3-1-1 Bag

[aubriee]

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Transparent-Travel-Pouch/154932/defaultColor/Calypso/p/154932.uts

The Vera Bradley site says this is carry on compliant for the 3-1-1 bag. However, it has a zipper like top and the cloth trim on it. Can you really use it for the 3-1-1 bag? I got it and like it because it's made of heavier grade plastic than the regular zip lock quart bags and it's cuter, but I don't know if I should try to use it (despite what the Vera Bradley site says).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, according to the link, it's not available online but I wouldn't waste the money. For $7, you could get at least fifty standard quart-size freezer bags. Based on the 8" x 5" x 2" size (misleading because the zipper on the VB bag doesn't actually allow the bag to expand to two inches at the top, or if it does, then you don't get the full five inch height), you could probably get more in a typical zip-top bag; the latter, while possibly not as strong as the VB one, is certainly reusable for subsequent trips; and you can use the VB bag only for travel, while you can use the excess supermarket bags around the house... for, say, storing food in the freezer

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Unless you're trying to impress the TSA agent, they're not going to care whether your TSA 3-1-1 bag has a bow on it. Save your money and just use a ziplock quart size bag for the short amount of time you're going to need it.

 

[Carriemel]

Actually, we DO care. For the 3-1-1 bag to be compliant, it needs to be a CLEAR plastic ziploc bag, not one with colors, cloth or doo-dads.

On the web site:

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce (100ml) bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 ounce (100ml) container size is a security measure.

I work for TSA.

 

[PlutoPony]

Actually, we DO care. For the 3-1-1 bag to be compliant, it needs to be a CLEAR plastic ziploc bag, not one with colors, cloth or doo-dads.

Just curious, not bashing. How would TSA handle this bag if someone used it? Would it go through screening with no comment, would the screener let it go but mention it didn't meet the criteria, would it be rejected? Or is this a YMMV type thing that's up to the screener's discretion?

 

[Carriemel]

It *SHOULD* not be allowed. That's the best way I can respond to that.

 

[PlutoPony]

It *SHOULD* not be allowed. That's the best way I can respond to that.

I understand - thanks.

 

[BCV23]

Well, it is clear. Anyone looking at it could see anything inside if they hand inspected it. The xray machine would see right through the little fabric strips obviously.

Aubriee, I think it's darling. I know what you mean about liking something sturdier. I keep my 311 packed all the time and the ziplocs do wear out.

You could always carry a ziploc along with you in case of a problem or even line that bag with a ziploc in case a TSA agent is a stickler. I'm not picking on you Carriemel...it's an important job.

It is also possible that VB no longer is offering it online because passengers have had problems with it. I would certainly have a backup plan.

 

[maxiesmom]

You could always carry a ziploc along with you in case of a problem or even line that bag with a ziploc in case a TSA agent is a stickler.

Not to be mean, but I wouldn't want to be the person stuck behind someone trying to frantically switch their liquids from one bag to another. Some of the security checkpoint lines are long enough. Like the one in Orlando that took me an half hour to get thru just the other day.

 

[BCV23]

Not to be mean, but I wouldn't want to be the person stuck behind someone trying to frantically switch their liquids from one bag to another. Some of the security checkpoint lines are long enough. Like the one in Orlando that took me an half hour to get thru just the other day.

You're not being mean. I wouldn't want to be stuck behind someone doing that either. For me, it would be even worse to be the one doing the exchanging.... I would be mortified. Of course, one could always motion people to go around.

Lining the bag would be a swift fix. However, I really think it's probably an nonissue for most agents. It would be so easy for an agent to see anything in that bag especially if it wasn't crammed full of things.

Another option would be to take the bag empty or used as a container for items that don't need to be in a 311 and ask for future reference.

I've never had a TSA agent really closely examine our 311 bags, have you? I think they know what they are looking for....and we don't have to know.

I look forward to hearing if anyone has real life experience with that bag. Or maybe Carriemel can tell us why those little strips of cloth could affect the process without giving out info not public.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I have a bag that came with one of my pieces of luggage that states it's 3-1-1 compliant. It's a quart sized bag with a zipper top and fairly thick weighted plastic with little button clips to secure it to the luggage inside. From experience I have received mixed reactions to using it. Some TSA agents don't care at all, they look at what's inside and just let it go through, others have said it doesn't meet the requirements, advised me it is not compliant but still let it through, just advising me I need to change bags next time.

Needless to say it wasn't worth the hassle of using it, so I actually use a regular quart size ziplock bag now.

 

[BCV23]

Very interesting, jlewis. Thanks.

aubriee...maybe you should use it for other things you want to organize in your carryon. It sure is cute though.

 

[aubriee]

Very interesting, jlewis. Thanks.

aubriee...maybe you should use it for other things you want to organize in your carryon. It sure is cute though.

You're right, I won't use it for my 3-1-1 bag, even though the site says it's compliant. I would not want to be held up and definitely would not want to have a bunch of people behind me held up too. It's not worth the chance. There are other things I can put in there. I may use it to store my cell phone charger and charger for my camera battery or for a makeup bag. No big deal. I just liked it because it is made of the much thicker plastic and sits up well, plus it's cute. Thanks guys!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I've never had a TSA agent really closely examine our 311 bags, have you? I think they know what they are looking for....and we don't have to know.

The bag itself due to its desigh? No - although I do remember somebody coming on here a couple/few years back and complaining because the TSA wouldn't let her use her bag, which turned out to be the right size... but pink mesh :rolleyes3.

But right after the actual individual container size was revealed to be 100 ml, I found 'my' shampoo and conditioner in bottles that size. I flew not long after that, and packed them carefully with the label - and size - easily visible. The TSO picked up my bag once it went through the scanner and studied it VERY well. I think she had it about three inches from her face!

 

[aubriee]

The bag itself due to its desigh? No - although I do remember somebody coming on here a couple/few years back and complaining because the TSA wouldn't let her use her bag, which turned out to be the right size... but pink mesh :rolleyes3.

But right after the actual individual container size was revealed to be 100 ml, I found 'my' shampoo and conditioner in bottles that size. I flew not long after that, and packed them carefully with the label - and size - easily visible. The TSO picked up my bag once it went through the scanner and studied it VERY well. I think she had it about three inches from her face!

If her bag was pink mesh I could see it maybe, but the bag I posted above is clear, except for a few little strips slightly more than 1/4" that are sewn onto it. TSA would easily be able to see everything in it. For that matter, the quart bags I use now I always have packed completely full. There is no way they can see everything in there. I have lots of very tiny bottles in there. They've never taken it out of the bin or even given it more than a casual glance. In fact, twice in the last year I've forgotten to even take it out of my carryon and they didn't catch it either time. I won't use the VB one I posted about above, because I wouldn't want to take a chance of holding myself or anyone else up, but was just curious if it was a legal 3-1-1 bag. I like how thick the plastic is and how it sits up.

 

[BCV23]

Aubriee, I liked yours so much that I stopped in a store that carries VB near our home yesterday. Like you, I wouldn't use it as a 311 bag but could find plenty of other uses for it. There was only one in stock and I didn't like it as much as yours.

Anyway, it was marked airline companion bag or something to that effect. It did not say anything about being compliant for 3-1-1. I wonder if VB just didn't do a good job of updating their website...marked it as unavailable but left on the other info?

katieeldr, I'm impressed that the TSA agents checked that carefully.

 

[aubriee]

Aubriee, I liked yours so much that I stopped in a store that carries VB near our home yesterday. Like you, I wouldn't use it as a 311 bag but could find plenty of other uses for it. There was only one in stock and I didn't like it as much as yours.

Anyway, it was marked airline companion bag or something to that effect. It did not say anything about being compliant for 3-1-1. I wonder if VB just didn't do a good job of updating their website...marked it as unavailable but left on the other info?

katieeldr, I'm impressed that the TSA agents checked that carefully.

I actually got mine on ebay for .99 plus $2.00 shipping. It's in the Mediterranean Blue print. It was advertised there too to be used as a 3-1-1 bag.

I also have a tech case, lanyard and ID case, purse, wallet, card holder, check book cover, two make up bags, all-in-one wristlet, mini hipster, hanging toiletry organizer, a large backpack, and two duffels that exactly match it, so wanted it to complete the set. Not that I like Vera Bradley or anything you understand. My credit card just loves ebay and has a tendency to go after Vera Bradely stuff all on it's own. At least that's what I tell my family. Of course, I also tell them that my Annual Pass books trips to WDW several times a year on it's own too. lol

 

[jessrose18]

a little off topic, I have never flown w/ a 3-1-1 bag. Can I cram stuff in it as long as I can zip the zipper top, or does it all have to lay flat and sit in there pretty? My bags are filling up faster than I thought they would for 2 people

 

[maxiesmom]

a little off topic, I have never flown w/ a 3-1-1 bag. Can I cram stuff in it as long as I can zip the zipper top, or does it all have to lay flat and sit in there pretty? My bags are filling up faster than I thought they would for 2 people

The bag has to be quart sized. As long as you can close it you are good, but the TSAs will appreciate being able to see everything that is inside, without having to hold it and really look it over. Remember too that it is 1 quart sized baggie per ticketed traveler.