I could get the Ziploc bags but I would like to something different. It does not even have to be a TSA approved but in that size range? Also, when it states 3.4 and 100 ml how many are you allowed in one bag? This actually (I have read) is a hassle but for me the "lighter the better to pack" it is no biggie, it is just trying to get through the lines faster and sitting down to relax before the long flight.
Anyway, anything clear I am looking at.
Most large CVS-type stores will have a section with travel size/trial stuff and they will have clear plastic zippered bags with little correct-sized containers that are labelled TSA SAFE. Sometimes they even come with little labels that say soap, shampoo, etc. If you don't want to DIY.
Tons of stores sell the correct sized bags -- for example, I have one from Sephora. You can put as many 100 ml bottles in your bag as can fit but supposedly you are allowed only one bag per carry-on.
Of quart size - I saw some at the store today that is a Ziploc and then saw they have the expanded bottom but I don't need 42 bags. So I am going to have to go elsewhere (I live in a small town not much unless I go elsewhere).
I have this one. Because of the squared off corners, it holds a lot. Fits perfectly in the small top zipper compartment on the Risk Steves rolling carryon. I got it on sale.
http://www.ebags.com/product/flight-001/clear-carry-on-quart-bag-s/268225?productid=10287186
You just need a 1 quart bag that is clear on either one or both sides. The clear side will help you zip through security faster. You can use a packing cube or pouch designed for this purpose. Eaglecreek.com. You can also go to places like bed, bath, and beyond - Marshall's - Wal-mart. To name just a few. The 3-1-1 rule is: 1 quart bag, one per person, 3 oz bottles - as many as you can fit in the bag. Most people pack other items like pill containers as well as liquid 3 oz bottles.
If you have no need for a full box of zip close plastic bags, ask a friend for one. I'm sure you can find someone that has a few extra. At some airports in the US, the TSA has put out the proper sized bags for you to take and use -- for free!
And you can put in whatever fits as long as the container is either labeled as 3.4 oz 100ml or less or is visibly small. But I would suggest you only put liquids or gels in there, not your toothbrush, razor, comb or whatever. Some TSA employees pitch a fit when the bag contains anything not considered liquid.
I guess I am lucky. I fly often and have never had to use the clear bags for containing liquids or gels. I take several medications but all in pill form so they go into my small carry on bag while any other liquids or gels or whatever go into the suitcase I check in. Good luck and happy travels and here is wishing that the TSA folks treat you nice.
Target has them, and I'm guessing Walmart would too.
Thank you! I found several at Amazon and we are going to Walmart on Friday. (big shopping spree).
Actually, a whole box of quart-size Ziploc bags would not be an outrageous purchase -- we carry snack, sandwich, quart, gallon and 2-gallon size plastic bags on all trips. Snack size holds euros and keeps them dry in a money belt (no sweaty bills), other sizes for food, damp items, even use the biggest as compression bags for down jackets.
I've been using one of these lately, and it works well.....
https://www.tombihn.com/collections/travel-bags/products/3d-organizer-cube-clear?variant=16399452871
The room is slightly more limited than a zip-lok bag, but I find that it's quite adequate for the 3-1-1 items I usually carry.
My ziplock bag is never full, and I do include other toiletries that I consider essential in case my checked bag is delayed, never had a problem. Tube of hair goop, liquid foundation, face cream, remover pads, eye drops, saline for contacts, spare contacts, toothpaste and brush, deodorant.
If you are wanting something a bit more sturdy than a regular type zip top bag, get the freezer bags. That is what I use. I also put each bottle that might burst or leak into it's own smaller baggie (I use pill baggies, snack baggies, etc.)before putting them into my 3-11 bag.
I buy a box of quart-size ziplock bags from the grocery store. I'll use one bag for several trips, but eventually the bag will get small holes from use. I don't overstuff it but it is full after I put all my little bottles in there. Once the bag is too holey to be practical, I throw it away and take a new one from the box. It'll take me years and years to get through one box, unless I win the lottery and become a full-time traveler. :)
Thanks everyone! Very helpful tips.
This trip is about 4 weeks away and I am nervous. The school is now sharing pictures, experiences, and it is going to be fun. I did not get nervous until "trying to pack light" and "the 3-1-1 rule" - now sure how I am going to do this. But I am going to pack light for sure because well I don't want to carry a heavy load.
But I am going to pack light....
I would think that a quart sized heavy duty slider Ziplock type bag would be lighter than any bag sold as a toiletry bag.
https://ziploc.com/en/products/bags/slider/slider-freezer-bags-quart-medium
I've been using the same bag for more than 5 years. If only the bag could accrue frequent flier miles....
Just an FYI. While I find the TSA pretty lenient on the "Quart" size requirement I have not found the same coming home from Europe. They want it in the clear baggie! (I have had to repack a couple of times)
Carol - do you mean that the TSA people in Europe looked through your bag? I would not mind it but feel that would be a little violating of my space or something.
"Carol - do you mean that the TSA people in Europe looked through your bag? I would not mind it but feel that would be a little violating of my space or something."
Not Carol, but the TSA people (the US Transportation Security Administration) and the security folks at any airport you are flying from can look thru anything they want. The security people at your European departure airport will not be TSA as that is the US agency but they will be that country's version of TSA.
I've had the local guys run my 3-1-1 thru the scanner twice. I am not sure why because they could physically look at it and see the sizes of the bottles were under the limit, the bag was the correct size and it was zipped. I know it went thru twice because it got separated from my carry-on bag and my purse and I didn't notice until I realized I hadn't picked it up. Fortunately the airport is tiny and I walked back over to the conveyor belt and there it was sitting in a different smaller bin at the end. I'm thinking about putting a sticker on it with my name in case it gets misplaced again.
I agree that any clear bag you buy will be slightly heavier than the freezer-weight ziplocks. I like the kind with the slider lock as I think they hold better. Stick an extra one or 2 in your bag.
I suggest you do a trial pack this weekend with what you think you want to take. I also agree with writing out a list and sticking to it!
...100 ml how many are you allowed in one bag?
The key to the number of bottles 100 ml or smaller that you can carry on is fitting them into a transparent one liter re-sealable bag. It needs to be transparent so that the security agent can visually verify its contents and needs to fit into the one liter volume (i.e. it need to close). If it fits, it flys.
European Commission carry-on liquids rule:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/security/aviation-security-policy/lags_en.htm
New rules restrict passengers on carrying liquids, aerosols and gels
(LAGs) past screening points, whether on their persons or in their
hand luggage, with the following exemptions:liquids in individual containers with capacity no greater than 100
milliliters packed in one transparent one-liter re-sealable plastic
bag ;liquids which are to be used during the trip for medical purposes or
special dietary requirements, including baby food;
UK liquid hand luggage rule:
https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview
There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your
hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage
that you check in).If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:
containers must hold no more than 100ml containers must be in a
single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than
a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm contents must fit
comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed the bag must not be
knotted or tied at the top you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
you must show the bag at the airport security point.
We had orientation today and they told us to get quart bag(s) (extras as well in case and when we get over we can put it in our toiletry (design) bags but for carry on they must be "just clear bags." Also, they had examples (about 10 - 5 for guys and 5 for girls examples) of what you could put in the bags. So that helped a lot.
Thank you!
