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3-1-1 Rule

I haven't flown, either transatlantic or within Europe, for a lot of years. I see the expression 3-1-1 Rule used on this Helpline but I don't know what it means.

Clarification, someone?

Thanks

Posted by
9110 posts

3.....Little jars for liguids or gels no bigger than three oz each.

1.....All the stuff has to fit in a one-quart sized clear plastic zip-lock sack.

1.....Only one bag per customer.

It's a US TSA rule for carry-on, I don't know how it applies to any place else.

That's the least I can do after all the stuff I've learned from you. Thanks.

Posted by
1317 posts

Slight correction/clarification. The US TSA limit is actually 3.4 oz to correspond to 100 mL. I guess 3.4-1-1 wasn't quite as catchy.

Posted by
2193 posts

These TSA rules were adopted by the EU and other countries shortly after they were introduced here several years back…they also apply to flights within the EU. It’s interesting to me that I haven’t removed my quart-sized bag for separate screening in my last several flights. I’ve either been in a hurry or just plain forgot, but TSA didn’t say anything & I sailed right through. This has been the case at several airports here this year, but I first noticed it at Zürich last year. Perhaps the rules changed slightly?

Posted by
50 posts

My understaing is that this does not apply to vitamins or herbal supplements. Am I wrong? I need to take several of these on my trip this fall.

Posted by
7 posts

It only applies to liquids and gels, not solids/powders.

Posted by
3428 posts

Though it only applies to liquids, gels and semi-solids (think chap-stick), I have noticed that the TSA has added a new sign at our security points in Charlotte- it says something like " you MAY be asked to remove powdered substances for testing". Also- the 3.4/100ml limit does NOT apply to medications and baby formula/food. However, you must "declare" these before screening. They usually have you put them in a seperate bin and they often do a chemical test on them.

Posted by
12172 posts

You can have more than three 3.4 oz bottles as long as they fit in the quart bag comfortably and can be easily inspected by TSA.

Liquids include shampoo, toothpaste, tide mini-sticks and/or anything else that can be poured or squeezed out of its container.

My shave kit is now two quart bags, one with liquids and one with dry travel size toiletries (razor, small hair brush, q-tips, aspirin, etc.).

Posted by
16028 posts

Nigel----does this mean you are coming across the Pond?

Posted by
63 posts

i get the 311 rule... but what about make up... (foundation, mascara, etc)... is that included in the 311?

Posted by
3428 posts

Laura- yes make-up must go in the 3-1-1 bag if it is liquid, or gel. Lipsticks, coverup, foundataion, creams, creamy eyeshadows and blushers,chapsticks, bronzer,lotions,etc. Powder items do not- eyeshadow that is a powder, compacts, powder blush, etc.

I try to get sample sizes of lipsticks, etc. They are great for travel. You'd also be surprized what you can do without. I've pared down my cosmetic use a great deal- both for travel and everyday.

Posted by
9363 posts

I have never put "sticks" of anything, like chapstick or coverup sticks in my 3-1-1 bag. The sign at our local airport says it must go in the bag if you can pour it out (liquids), squeeze it out (gels and pastes), or spray it out (aerosols and pump sprays). None of those categories include lipstick, etc.

Posted by
811 posts

Like Nancy, I don't put my chapsticks (or solid deodorant) in the 3-1-1 bag because it isn't required.

For Laura, as Toni said, liquid foundation would have to go in the bag but powdered foundation would not. I bought a powdered foundation a couple years ago intending to only use it for travel, but ended up loving it so much I've stopped using the liquid entirely. It was life changing. :)

Posted by
14811 posts

Just to clarify things...3-1-1 stands for:

3 ounces or smaller of liquids or gel (actually 3.4 ounces but 3 sounds better);

1 quart sized bag clear zip-lock bag to hold the above bottles;

1 bag per person

Posted by
32519 posts

Thanks everyone.

Lola, no - - just curious.

Thank goodness I don't have to deal with all this hoop jumping.

Posted by
1976 posts

I hope you know how lucky you are, Nigel :) - living in England and only a 3-hour or less flight from so many fabulous places!

Posted by
4406 posts

Yes, Sarah, I do not think I like Nigel anymore Winkie Smiley Face; At least I have Texas barbecue from my back yard...Another Winkie Smiley Face EDIT I cleaned up my punctuation that the Helpline is having trouble with today, Aug 19. Everything except periods and commas, I think.

Posted by
32519 posts

Can somebody get down to Riskies BBQ in FW and send me a care package? And some sunshine? And a little warmth? Please?

Posted by
4406 posts

You have been gone awhile. RISCKY apostrophe S. But I understand. Misspelling the name of a dear loved one is a common manifestation of Severe Barbecue Deprivation. Yesterday was the first day in 19 that was not over 100 F in DFW. I am SURE that I do not need to remind you about THI. Stay Calm and Carry On. Sorry I stirred up your SBD...

Posted by
3428 posts

Awwww- None of you REALLY understand BBQ unless you have come the North Carolina. Both our Lexington style and Western NC style PORK BBQ beats anything from Texas ( just kidding- it's all good) Nigel- There is a half-way decent rib BBQ place in London called Adam's Ribs. It is near Picadilly Circus.

Posted by
4406 posts

Absolutely - it's all good. HORRORS - I even like BEANS in my Texas chili...

Posted by
251 posts

In reply to barbecue thread- Has anyone done a barbecue vacation- I'm thinking North Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City and Texas.

Posted by
32519 posts

Start in Texas, end in Texas, then you do not have to go traipsing all over the rest of the country......Start in the panhandle, go down through Fort Worth. Remember the taste. Then go down to Austin, New Braunfels, anywhere in the Hill Country, then, if you must, Houston, then back to Fort Worth. Anywhere better? No? Then stay there until sated. Trip over...... but I am NOT biased!

Posted by
4406 posts

Marilyn, apparently the rest of Nigel's post was cut off - I think his address was in that part of the post...

Posted by
3428 posts

You'd have to do NC like he's recommending you do Texas- Start at the coast and work your way across the sandhills, then to Lexington (BBQ heaven), through the Piedmont and into the moutains. You'll get pork with a vingear/pepper based sauce, with a mustard based sauce and with a tomato based sauce. Each of those has variations, too. Then there are the different kinds of slaw- vinegar, mayo, BBQ, etc. And hush puppies vs. cornbread, vs white bread... And don't get the Brunswich stew people going- that is a whole debate by itself. A newpaper writer in Charlotte once did a 3 or 4 month BBQ "tour" (only on weekends)- and really only hit a few high spots.