TSA Liquids Question

[kristenrice]

I can't believe I don't know this...

Are OTC liquid medications required to go in my 3-1-1 bag or can they be separate? I went to the TSA website and looked for the answer and it's a little vague. The website says "medically necessary medications" and I would like to pack my "just in case" OTC meds, like Pepto-Bismol, NyQuil and Immodium (I do not use these medicine in any other form so that is not an option). If I can bring them, do they have to be in < 3oz bottles, or can they be in "standard" size containers?

 

[BadPinkTink]

All liquids , gels and pastes needs to go in the 3-1-1 bag and they all need to be in < 3oz bottles.

The rule I always use is if you have to pour it, put it in the bag. This includes

Toothpaste
deodorant
shampoo
conditioner
shower gel
makeup
moisturizer
hand sanitizer
body lotion
nail varnish
nail varnish remover
contact lens solution

So yes your OTC meds, like Pepto-Bismol, NyQuil and Immodium would need to be in 3oz bottles. Just go to Target or Walmart and buy those small travel bottles and transfer from the big bottles. I also do this with my shampoo, shower gel etc. I even have small travel pots for my moisturizer.

To me medically necessary medications would mean things like baby food, or prescription meds. For prescription meds larger than 3oz I would keep them in their original bottles which would have your name and details on it, so that they can see that they are medically necessary medications.

 

[shoreward]

Review bullet point #2 for some info:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/can-you-pack-your-meds-pill-case-and-more-questions-answered
Otherwise, you can directly post question: @AskTSA on Twitter.

 

[Starwind]

OTC and Rx medications are not subject to the 3 oz rule and do not have to be in the 3-1-1 bag.

However, if they can fit in your 3-1-1 bag it will be easier.

What I do is put my OTC and Rx liquid medications in their own bag, separate from the 3-1-1 bag. When I am taking things out to go through screening, I take that bag out as well and let the security person know I have medications that exceed the 3-1-1 rule.

Keeping them in their own bag keeps them together and keeps them clean, which makes it easier for screening. Keeping them in their original labeled containers is helpful as well.

Expect that they may get extra screening and budget that time in for going through security.

See

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medications-liquid
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

 

[daisy2013]

You can put them in a separate bag. They do not have to be 3.3 oz. do it all the time. Never had a problem because it’s what the medicine bag is for

 

[PurplePencil]

OTC medicines are exempt from 3-1-1 for a reasonable quantity. If you are bringing them, be aware that the TSA reserves the right to test the substance, so transporting it in its original container is a smart idea. As a PP mentioned, I usually put them in a separate ziploc bag and put it in the bin, that way if the TSA needs to inspect it they can see that it’s medicine.

 

[kristenrice]

You can put them in a separate bag. They do not have to be 3.3 oz. do it all the time. Never had a problem because it’s what the medicine bag is for

OTC medicines are exempt from 3-1-1 for a reasonable quantity. If you are bringing them, be aware that the TSA reserves the right to test the substance, so transporting it in its original container is a smart idea. As a PP mentioned, I usually put them in a separate ziploc bag and put it in the bin, that way if the TSA needs to inspect it they can see that it’s medicine.

Perfect! If I can fit all of my stuff into my carry-on bags, then this is what I will do. I don't want to check a bag simply because my little bottles of OTC medications can't travel in my carry-on. My regular 3-1-1 stuff (shaving cream, toothpaste, shampoo, etc) fills the bag already so there is no extra room for the medicine. This is the first trip I am taking without my kids so I don't have (3) 3-1-1 bags to utilize.

 

[biochemgirl]

I take medically necessary creams and liquids with me in a separate ziploc bag. This includes contact solution, allergy ointment, an injected medication (complete with Rx label), and my individually packaged contacts. Once they tested my contact solution bottle, easy peasy, took at most two minutes extra.

I've had pre-check for a number of years and that may have affected the ease of my movements through security.