Is it okay to wrap the 3-1-1 bags with a couple of rubber bands, or better yet, with some clear packing tape?
They are full and the seal may break in time and handling.
Does the zip lock bag have to be sealed in order to pass the tsa inspection?
Thanks!!
Yes, the quart sized bag needs to close, limiting your total to the quart volume. The bag should be clear allowing for visual examination of the contents. A slide-lock bag has a more robust seal then the usual zip-lock. BTW the rule is "resealable" quart bag.
I always take a few extra quart & gallon baggies with me.
Hi,
Personally, I have used on all my trips -- domestic and international -- the clear, plastic, (cosmetic) zipped 3-1-1 bags. They are a teensy wider and also have a wider bottom. Never been questioned.
I would use the clear, packing tape to secure the "seams/ edging." Yes, the seal does need to close.
I carry a couple of mini rolls of duct tape for the "you never know when you will need it." In my essentials, I keep some useful things including a few rubber bands -- that stuff goes into a small, non-framed, packing cube.
Also, there are containers that are "stackable" allowing more room for your personal toiletries. You can find mini, medium and large jars for your needs. I stack them and then tape them so they don't fall over. I also have mini spray bottles I fill, etc. But, I also take a checked bag (for two weeks) so I do add more toiletries. I split up my things between a carry on and a free checked bag. (I get the containers for free at makeup counters as well as acquiring them buying ready-made travel cosmetic cases.)
dgrieco, the purpose of the clear bag is so the screener can see through it, not to prevent you from accessing the stuff.
But if they decide for some reason to test one of the liquids, they will not be pleased to find the bag securely taped shut.
I am also a big fan of the sturdier, roomier target ones.
I bought a women’s version of this bag. I put my ziplock 311 bag inside of it with true liquids in case of leaks. Then put hairspray, mousse and mascara beside on either side of the ziplock bag. No problems with TSA or other security.
https://www.cvs.com/shop/travel-kit-for-man-9-piece-prodid-972490
Walmart sells these too -- for women and men. About $5- to $6. And, the products inside are useful.
DGrieco,
I’ve used the Ziploc Freezer Quart Slider bags for my 3-1-1 bag.
I always pack a few extras for snacks, receipts, etc...) They are very sturdy and I like the flat bottom.
The only time I had any issues with my 3-1-1 bag was when going through security at Heathrow Airport. I always pack my medications in a separate quart size bag, including my eye, and ear drops.
The security agent emptied all my medications into a large plastic bin, then she proceeded to take out the eye and ear drops, she then handed me a small quart size baggie and instructed me to place ALL my liquids (3-1-1 plus liquid medicines) into it. Fortunately the eye and ear drop bottles are small so I was able to fit all my liquids into the baggie.
The next time I flew through Heathrow, I made sure to include all my liquid medicines in my 3-1-1 bag.
Have a wonderful trip!
I had the same experience as Priscilla. Even meds have to go in the single bag at Heathrow. My screener was very helpful and managed not to laugh at the reason my 3-1-1 bag was overstuffed--lots of little glass jars of flavored mustard.
Another question just arose.
Do we need to remove our cell phones from their cases for TSA the inspection?
Thanks again.
You can check what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
Cell Phones
Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes
Phone Chargers
Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.
For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers.
Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less in a device
Carry On Bags: Yes
Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less may be carried in a device in either carry-on or checked bags. Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.
Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours
Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
Checked Bags: No
Lithium batteries with more than 100 watt hours may be allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval, but are limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Loose lithium batteries are prohibited in checked bags. For more information, see the FAA regulations on batteries.
I have been using one of these 3-1-1 bags from the Container Store for years and have never been questioned. It holds a lot more than a quart sized freezer bag.
