November 18, 2025, 2:53 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
For years, small liquid containers and mini tubes have been a staple of travel preparation. Those flying with carry-on luggage must adhere to strict rules: Liquids can only be up to 100 milliliters and must be stored in a clear 1-liter bag. However, this is now partially changing in the U.S.: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has adjusted its regulations and allows larger quantities of liquids for eleven selected items.
Many of the new allowances are medically necessary or for babies, while others may surprise some travelers. In addition to medications and breast milk, fresh eggs and live fish are also permitted on board. TRAVELBOOK explains the reasoning behind the new rule–and what travelers should be aware of.
Why does the liquid rule exist?
Today’s security regulations for liquids in carry-on luggage date back to 2006, when British investigators uncovered a planned attack on transatlantic flights. The perpetrators intended to smuggle liquid explosives in drink bottles on board. Since then, the 3-1-1 rule (“3 ounces–1 bag–1 person”) has been in place internationally to ensure that only minimal amounts of liquids enter carry-on luggage.
For nearly 20 years, the regulation remained unchanged–until new CT scanners made security checks more modern and precise. The devices create 3D images of luggage and automatically detect dangerous substances. For this reason, the TSA is now beginning to relax the old rules. CT scanners are already in use at some airports in Germany, as reported by “ZDF Heute.”
Airports Where Liquid Limits for Carry-On Luggage No Longer Apply
What to Consider Before a Flight–The Checklist
11 Exceptions: These Items Are Now Allowed in Full Size
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has defined eleven categories where larger quantities of liquids are permitted in carry-on luggage. Generally, travelers must declare these items at the checkpoint and present them separately from other luggage.
- Prescription medications (in gel, liquid, or aerosol form)
- Over-the-counter liquid medications (including contact lens solution)
- Breast milk and infant formula (including squeeze pouches)
- Duty-free items sealed in a tamper-evident bag
- Liquid-filled teething rings (for babies)
- Ice packs/ice (if medically necessary, even if melted)
- Fresh eggs (including raw)
- Live fish (in a clear water container)
- Biological samples (non-infectious, in preservation solution)
- Wet batteries (max. 12 volts and 100 watt-hours)
- Duty-free liquids (undamaged in a sealed STEB bag)
The TSA emphasizes that despite these established exceptions, a security officer on site decides whether the item is allowed through. If an alarm is triggered during the scan, additional screening may follow.
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What Travelers Should Know Now
Important to note: Just because an item is allowed in the U.S. does not automatically mean it will pass security in other countries or with every airline. Travelers should therefore check the specific regulations of their destination before departure.
Although more and more airports in the U.S. and Europe are adopting new scanners, the liquid rule will not be lifted everywhere immediately. The devices are expensive, the conversion is complex–and authorities remain cautious after past attempted attacks. For many travelers, this means the 3-1-1 rule remains in place for now. However, if an item falls under the eleven exceptions, there is a bit more freedom when packing–even if a goldfish or breakfast egg is coming on board.