Airport - Do 3 oz containers need to be labelled?
 

Been trying to find the answer - if I put a liquid in a 3 oz plastic, clear container, for carry-on - do I also need to label it?
For example, if I pour some contact solution or shampoo into a 3 oz container and then put it in the Ziploc bag, should I label the containers?

Also, I'll be going through Buffalo and Tampa airports this summer - anyone had problems with overeager security agents there? First time flying since these new regulations, a bit nervous.

Last month I traveled from SFO to LHR to Cork to LHR to Frankfurt to SFO w/ carry on only, and had a couple of non-labeled containers. Both had creams I had scooped out of larger containers - no problems. Doesn't mean that is the rule - but just my experience last month

I did the same as Janis. No problems, but I can't imagine the difference if I had labeled it - I mean really, why would that make 'the liquid' what I said it was anyway?

However, there is 3 oz available of contact lense solution to purchase if you don't want to pour that one into a new container - and to make it easier for you, why not pack your shampoo?

I've not had any problems with TSA and unlabeled containers. Everyone knows they're not allowed more than 3.4 ounces per bottle, so everyone is doing the same thing as you. And it's safe to say most people aren't bothering to label their bottles.

Just as an unrelated anecdote, on our last vacation I was instructed -- by an airport security guard no less -- on how to sneak a cigarette lighter thru TSA's scanners. I tried it, worked like a charm.

Heh. Score one for liberty. :)

I nominate that TSA for firing. Come to think of it, a firing squad!

Yes, that's the direction our country has been heading for the last five years. Fortunately this ridicuous trend will end, and the hysteria ball which has been rolling steadily downhill for the last five years will suddenly and mysteriously stop r-- shortly after January 2009. Can you imagine why?

No

Its outrageous that you took a lighter on board. That emplyee should be fired - but you deciding to sneak it on is just as bad . . . .

DO NOT transfer eye solutions from their original containers -- the risks of contamination in pouring and confusion about what is in which unmarked container are considerable.

Further, the 3 oz. rule doesn't apply to medically necessary liquids, a category that includes eye solutions. Such liquids do not go in the quart bag with cosmetics but must be declared and shown to the inspector separately.

See the TSA guidelines here
http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/air...d-items.shtm#2

Wouldn't you label the containers anyway, to know what's in them?

I lable mine for myself :) Just take an address lable and put it on any bottle. So far I didn't have any questions.

Write the name of whatever on the lable before applying it. To write on a bottle is not convenient.

UGGGGGHHHH the 3 oz rule! I feel your pain. It's a real pain in the ass and totally useless - It's a smoke screen to make you think you are being protected from terrorists and that your extra fare and tax $$ are hard at work. I call it Gov't "busy work".

Anyway, I cannot live on 3 oz of anything. What I have learned to be the best for me is to Fed Ex my full size necessities to my destination. I do this when I am doing carry ons only. It is inexpensive and it is so much easier than having your things examined by some TSA dolt.

I just check my suitcase these days.

The 3 oz. deal is only enough for use on the plane &/or to get you to your destination, then you'd need to go shopping fairly soon.

I check too, but only what I can replace. I would never check in my allergy sprays, for example.