Your Best Packing Tips: Flying with the 3-1-1 Rule

Posted by Amy D on September 09, 2011 at 3:30:00 PM EDT | Post a Comment

The TSA’s 3-1-1 security rule for flying with carry-on liquids (3.4 oz bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger) is nothing new, but packing to fit all of your lotions and potions into a 1-quart-sized bag can still leave even the most experienced travelers puzzled.

We asked our Facebook followers to give us the 411 on the 3-1-1 rule and we'd love to hear from you too. Here are a few of our favorite tried and true tips for solving this toiletry packing dilemma:

Consider Alternatives to Liquids: "I bought the solid soaps for shampoo and conditioner so they don't have to go into the 311 bag . . . You don't need huge sizes of anything. . . You need a toothpaste . . . small hair spray, contact solution, tinted face cream. I bring the makeup remover cloths so they don't need to go into the 311 bag. I love the 3-1-1 bag. It has made me re-think what I really need." – Pat B.

Pare Down: "[I] save my liquids for moisturizer, toothpaste, mouthwash, sanitizer, lotion, sunscreen spray, and scented lotion . . . after having a bottle of perfume break once while going through screening . . . I stick with my small bottles [of] Valentino and Vera Wang lotion when traveling." –Abby W.

Prioritize for the Flight: "I actually carry them in my ‘personal item’ . . . to reduce weight. Priorities are moisturizer, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, hydrating nasal spray, and pretty much anything related to staying hydrated in the plane . . . then small perfumes, make-up, and anything more expensive to replace should my checked luggage disappear." – Margot B.

Use Special Containers: "I picked up some 3 oz liquid containers for gels and liquids that come in larger sizes; long and slim vs. short and fat containers work great!" –Macky W.