her shoes off. I was really hoping I could handle getting her toiletries screened and not have to wrestle with her bag in addition to my own. This is disappointing. I guess I'll be checking more than I'd planned.

You little one can keep her shoes on - children do not need to take them off (I cannot remember is the upper age limit is 12 years or 14 years, but it is definitely much higher than 3 years).

 

[Hoopfamily]

My daughter has always had to remove her shoes. Her first trip she was 3 and the last she was 6.

 

[crashbb]

My daughter has always had to remove her shoes. Her first trip she was 3 and the last she was 6.

When was her last trip? Perhaps it was before the new rule was introduced.

 

[julirina]

Thank you for all the input. I will prepare the kids for the possibility of taking off shoes; they will no doubt think that's hilarious and probably make stinky feet jokes all day. I'll pack all the toiletry bags together, go through the family line and pray for a kind and patient TSA agent who's having a great day.

 

[helenk]

According to the TSA website "Children 12 and under can leave their shoes on during screening"

 

[Hoopfamily]

When was her last trip? Perhaps it was before the new rule was introduced.

Crash you are correct. Our last trip was 2010.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Each person will have to go through with their own carry-on with their own 3-1-1 bag.

If you think it through, you cannot be at the head of the line and then try to explain to the TSA agent there are five of you, only four with a carry-on and then you present all of the 3-1-1 bags, and then point out everyone else traveling. Imagine the confusion. In addition, if someone has an item that is not correct to take onboard, how do you determine who did not follow the rules.

You present your ID. You remove your shoes and pull out your 3-1-1 bag out of your carry-on. You are pulling the bin and placing the items for yourself only. The TSA agent scans it and waves you through and the next person goes through.

There are multiple lines, so you may not even be motioned to the same line.

It may make a lot more sense when you go through the line and you see how it works.

Lots of incorrect info here. I travel all the time and have never had to show a TSA agent which 311 bag was mine. You don't usually have discussions with TSA agents about the people in your party. You can put items from other family members in your bin. You don't show your id to screeners at the X-ray/body scanners. Not usually anyway.

No one 12 or under has to remove shoes.

OP - your plan is fine.

 

[nhfd155]

No shoes off for little one anymore. This was changed recently. As far as the 3-1-1 rule, we have flown several times in the past few years and never had a problem. We try not to put anything in carry-ons except items we need for the flight. I'm sure we accidentally brought something on, but never been questioned.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would worry if there is a long line about the time it will take to explain why you yourself have 4 baggies. If they stop and question you it can hold up the line a bit. Patient and kind are not the TSAs thing. More often they are short and to the point.

Have everyone else except the 3 and 1 year olds handle a baggie. Your older girls should be able to toss a baggie into a bin. You will have enough to deal with helping your little ones get thru security. No need to handle all those baggies on your own.

And just so you know, only ticketed passengers are allowed baggies. So if your 1 year old is a lap baby your family is only allowed 5 baggies. If she has a ticket you are allowed 6.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I would worry if there is a long line about the time it will take to explain why you yourself have 4 baggies. If they stop and question you it can hold up the line a bit. Patient and kind are not the TSAs thing. More often they are short and to the point.

This is unnecessary. The TSA employees can see that you are traveling together. They aren't going to quiz you if you put your family's 311 bags in one bin. I would like to add that the majority of TSA employees are professional and friendly. Some are even chatty!