TSA ? - 3 oz of product in a 4 oz container?

[JillU-DVC]

I've been searching for a while, but have not been able to find 3 oz or smaller sized for my contact solution - I CAN find 4 oz bottles.

So what can I do?

I was wondering if I could use enough of the 4oz bottle saline so there's only about half a bottle of saline inside - would I be able to bring that through security in their quart sized plastic baggie? It would be less than 3 oz, though the bottle will still say 4 oz.

Or should I simply keep searching and by ANY saline in a 3 oz bottle or smaller, and pour my contact solution in?

Thanks!!

 

[CarolA]

NO! the containers must be 3 oz or less.

However, I "think" this qualifies as a med so you can bring it. If I am right you have have it out on it's own and "present" it to the TSA where they do "something" (or nothing)


This is from the TSA website

Saline solution - You are allowed to carry up to 3 oz., of eye drops in a clear, one-quart plastic bag. Volumes greater than 3 oz. must be declared to the Security Officer and cannot be carried in your clear, one-quart bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#2

 

[NotUrsula]

Simplest thing is to call your eye dr. They almost always have 2 oz. sample bottles that they will be willing to give you at no charge. I get several every time I visit.

Contact lens solution SHOULD count as an essential non-prescriptions medicine and thus be exempt from the "baggie rule". However, I have heard reports that some people have been having trouble since 9/30 with some screeners insisting that it isn't medicine and that the baggie rule applies. If you can get the 2 oz. sample bottles easily, I'd just toss it in the baggie and be sure to get it through.

 

[bicker]

You'll need a script from the doctor for the liquid to be consider a medication.

 

[salmoneous]

You'll need a script from the doctor for the liquid to be consider a medication.

This is not necessarily correct. I don't believe there is any such formal requirement, and the rules specifically say notes from doctors are recommended but not required.

Of course, all official TSA rules can be superseded by the "TSA Agents get to make up whatever rules they want" rule. There's always a chance a TSA screener may suddenly require a doctor's note.

But, officially, saline in amounts greater than 3oz can be brought on board, it just has to be kept outside the magic quart ziploc and declared to the screeners.

 

[Lewisc]

A 4oz bottle of contact lens saline is OK. The TSA agent checked with a supervisor who said it comes under the medical exception. I told him there was only 3 oz in the bottle he said that doesn't matter it's the bottle size that counts He did look at the sizes of all the bottles in my zip lock baggie.

 

[CPT Tripss]

A 4oz bottle of contact lens saline is OK. The TSA agent checked with a supervisor who said it comes under the medical exception. I told him there was only 3 oz in the bottle he said that doesn't matter it's the bottle size that counts He did look at the sizes of all the bottles in my zip lock baggie.

So, size does matter. But why? According to TSA types it's so you can't mix things. OK, I'll just bring an empty bottle/jar of whatever size I please.
When will the "theater of security" insanity stop?

 

[bicker]

This is not necessarily correct. I don't believe there is any such formal requirement, and the rules specifically say notes from doctors are recommended but not required.

Of course, all official TSA rules can be superseded by the "TSA Agents get to make up whatever rules they want" rule. There's always a chance a TSA screener may suddenly require a doctor's note.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I have read reports of travelers who were subjected to "medication must have a script".

When will the "theater of security" insanity stop?

Either when terrorism stops, or when the American people decide to spend a lot more money on security, and with those resources implement training programs to ensure the rules are applied consistently.

In other words: Never.

 

[salmoneous]

Either when terrorism stops, or when the American people decide to spend a lot more money on security, and with those resources implement training programs to ensure the rules are applied consistently.

In other words: Never.

Or when the rule makers decide to admit that many of their rules do nothing to help security, get rid of them, and tell the agents to focus on actual terror threats rather than if a bottle is 3 or 4 oz.

 

[safetymom]

Don't hold your breath waiting for the voice of reason from the TSA.

 

[bicker]

Or when the rule makers decide to admit that many of their rules do nothing to help security, get rid of them, and tell the agents to focus on actual terror threats rather than if a bottle is 3 or 4 oz.

That assumes facts not in evdience. There is nothing to "admit" -- they simply disagree with you about the importance of their rules. Since reasonable people disagree about what "helping security" means/includes, reasonable people can disagree with regard to whether the rules help achieve those objectives or not.

Regardless, even if "they" actually adopt any one person's personal beliefs on this issue, that won't assist "ensure the rules are applied consistently". Inconsistency is a product of lack of absolutely definitive and comprehensive standards for performance (i.e., vagueness), lack of training in those standards, and/or lack of incentive to comply with those standards.

 

[salmoneous]

Since reasonable people disagree about what "helping security" means/includes, reasonable people can disagree with regard to whether the rules help achieve those objectives or not.

I haven't heard a single person - reasonable or not - state that having TSA agents check to ensure that sample sized products fitting in a quart bag are 3oz or less does anything to help security. You find me one and I'll agree with your point.

Considering that everybody is allowed to bring multiple 3oz containers on board and empty 4oz containers... And considering that anybody with a baby or doctors note or just wants to claim they need saline can bring larger quantities of liquid on board, I hope to heck I'm right about the dangers of 4oz containers.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

During our visit they checked the bottle sizes of everything! We almost got in a bind as I brought a sample-sized packet of liquid Tide. Didn't realize the amount of fluid in the pouch was not listed on the packet anywhere. Poor DH almost got "patted-down" over it!

 

[bicker]

I haven't heard a single person - reasonable or not - state that having TSA agents check to ensure that sample sized products fitting in a quart bag are 3oz or less does anything to help security. You find me one and I'll agree with your point.

You choose to ignore the obvious. From the TSA's own website:

Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats.
​

 

[CPT Tripss]

You choose to ignore the obvious. From the TSA's own website:

Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats.
​

I wonder what research one conducts to prove the danger of a mostly used tube of toothpaste? Or why a ziplock bag is superior for carrying toiletries as compared to a smaller, fold over sandwich bag.
Their statements are just plain outrageous and totally non credible.
But, I do have a bridge across the Delaware for anyone who would like it, cheap too.

 

[pbnjrockette]

Of course, all official TSA rules can be superseded by the "TSA Agents get to make up whatever rules they want" rule .

If each and every TSA Agent gets to make up whatever rules they want how is the traveling public supposed to have a clue?? Reading the list of items allowed/prohibited on the TSA website; packing carefully and diligently trying to follow the "rules"; even rechecking and repacking to try to comply; making every effort to carry less 'stuff'--- and STILL we are subject to inconsistent "rules".

 

[44sun]

Since this conversation is veering off course, I'll try to bring it back in line...
I plan to bring my contacts case with solution in it in case of an emergency lay over but pack my bottle of solution in the suitcase. I certainly hope that's allowed.

 

[Topper]

You can buy 2 oz plastic bottles here:
http://www.ebottles.com/showbottles.asp?familyid=4

 

[bicker]

I wonder what research one conducts to prove the danger of a mostly used tube of toothpaste?

There are many things I wonder about in life, but acknowledge that I don't necessarily need to know.

Also, keep in mind that a "mostly used tube of toothpaste" is just a "tube of gel" until someone spends time to validate what the passenger claims it is.

And I think that's at the root of a lot of the criticisms of these policies: People resent not being trusted.

Get over it.

 

[Lewisc]

For whatever reason the TSA feels it necessarily to limit the amount of liquids passengers can bring on board. The limits are probably low enough so even if terrorists combine their liquids past the security point they probably won't have enough to do damage. None of us have enough information which would allow us evaluate the potential risks.

To answer your question limiting quantities to a 3 oz container and further limiting the number of bottle to what will comfortably fit in a quart bag helps security by speeding the screening process. Passengers have an objective way to make sure they're not taking more than is permitted. The passenger just removes the ziplock and places it in a bin. Very fast and efficient.

I haven't heard a single person - reasonable or not - state that having TSA agents check to ensure that sample sized products fitting in a quart bag are 3oz or less does anything to help security. You find me one and I'll agree with your point.

Considering that everybody is allowed to bring multiple 3oz containers on board and empty 4oz containers... And considering that anybody with a baby or doctors note or just wants to claim they need saline can bring larger quantities of liquid on board, I hope to heck I'm right about the dangers of 4oz containers.